Join Our Team – Help Us Launch in January 2026!
At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC), we are building something different. This is a place where young adults with learning challenges gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in life and work. Our year-long program (January–December) combines classroom learning, vocational training in trades like landscaping and painting, entrepreneurship and life skills, summer internships, and daily mind-body practices that benefit both students and staff.
We are a small, compassionate, and flexible team where everyone works together to create a supportive environment. Our approach is hands-on, holistic, and rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to succeed when given the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities.
If you want to be part of a community where your work truly makes a difference — not just for students, but for you as well — we invite you to explore our open positions below.
We are a small, compassionate, and flexible team where everyone works together to create a supportive environment. Our approach is hands-on, holistic, and rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to succeed when given the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities.
If you want to be part of a community where your work truly makes a difference — not just for students, but for you as well — we invite you to explore our open positions below.
Current Needs:
Special Needs Teacher for Vocational Program
Job Summary:
The Special Needs Teacher will work closely with the Vocational Teacher, Job Coach, Meditation Specialist, and business partners to ensure that students are well-prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for success. Unlike traditional school settings, this role does not involve writing IEPs — freeing you to focus on direct teaching, individualized support, and helping students reach their fullest potential.
This is a contract position with an hourly wage and potential for future full-time opportunities, offering a meaningful way to change lives in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
The Special Needs Teacher will work closely with the Vocational Teacher, Job Coach, Meditation Specialist, and business partners to ensure that students are well-prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for success. Unlike traditional school settings, this role does not involve writing IEPs — freeing you to focus on direct teaching, individualized support, and helping students reach their fullest potential.
This is a contract position with an hourly wage and potential for future full-time opportunities, offering a meaningful way to change lives in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide structured instruction in life skills, entrepreneurship, and functional academics that complement vocational training.
- Collaborate with the Vocational Teacher to integrate trade-based learning into daily instruction.
- Partner with the Meditation Specialist to incorporate mind-body techniques that help students reset, stay focused, and be at their best for learning.
- Support students in preparing for and participating in summer internships, reinforcing workplace expectations and soft skills.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for parents: respond to questions related to past IEPs and communicate how the program supports student growth beyond the IEP model.
- Plan, organize, and deliver individualized and group learning activities that reinforce trade-related skills (e.g., measurement, safety awareness, following directions).
- Assess student needs and collaborate with the team to adapt programming as required.
- Provide compassionate guidance to students, helping them grow in confidence, independence, and resilience.
- Document student progress and communicate regularly with administrators, parents, job coaches, and business partners.
- Be willing to assist as a Job Coach when needed and pitch in as part of a small, close-knit team.
Qualifications:
- Education: Degree or certification in Special Education or a related field required
- Experience:
- Teaching or mentoring students with disabilities or learning challenges.
- Knowledge of vocational or life skills programs highly valued.
- Familiarity with entrepreneurship, job readiness, or functional skills teaching is a plus.
- Skills:
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a small-team environment.
- Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help students be their best.
- Strong organizational skills for tracking progress and adapting learning strategies.
Compensation:
- Hourly pay range: $25–$35 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
- This position is a full time contract-based position.
Vocational Teacher
The ideal candidate may be a special needs teacher with an interest and knowledge in trades, a vocational teacher with practical trade experience, or a skilled tradesperson (landscaping and/or painting.) who has a compassionate heart and the ability to teach. This is a part-time, contract position with an hourly wage and potential for future full-time opportunities, offering the chance to make a profound impact on the lives of young adults.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver structured, hands-on training in trade skills (e.g., landscaping and/or painting,) as part of the year-long program.
- Teach essential workplace skills such as safety, tool/equipment usage, customer service, and job expectations.
- Support student participation in summer internships, partnering with businesses to provide real-world learning opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Job Coach and business partners to ensure student progress, communicate strengths, and address areas for growth.
- Serve as a supportive liaison between students, families, and community partners.
- Document student progress, provide constructive feedback, and adjust teaching strategies as needed.
- Contribute to a team culture where flexibility matters — we are a small organization, and everyone helps where needed.
Qualifications:
- Education: Degree or certification in Special Education, Vocational Education, or a related field preferred.
- Experience:
- Prior experience teaching or mentoring students with learning challenges is highly preferred.
- Background in trades such as landscaping and/or painting.
- Knowledge of special education strategies and/or experience supporting neurodiverse learners.
- Skills:
- Strong instructional and hands-on teaching abilities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help students be their best.
- Flexibility and adaptability to support various needs in a small-team environment.
- Organizational skills to track progress and document outcomes.
- Hourly pay range: $20–$28 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
- This position is currently a part-time, contract-based position.
Meditation Specialist
The ideal candidate will be well-versed in a variety of calming and nervous system–regulating techniques, including mindfulness, breathwork, visualization, and ideally Kundalini practices or other advanced methods that support nervous system balance. This is a contract position with an hourly wage and potential for future opportunities as the program grows.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead daily meditation sessions for students and staff to begin the day with focus and balance.
- Teach and model a variety of calming and grounding practices, including breathwork, guided imagery, movement-based mindfulness, and energy-balancing techniques.
- Introduce students and staff to Kundalini and other nervous system–based practices to support regulation, presence, and resilience.
- Guide students and staff in journaling and gratitude practices to build self-reflection, positivity, and emotional resilience.
- Promote positivity and belief-in-self programs, helping students grow confidence and self-awareness.
- Support effective communication by guiding staff and students in mindful listening and speaking practices.
- Collaborate with staff to infuse wellness and mindfulness into all aspects of the program, including vocational and academic learning.
- Design and maintain bulletin boards, flyers, and communications that encourage health, wellness, and positivity throughout the center.
- Incorporate complementary wellness strategies such as essential oils, acupressure techniques (e.g., EFT tapping), or similar approaches to create a peaceful learning environment.
- Partner with parents to share techniques and resources that can be used at home, ensuring continuity of wellness practices beyond the center.
Qualifications:
- Training and/or certification in meditation, mindfulness, yoga, Kundalini practices, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience leading groups in meditation, journaling, gratitude work, or nervous system–regulation practices.
- Experience working with individuals with learning challenges or in educational settings is strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment.
- Creativity and passion for designing accessible, engaging wellness practices.
- Compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to supporting students and staff in reaching their fullest potential.
Compensation:
- Hourly pay range: $20–$30 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
- This position is currently a part-time contract-based position.
Future Needs:
Executive Director / Program Administrator
Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC) is seeking a dedicated and collaborative Executive Director/School Administrator to oversee and advance our growing vocational program for young adults with learning challenges. This role blends strategic nonprofit leadership with hands-on school administration, ensuring that staff, students, families, and community partners experience a well-organized, inspiring, and mission-driven environment.
As a small but dynamic organization, we value flexibility, creativity, and compassion. The Executive Director/Administrator will work closely with the CEO, the School Board, staff, and students to uphold DDVC’s mission: empowering young adults through vocational training, life skills, entrepreneurship, and holistic supports.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
Salary or hourly compensation commensurate with experience. Final details to be determined during the interview process. $70K+
As a small but dynamic organization, we value flexibility, creativity, and compassion. The Executive Director/Administrator will work closely with the CEO, the School Board, staff, and students to uphold DDVC’s mission: empowering young adults through vocational training, life skills, entrepreneurship, and holistic supports.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Oversight
- Manage and oversee daily operations of the center, ensuring smooth execution of programs, classes, and student support services.
- Serve as a visible, approachable, and supportive leader for staff, students, and parents.
- Uphold accountability for the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the program.
- Strategic Planning & Governance
- Collaborate with the CEO and School Board to refine organizational strategy, policies, and long-term goals.
- Provide recommendations for continuous improvement and alignment with DDVC’s mission and values.
- Represent DDVC at board meetings and community events, serving as a key ambassador for the program.
- Fundraising & Community Partnerships
- Support fundraising initiatives, sponsorships, and grant opportunities alongside the CEO and board.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, community leaders, business partners, and families.
- Expand internship and employment partnerships for students through outreach to local businesses and organizations.
- Operations & Resources
- Oversee facilities, supplies, and technology needs, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Manage budgets and contribute to financial planning in partnership with the CEO and board.
- Ensure equipment and resources are well maintained and support program delivery.
- Human Resources & Team Development
- Collaborate with the CEO to define roles, manage recruitment, and lead the hiring process.
- Support onboarding, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development of staff.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, compassion, and student-centered learning.
- Professional Growth & Development
- Stay current in educational best practices, nonprofit leadership, and vocational training trends.
- Encourage and model lifelong learning and wellness for staff and students.
- Community & Culture
- Collaborate with teachers, job coaches, and wellness staff (including the Meditation Specialist) to ensure a nurturing, inclusive, and holistic learning environment.
- Promote DDVC as a leader in innovative vocational and life-skills education.
- Champion a positive culture where students and staff build confidence, resilience, and practical skills for life and work.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Significant leadership or administrative experience in education, vocational training, or nonprofit program management.
- Experience with fundraising, community partnerships, or board relations strongly preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, and strategic planning skills.
- Compassion, patience, and dedication to supporting students with learning challenges.
- Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a small, mission-driven organization.
Compensation:
Salary or hourly compensation commensurate with experience. Final details to be determined during the interview process. $70K+
Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
Job Summary:
As the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC), you are often the first face and voice people encounter when they walk through our doors or call our office. Your role is to provide a warm, welcoming presence and represent the school in a positive, professional, and helpful manner.
You will greet visitors, answer phones, and provide information to students, parents, and community members. You’ll also serve as a knowledgeable resource about what’s happening at the school and offer support to teachers and administrators when needed. This role requires positivity, adaptability, and a team-player spirit in a small but growing organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
As the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC), you are often the first face and voice people encounter when they walk through our doors or call our office. Your role is to provide a warm, welcoming presence and represent the school in a positive, professional, and helpful manner.
You will greet visitors, answer phones, and provide information to students, parents, and community members. You’ll also serve as a knowledgeable resource about what’s happening at the school and offer support to teachers and administrators when needed. This role requires positivity, adaptability, and a team-player spirit in a small but growing organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Welcome and assist students, parents, and visitors with professionalism and warmth.
- Answer and direct phone calls, take messages, and provide accurate information.
- Maintain knowledge of school programs, events, and schedules to assist inquiries.
- Provide administrative support to teachers, administrators, and staff as needed.
- Help coordinate communications, scheduling, and organizational tasks to support smooth daily operations.
- Ensure the reception area is welcoming, organized, and professional.
Qualifications:
- Prior administrative or receptionist experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact positively with students, staff, and parents.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Comfort with basic office technology (phones, email, word processing, etc.).
- Flexibility and willingness to assist with a variety of tasks as part of a small team.
- A positive attitude and commitment to supporting the mission of DDVC.
Compensation:
- Hourly pay range: $15–$20 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
- This position is contract-based and not currently eligible for DDVC’s benefits package.
Job Coach
Job Summary:
Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Job Coach to support young adults with learning challenges as they transition from classroom training into real-world internships and employment. The Job Coach serves as a bridge between students, business partners, and the school — ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in the workplace.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on working one-on-one or with a small group, has a strong sense of empathy, and is passionate about helping students gain independence through meaningful work.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
Hourly pay range: $15–$20 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Volunteers are welcome. This position is contract-based and not currently eligible for DDVC’s benefits package.
Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Job Coach to support young adults with learning challenges as they transition from classroom training into real-world internships and employment. The Job Coach serves as a bridge between students, business partners, and the school — ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in the workplace.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on working one-on-one or with a small group, has a strong sense of empathy, and is passionate about helping students gain independence through meaningful work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with business partners to introduce job tasks, workplace expectations, and organizational culture.
- Provide personalized, on-the-job support and guidance, ensuring students understand and successfully complete tasks.
- Act as a liaison between DDVC, students, and business partners to monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes.
- Reinforce essential soft skills including communication, time management, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.
- Conduct regular check-ins with students and employers to gather feedback, assess progress, and ensure ongoing success.
- Document student progress, identify areas of strength and growth, and communicate updates to vocational teachers and administrators.
- Support workplace safety awareness and accommodations as needed.
- Pitch in as part of a small, collaborative team to help where needed across the center.
Qualifications:
- Education: High school education required; additional coursework or certification in special education, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field preferred.
- Experience:
- Prior job coaching, vocational rehabilitation, or experience working with individuals with disabilities is highly preferred.
- Experience supporting young adults in employment, trades, or vocational settings is ideal.
- Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the flexibility to adapt to individual student needs.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with teams and also work independently.
- Strong organizational skills for documentation and progress reporting.
- Proficiency with basic computer skills (email, documentation software, reporting tools).
Compensation:
Hourly pay range: $15–$20 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Volunteers are welcome. This position is contract-based and not currently eligible for DDVC’s benefits package.
Paraprofessional
Job Summary:
Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC) is seeking caring, adaptable, and team-oriented Paraprofessionals to support vocational training for young adults with learning challenges. Paraprofessionals at DDVC play an essential role in helping students succeed by assisting teachers, supervising students, and ensuring that classrooms and activities run smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
Dharma Dreams Vocational Center (DDVC) is seeking caring, adaptable, and team-oriented Paraprofessionals to support vocational training for young adults with learning challenges. Paraprofessionals at DDVC play an essential role in helping students succeed by assisting teachers, supervising students, and ensuring that classrooms and activities run smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist Special Needs Teachers and Vocational Teachers in classrooms, providing academic support, administrative help, and one-on-one or small group instruction.
- Supervise students in non-classroom settings (hallways, lunch, breaks, internships, etc.).
- Support teachers and administrators in addressing behavioral issues with patience and appropriate strategies.
- Assist across all aspects of the program as needed — from classroom learning and life skills to meditation sessions, wellness practices, and lunchroom support.
- Reinforce vocational learning in trades such as landscaping and painting by providing encouragement and guidance under the direction of vocational staff.
- Be willing to adapt responsibilities to meet the daily needs of a small but growing program.
- Model professionalism, compassion, and respect for all students.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma required; some college coursework or experience in education, special education, or related fields preferred.
- Prior experience working with students with disabilities or young adults in a supportive role strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Patience, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Flexibility and willingness to support the needs of a small, mission-driven organization.
- Ability to collaborate as part of a team while also working independently as needed.
Compensation:
- Hourly pay range: $15–$20 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
- This is a part-time, contract position with an hourly wage, offering an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students ages 18–26 while working alongside a compassionate and collaborative team.
Information Regarding All Roles: Benefits of Joining Dharma Dreams Vocational Center
At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, every role — whether in teaching, coaching, administration, or wellness — contributes to a community that is transforming lives. We believe our staff deserve the same encouragement, balance, and growth opportunities that we provide to our students.
Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:
Work Environment:
Physical Requirements:
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
At DDVC, our goal is to support, promote, and thrive on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do so for the benefit of our employees, students, and community. DDVC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, firmly committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees.
We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at DDVC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. DDVC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity, or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union, or domestic partnership status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (referred to as “protected characteristics”) as defined by applicable federal, state or local law in the locations where we operate.
Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:
- Make a Real Difference – See the direct impact of your work as students gain independence, confidence, and practical skills for life and work.
- Mission-Driven Community – Join a small, compassionate, and flexible team where everyone works together to support students and each other.
- Holistic Environment – Participate in daily mind-body practices such as meditation, gratitude, and mindfulness — designed to benefit staff as well as students.
- Collaborative Culture – Work alongside educators, tradespeople, wellness specialists, and administrators in a supportive, team-based setting.
- Growth & Innovation – Be part of a new and unique program that values creativity, flexibility, and the development of fresh approaches to vocational and life-skills education.
- Professional Fulfillment – Experience a role where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your work feels meaningful every day.
Work Environment:
- Evening or weekend activities may occasionally be required.
- Local project visits and travel may be necessary at times.
- These are in-person roles, with the ability to work across classroom and training sites.
- Expect occasional exposure to noise from tools, trade equipment, or active job sites.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to move around the building, bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 20 pounds.
- Manual dexterity to use trade tools, computers, and handle materials.
- Adequate vision and hearing to support teaching and communication.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
At DDVC, our goal is to support, promote, and thrive on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do so for the benefit of our employees, students, and community. DDVC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, firmly committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees.
We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at DDVC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. DDVC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity, or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union, or domestic partnership status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (referred to as “protected characteristics”) as defined by applicable federal, state or local law in the locations where we operate.