Focus EduSolutions is seeking an experienced facilitator to lead a small group of transition-age students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through RelateSpark (relatespark.com), a structured 16-week social and relationship-readiness program.
This is not academic instruction or job training. The program focuses on practical skills that are essential for adult life, including:
● Starting and maintaining conversations
● Building and sustaining friendships
● Handling disagreements
● Asking for help
● Setting boundaries and saying no
● Practicing self-advocacy
● Applying social skills in real-life situations
Each cohort includes approximately 8 to 12 students between the ages of 18 and 22. A designated school staff member is present during every session. The facilitator leads the session. The school staff member provides classroom and student support.
Schedule and Time Commitment
For each accepted cohort, the facilitator must be available for:
● One 75-minute in-person session each week
● The same weekday and approximate time for 16 consecutive weeks
● Required session preparation and weekly documentation
● Student assessments during Weeks 1 and 16
● A midpoint program check-in
● Completion of a final cohort outcome report
The exact school, weekday, and session time is confirmed before the facilitator accepts the cohort.
Consistency is essential. Facilitators must attend the full 16-week program except in emergencies or other unavoidable circumstances.
Responsibilities
The Transition Facilitator will:
● Lead one structured 75-minute RelateSpark session each week for 16 weeks
● Facilitate a cohort of approximately 8 to 12 students
● Deliver the RelateSpark curriculum according to the program framework
● Use the six-part session structure: welcome, skill instruction, modeling, rehearsal, real-world application planning, and reflection
● Create an inclusive, respectful, and engaging learning environment
● Adapt communication and activities to different student support needs
● Complete an initial assessment for each student during Week 1
● Complete a final assessment for each student during Week 16
● Assess progress across five defined social-readiness domains
● Record a brief progress marker following each session
● Participate in a midpoint cohort check-in
● Prepare a clear final outcome report
● Coordinate professionally with designated school personnel
● Follow all safeguarding, confidentiality, and mandated-reporting requirements
● Report student safety or welfare concerns according to school and program procedures
Required Qualifications
Direct IDD Experience
Applicants must have direct experience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Experience must include paid work or a substantial supervised practicum. This requirement cannot be waived, because facilitators must already understand how to communicate with, support, and engage people with different intellectual, developmental, behavioral, and communication needs.
Qualifying experience may include work as a:
● Direct Support Professional
● Special education paraprofessional, aide, or classroom assistant
● Residential program staff member
● Day habilitation or community program staff member
● Job coach or employment specialist
● Respite provider
● Registered Behavior Technician
● ABA program staff member
● Special education student teacher or practicum student
● Transition-services professional
● Staff member or long-term volunteer with The Arc, Special Olympics, or a similar organization
Applicants should be prepared to describe the setting, population, responsibilities, and level of direct interaction involved in their experience.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
● Travel reliably to assigned school sites in St. Louis County or St. Louis City
● Have reliable transportation
● Be available for one fixed weekday afternoon for 16 consecutive weeks
● Complete required Missouri criminal background checks and fingerprinting before the first session
● Complete the required RelateSpark Facilitator Certification
● Maintain accurate and timely program documentation
● Communicate professionally with students, school staff, families, and Focus EduSolutions
● Serve as a mandated reporter and sign the required acknowledgment
● Be legally authorized to work in the United States
Focus EduSolutions provides instructions for the required Missouri background check and fingerprinting process and covers the required screening fees.
Education and Licensure
A teaching certificate is optional but preferred.
There is no fixed minimum number of years of experience. The quality and relevance of an applicant's direct IDD experience is considered more important than the number of years worked.
Preferred, but Not Required
The following qualifications are helpful and not required:
● Degree or coursework in special education, psychology, social work, human services, recreational therapy, counseling, or communication disorders
● Experience supporting transition-age students between the ages of 18 and 22
● Experience facilitating small groups
● Experience teaching social, communication, relationship, or self-advocacy skills
● Experience developing progress notes or outcome reports
● RBT, QIDP, NADSP, CTRS, paraeducator, DSP, or related certification
● Experience working within a public school, special education, transition, or community-based setting
Compensation
Compensation is paid on a fixed per-cohort basis.
Compensation for One 16-Week Cohort
Session delivery
$55 per session for 16 sessions, totaling $880
Cohort assessment and reporting fee
$250
Total compensation
$1,130 per cohort
Mileage reimbursement
$0.485 per mile, up to 100 round-trip miles for each approved trip
The $250 cohort fee covers required student assessments, the midpoint check-in, progress documentation, and the final outcome report.
Facilitators who accept four cohorts during a semester would receive $4,520 in total cohort compensation, plus approved mileage reimbursement. The number of available cohorts is based on school placements and is not guaranteed.
Compensation is set per cohort. It is paid for the completed 16-week cohort rather than by the hour.
RelateSpark Facilitator Certification
Before receiving a cohort assignment, selected facilitators complete the RelateSpark Facilitator Certification provided by Focus EduSolutions.
The certification covers:
● RelateSpark curriculum structure
● Session facilitation
● Activity adaptation and student support
● Skill levels and progress ladders
● Initial and final assessments
● Weekly progress documentation
● Safeguarding and mandated reporting
● Outcome reporting requirements
The certification is designed and delivered under the clinical leadership of Dr. Karyn Harvey, Chief Clinical Architect.
Successful facilitators receive a program-specific RelateSpark Facilitator Certificate. This certificate is not a Missouri teaching license, clinical license, or state-issued professional credential.
Employment Arrangement
This is a W2, part-time, per-cohort employment position with Focus EduSolutions.
● Facilitators are employed by Focus EduSolutions, not by any school district.
● Facilitators may be offered one or more cohorts per semester, based on availability and school placements.
● Facilitators may indicate which offered cohorts they are available to accept.
● Applicable federal, state, and local taxes are withheld by Focus EduSolutions.
● This part-time position does not include health or retirement benefits. Statutory coverage, including workers compensation and unemployment insurance, is provided as required by law.
● Facilitators are free to hold other employment.
● All assignments are confirmed in writing through a cohort authorization.
About Focus EduSolutions
Focus EduSolutions develops programs and technology that support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The company created Hello, It's Me®, an assistive technology and coaching platform that supports communication, social learning, safety, relationships, and greater independence.
RelateSpark developed from this work and provides structured social and relationship-readiness programming for transition-age students and adults with IDD.
How to Apply
Application email: [email protected]
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
