Vocational Specialist

Job Title: Vocational Specialist

FLSA Status:Non-exempt

Department: Community Inclusions & Advocacy

Supervisor: Director of Community Inclusion & Advocacy

Position Summary:

The Vocational Specialist is a member of the Community Inclusion & Advocacy Department focusing on employment and meaningful daytime activities including volunteering and education. In this role, they provide recovery oriented services in a flexible, compassionate, and responsible manner to a wide spectrum of program participants. The Vocational Specialist establishes and maintains activities to develop, locate, and secure employment opportunities for participants and monitors participants in employment. The specialist assists participants in determining career options, interviews participants to assess skills, work history, and workplace demeanor. Supports clinical teams in job and resource searches, coordinates and maintains current list of community-based entry-level positions, and fosters positive working relationships with participants. The Vocational Specialist documents and collects data with potential employers, participant employment efforts, and continued supports once employed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meet with potential employers to secure job opportunities for participants and communicate employment opportunities to staff and participants
• Maintain relationships with existing employers and monitor employment of participants through meetings with supervisors, etc.
• Act as liaison between employers, case managers and participants
• Match participant’s education, experience, training and interests to available jobs
• Instruct participant in job seeking, application procedures, resume writing, interview preparation and job retention skills and attitudes
• Educate participants how work may affect their benefits in coordination with Coordinate with Benefits Specialist
• Help participants understand the value of employment and support participant wellness through the process
• Facilitate monthly employment support group for employed participants, and facilitate group processes including workshops, group meetings and orientations
• Assess each participant’s need and facilitate supportive services to achieve success
• Monitor and record participant and program data, especially outcomes data
• Maintain accurate case notes, referrals, and employer contact/visits
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies:

• Analytical Skills: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for developing appropriate solutions
• Communications: Demonstrated ability to clearly and succinctly communicate both verbally and in writing; can communicate effectively in conveying meaning and obtaining understanding in a manner that yields desired effect
• People Oriented - Planning and supporting the development of others; providing timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem
• Relationship building - Developing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships which enhance the work environment, create viable networks, and help people feel valued, appreciated, and respected

Essential Education, Experience, & Skills

• High school diploma with at least three years of experience in vocational services with persons with disabilities
• Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to persons with disabilities and other minority populations
• Ability to work with diverse populations including clients and staff
• Strong and efficient written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong MS Word and Excel Skills
• Capable of setting goals and working independently
• Ability to meet with participants in their homes and in the community
• Ability to travel via public transportation when necessary
• Sensitive to cultural, economic, gender, and sexual orientation differences
• Excellent communication, organization, writing, and computer skills
• Bilingual a plus
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Community environment
• Constant interaction with agency clientele
• Considerable walking and standing