Vocational Services Specialist

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Vocational Service Specialist is responsible for conducting vocational assessments and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in preparing for community-based employment. This role works in both agency and community settings and collaborates with schools, ACCES-VR, and interdisciplinary teams to develop meaningful vocational experiences. Responsibilities of this position include assessing skills, identifying strengths and barriers to employment, coordinating community-based work assessments, and recommending appropriate services and supports. The Vocational Service Specialist ensures all services are person-centered and compliant with agency, OPWDD, and ACCES-VR standards.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Preferred:  Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling or other closely related developmental disabilities or human services field, PLUS one year full-time paid direct service experience with developmentally disabled

Minimum:  Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education or other closely related developmental disabilities field, PLUS two years full-time paid direct service experience with developmentally disabled

Additional Requirements 

• Valid New York State Driver’s License in good standing
• Reliable transportation for travel to community sites and meetings
• Ability to work in both office and community-based environments

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Services

• Conducts vocational assessments to all new enrollments into Community Prevoc/DLS, as well as individuals already enrolled in Community Prevoc who are preparing to transition into Supported Employment.   
• Communicates the results of the individual’s skills, abilities, and needs to the individual’s treatment team. Assists with the development of a person centered plan with any needed follow up and assistance to provide for a smooth transition into the CPV or SEMP program assuring that all vocational, social and daily living skills needs are identified and recommendations for supports will be provided.
• Collects any previous assessment data and pertinent information from other agencies, families’/care providers.
• Provides consultation to individual’s Care Coordinator, family or care provider for referrals and linkage to appropriate employment or related skill development services.
• Works with SEMP coordinator on scheduling needs for any authorizations received from ACCES-VR for Community Based Work Assessments.

• Completes any ACCES-VR 112x Community Based Work Assessments as authorized, upholding contract and agency quality standards.

• Provides assessment data and records to other agencies, as requested, and gives signed consents, assuring adherence to confidentiality, regulations and policies
• Participates in staff meetings, group conferences and in-service training and community educational activities
• Works with School groups on Vocational skills/work based learning. Coordinating dates/times with district teachers and/or transition specialist with. Works with Production coordinator on developing or setting up work for student groups.
• Managing sign in sheets for Student groups. Training groups on the vocational task at hand and oversee work being completed.
• Spend time getting to know the students and what their after-school plans are, offer guidance, resources to Teachers/transition specialist for next steps.
• Provide individual students a work experience folder and certificate of completion after vocational work experience has come to an end.
• Strong cultural competency and ability to work respectfully with diverse populations
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and trauma-informed practices

Case Management

• As needed participates in multi-disciplinary meetings, initial, 30 day, annual, semi-annual or as needed Life Plan meetings and maintains communication with family, care providers, ACCES-VR counselors, Care Coordinators and other service and care providers as applicable to individual’s service plan.
• Supports the Community Employment Planner with case management to individuals during their first 30 days of participation in employment services.
• Supports the Community Employment Planner to develop a staff action plan through participant observation and team meetings in order to reach decision on program supports, intervention strategies, termination of service, or referral to other program.
• Reviews Life Plan, vocational, community pre-vocational and ACCES-VR sponsored plans and integrates all components in the assessments, including skill acquisitions, staff supports, methods, time frames, and alternatives
• Recommends to Vocational Trainer the appropriate level and type of activities based on staff action plan
• Develops and help maintain Volunteer opportunities within the community that will provide a well-rounded vocational experiences
• Builds and Maintains a good rapport with Community organizations/business, such as school districts, other agencies and ACCES-VR
• Assists in Implementing skill acquisitions and staff supports according to the individual’s valued outcomes as indicated in the Life Plan
• Attend Program to Program Committee meeting to discuss program movement and possible future assessments.
• Provides in a timely manner, all documentation for ACCES-VR and Community Pre-Voc programs in accordance with Agency and contract requirements.

• Meets with and may provide consultation to Community Employment Specialist and Vocational Trainer regarding the individual’s performance, progress, concerns and skill development.

• Maintains individual case files for assigned individuals with all supporting documents ie supporting paperwork, assessments, sign in sheets etc.
• Communicates with Coordinator of SEMP to maintain a referral list and further assist with any paperwork or referral information for both ACCES-VR and/or SEMP.
• Provides other coverage, help and assistance as needed.
• Participates in professional development, community and inter-agency committees to remain current on changing trends and program requirements.
• Actively participates and adheres with all ACCES-VR contract training requirements with NY Case trainings.
• Demonstrate commitment to ethical practices and maintaining confidentiality in all service interactions
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret assessment data to inform vocational planning and decision-making
• Proficiency in documentation systems and data entry for program compliance and evaluation
• Consistently complies with all Agency policies and procedures.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Good organizational skills
• High level of interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently within the community
• Possess good time management skills
• Ability and desire to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• High level of written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of behavioral techniques and developmental disabilities to assist in the care of individuals
• Knowledge of current literature and trends related to the profession
• Knowledge of computer and ability to utilize word processing programs
• Familiarity with applicable standardized/non-standardized tests and assessment tools
• First Aid and SCIP training will be provided upon hire

Keywords: Job Coach, Vocational, Employment Services, Human Services, Social Work, PreVocational, Supported Employment, SEMP, Pre-Voc, Employment Specialist