Vocational Specialist

The Vocational Specialist will join the team at UPMC's Vocational Training Center, which includes the Vocational Center and the Supported Employment Program, a well respected program within the ID community that has been in operation for 50 years. Individuals served in these programs have diagnoses including Intellectual Disability and/or Autism, and in many cases a secondary mental health diagnosis.

This position requires ability to maintain effective and ongoing communication with consumers, coworkers, supervisors, employers, family members and other service providers. The location for this position is one block off of Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s Historic South Side neighborhood. The dress code is business casual and street parking is available.

Responsibilities:
 

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service, vocational, and employment plans to support client goals and career development.
• Conduct assessments, provide counseling and job matching, coordinate interviews and placements, and maintain ongoing support for job retention and advancement.
• Deliver job coaching, skills training, behavioral support, and daily supervision to help individuals succeed in vocational and community-based settings.
• Coordinate services with treatment teams, families, providers, employers, and community partners, including transportation and program-related supports.

• Maintain timely documentation, track progress toward goals, ensure regulatory compliance, and assist with program operations and team coverage as needed.

   

• High School diploma/GED required. 
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, or other human service field preferred. 
• Prior experience in an applied setting working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities is preferred. 
• Experience with individuals with a dual (MH/ID) diagnosis is highly desirable. 
• Prior experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behaviorally oriented treatment programs, and/or in job development, assessment, training and follow-up services is preferred. 
• Effective interpersonal skills are essential, as position requires frequent interaction with private sector employers on behalf of the consumers being served. 
• Candidate must be able to work independently, maintain flexible hours and provide own transportation to job sites (for Supported Employment duties). 
• No one under the age of 18 will be employed. 
• If transporting consumers, a valid Driver's License is expected. Basic computer literacy.
  
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  Clearances and MD Evals must be obtained within 6 months prior to hire.
  
   
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Driver's License
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• OAPSA with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran