Vocation Specialist

ABOUT FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

The Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility (CBCF) is a minimum security, American Correctional Association (ACA) accredited, residential prison diversion program for adult male offenders. The Franklin County CBCF is a 180-bed facility that houses adult male offenders (referred to as “residents”) for a maximum of 180 days. The CBCF believes community safety is of upmost importance. Second is targeting residents’ criminogenic needs via intense cognitive behavioral programming in an effort to reduce their likelihood of recidivating. Our Vision is to bring person-centered care and community to corrections. Our Mission is to enhance public safety by fostering meaningful change, removing barriers, and promoting the skills required for justice-involved individuals re-entering the community. Our Values are Integrity, Dignity, Commitment, and Collaboration.

Please visit our website for more information https://cbcf.franklincountyohio.gov/ 

Position Summary and Purpose:

The Vocation Specialist is responsible for supporting residents in obtaining meaningful employment and vocational certifications to aid in their successful reentry into the community. This position serves as the primary operator of the OhioMeansJobs center for the facility, organizes vocational opportunities, facilitates employment-related resources, and works closely with external partners. The Vocation Specialist coordinates and transports residents to job interviews, tracks vocational outcomes, and actively seeks and brings resources into the facility to assist residents in achieving vocational success. Reports directly to the Vocation Manager.

General Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions:

Resident Support & Employment Readiness

• Assist residents with identifying, applying for, and obtaining employment opportunities.


• Guide residents in creating resumes, completing job applications, and preparing for interviews.


• Connect residents with vocational training and certification opportunities.

Program Coordination & Tracking

• Operate and manage the OhioMeansJobs center for resident job searches and employment tracking.


• Maintain accurate records of residents’ interviews, certifications, employment placements, and vocational program participation.


• Organize and schedule in-house vocational programs, workshops, and employer visits.

Transportation & Interview Support

• Transport residents to interviews, job fairs, or vocational training programs as needed.


• Coordinate interview scheduling and ensure residents are adequately prepared.

Partnership Development

• Work closely with employers, training providers, and community agencies to expand job and vocational opportunities for residents.


• Bring external resources into the facility to provide job readiness workshops, vocational training, and other employment-related services.

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain positive working relationships with internal staff and external partners.


• Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to the Vocation Manager.


• Attend and participate in scheduled meetings, trainings, and agency events.

Compliance & Confidentiality

• Follow all facility operational policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.


• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding resident information and program operations.

Other Job Requirements:

• Complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of training per year, including at least twenty-four (24) hours of Changing Offender Behavior (COB) training.


• Participate in seminars and continuing education programs when appropriate and feasible.


• Maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license.


• Work overtime as needed.


• Perform other duties or coverage as assigned to meet facility needs.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in vocational education, social services, criminal justice.


• Two (2) years of experience in workforce development, vocational counseling, or employment services preferred.


• Experience working with justice-involved individuals is strongly preferred.


• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to develop partnerships and coordinate with multiple agencies.

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, behavioral health, life insurance plans, and wellness incentives; retirement through Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS); optional deferred compensation plans; sick, vacation, personal leave, and paid holidays; and free Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) transportation.

Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility (CBCF) is an Equal Opportunity Employer; applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, and national origin, disability, age, or Vietnam-era status. All the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation.  All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability as deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently.  This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.  Employees may be required to perform any other job-related tasks as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. The Executive Director has the final authority on all personnel actions.