Vocational Services Specialist

Vocational Services Specialist

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Vocational Services Specialist assesses vocational strengths, challenges, and goals in community and educational settings for individuals receiving services. This position will collaborate with schools, families, treatment teams, and workforce agencies to create person-centered plans and meaningful learning experiences that support transitions into employment. This role embodies Beyond Support Network’s values by being Compassionate, Adaptable, Engaged, and Impactful.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Services
• Conduct vocational assessments for new Community Prevocational/Diversified Labor Solutions enrollees and those transitioning to Supported Employment.
• Share assessment results with the treatment team and assist in developing person-centered plans.
• Gather relevant data from prior assessments, families, and other agencies.
• Consult with Care Coordinators, families, or care providers for referrals to employment and skill development services.
• Coordinate with the SEMP Coordinator for ACCES-VR Community-Based Work Assessment scheduling.
• Complete ACCES-VR 112x Work Assessments, ensuring quality and contract compliance.
• Share assessment data with agencies per consent and confidentiality guidelines.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and community outreach.
• Coordinate vocational activities for school groups in collaboration with district staff and Production Coordinator.
• Manage sign-in sheets, train students on vocational tasks, and monitor progress.
• Build rapport with students; provide guidance and resources for post-school planning.
• Provide students with a work experience folder and certificate upon completion.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and work respectfully with diverse populations.
• Apply person-centered planning and trauma-informed practices.

Case Management
• Support the Community Employment Planner(CEP) in preparing for the person’s first 30 days in employment services.
• Assists Community Employment Planner in developing staff action plans through observation and team input.
• Integrate Life Plan, vocational, and ACCES-VR goals into assessments and service planning.
• Recommend appropriate activities to Vocational Trainers based on assessed needs.
• Help develop and maintain community-based volunteer opportunities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, and ACCES-VR.
• Implement skill development plans aligned with individual Life Plan goals.
• Attend Program-to-Program Committee meetings to support transitions and assessments.
• Complete required documentation for ACCES-VR and Community Prevoc programs on time.
• Consult with Community Employment Specialists and Vocational Trainers on individual progress.
• Maintain complete and organized individual case files.
• Coordinate with the SEMP Coordinator on referrals and documentation.
• Provide general support and coverage as needed.
• Participate in professional development and inter-agency committees to stay updated.
• Fulfill all required ACCES-VR and NY Case training requirements.
• Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality at all times.
• Analyze assessment data to support vocational planning.
• Ensure accurate documentation and data entry for compliance.
• Consistently complies with all Agency policies and procedures.
• Constantly maintains high performance standards at work with regard to personal behavior and interactions with staff, individuals and outside agencies.
• Perform 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 training will be provided upon hire.

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 three years full-time paid direct service experience with developmentally disabled

Valid New York State Driver’s License in good standing. Means of reliable transportation is required to attend off-site meetings throughout the day.

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