Address
Form of workGENERAL SUMMARY
The Vocational Specialist works with program participants from referrals made through State Agency contracts and is responsible for completing vocational assessments and assisting individuals to secure competitive community employment by providing and arranging the necessary job supports to ensure success.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS *
Develop and expand opportunities for community integration to address program participant employment, social, and recreational interests, using Agency and personal network of contacts.
Complete assessment of employment interests, skills, and abilities.
Develop and implement Employment Plan by; assisting program participants in making and expressing employment choices and providing career counseling. Place participants in community based jobs that are consistent with their employment service goal.
Develop and maintain relationships with community businesses to secure employment opportunities.
Provide supervision and job support by communicating regularly with supervisors at employment sites regarding participant progress and checking in regularly with participant.
Provide benefits counseling throughout job search and placement process; refer to Social Security Benefits counselor as needed.
Document progress towards employment plan objectives and report progress in the form of daily progress notes, monthly /quarterly progress reports and during team meetings.
Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date case records, service hours, and billing records. Meet established billing goals. Submit work culture report for all employed participants.
Ensure program participants’ health, safety and general well-being at the work site.
Promote accessibility for people with disabilities in the workplaces of other entities by identifying and addressing existing and potential barriers to their employment (architectural, attitudinal, etc.).
Establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with community contacts, employers, co-workers and supervisors, funding sources, etc.
Adhere to all funding source regulations and Cape Abilities policies and procedures.
Serves as mandated reporter for suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC).
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Understands and implements Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) Universal Supports strategies and techniques with participants’ and co-workers.
Provide transportation to participants if necessary in Agency vehicles only.
All other job-related duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES
Total Quality Management : Is dedicated to providing the highest quality services, which meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers; is committed to continuous improvement through empowerment and performance management; creates a learning environment leading to the most efficient and effective work processes.
Adaptability : Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; inspires others to be adaptable to change.
Ethics, Values and Diversity : Promotes an appropriate and effective work environment and strives to ensure that the agency’s core values and beliefs are applied during all circumstances; genuinely cares about people; deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, lifestyle choices and genders; supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; adheres to and promotes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); advocates for the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities to maximize their potential in the programs and communities of their choice.
Integrity and Trust : Is respectful, truthful, and transparent; keeps confidences; takes ownership and responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
Problem Solving and Judgment : Probes all useful and constructive sources to find pertinent answers; can analyze issues, identify problems and work toward appropriate solutions; collaborates with others or as part of a team; displays willingness to make decisions; makes timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
Oral and Written Communications : Speaks clearly, appropriately and effectively with a diverse group of individuals; is an active listener and gets clarification when necessary; participates constructively in meetings; is able to write clearly and succinctly; is able to communicate clearly in a variety of settings and situations.
PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum 2 years prior related experience.
Ability to teach and model occupational tasks.
Must be able to effectively communicate in both verbal and written form with coworkers and supported individuals and read fluently.
Valid driver’s license in the state of Massachusetts required.
Successful completion of all state and Agency mandated trainings required upon hire.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
- No supervisory responsibility.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Normal working conditions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determin
