VOCATIONAL SPECIALIST

The Vocational Specialist supports individuals in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing in competitive employment while promoting financial stability and long-term self-sufficiency. Working as part of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT/ACT Plus) team, the Vocational Specialist develops relationships with community employers, facilitates job placement and retention, conducts vocational assessments, and provides coaching and support throughout the employment process. This position also assists individuals with financial literacy, benefits navigation, and individualized employment and rehabilitation planning to help them achieve their personal, educational, and career goals. Responsibilities Develops and maintains relationships with community employers to create employment opportunities for individuals served. Conducts vocational assessments using approved tools and evidence-based practices. Assists individuals in identifying educational, vocational, training, and employment opportunities aligned with their goals. Provides job development, placement, coaching, and ongoing employment support services. Collaborates with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and other community partners to coordinate services. Meets established performance benchmarks related to employment placements and program outcomes. Develops individualized employment, rehabilitation, and career advancement plans. Provides support with benefits navigation and financial stability planning. Educates individuals on the impact of employment earnings on public benefits and available work incentives. Delivers financial literacy education and guidance. Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services provided. Develops and maintains job banks and employment resource networks. Assists individuals in identifying and overcoming employment barriers. Advocates for individuals in pursuing competitive, integrated community employment. Participates in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings. Maintains regular communication with employers, educational institutions, training providers, and community resources. Documents time worked accurately. Other duties as assigned by management. Other Responsibilities Adheres to all agency policies, procedures, and employee handbook requirements. Maintains confidentiality of all client and organizational information. Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment. Complies with OSHA, HIPAA, fire safety, and applicable regulatory requirements. Completes and submits required reports, documentation, and Human Resources paperwork within established timeframes. Attends all required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with individuals served, families, employers, staff, and community partners. Communicates effectively in both written and verbal forms. Participates in quality improvement activities and program development initiatives. Observes work schedules and maintains punctuality. Other duties as needed to support program operations. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in a relevant clinical, educational, rehabilitation, vocational, social service, or human services field required. Minimum one (1) year experience in a behavioral health, rehabilitation, vocational, or related setting preferred. Three (3) years of related experience and documented in-service training may be substituted for formal education requirements. Sales, marketing, workforce development, or employer engagement experience preferred. CPR and First Aid Certification required or obtainable upon hire. Experience working with underserved populations preferred. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. Minimum three (3) years of continuous driving experience. Required Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and time management abilities. Effective documentation and recordkeeping skills. Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Ability to assess individual needs and connect clients with appropriate resources. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to adapt to changing environments and client needs. Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, leadership, and community partners. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic record systems. Job Competencies Effective Communication Demonstrates the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals served, team members, employers, and community stakeholders. Employment & Vocational Support Supports individuals in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing in competitive employment opportunities. Interpersonal Effectiveness Builds and maintains productive relationships with individuals served, employers, coworkers, and community partners. Collaboration & Teamwork Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and external agencies to coordinate services and achieve positive outcomes. Community Engagement & Relationship Building Develops partnerships with employers, businesses, and community resources to expand employment opportunities. Coaching & Mentoring Provides job coaching, support, and guidance to help individuals achieve success and satisfaction in the workplace. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Identifies barriers to employment and develops creative solutions that promote long-term success. Assessment & Planning Conducts vocational assessments and develops individualized employment and rehabilitation plans. Organization & Time Management Effectively manages caseloads, documentation requirements, deadlines, and performance expectations. Financial Literacy Support Assists individuals in understanding financial concepts, managing public benefits, and planning for economic self-sufficiency. Adaptability Demonstrates flexibility in responding to changing client needs, environments, and program priorities. Documentation & Compliance Maintains accurate, timely, and regulatory-compliant records in accordance with agency and program requirements. Vehicle Requirements Current driver's license with acceptable driving record. Current vehicle registration and insurance. Reliable transportation capable of supporting community-based duties. Equipment / Machines Cellular and multi-line telephone systems Calculator Copier Fax Computer Computer Software Applications Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Electronic Health Record (EHR/EMR) systems Agency-specific software applications Physical Demands Sitting at a desk or meeting table for extended periods. Standing and walking in office and community settings. Reaching, lifting, bending, stooping, and twisting. Climbing stairs. Driving a vehicle. Ability to safely perform community-based employment support activities. Lifting Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally. Working Conditions Modern, well-lit office environments. Community-based settings, including employer locations and client meeting sites. Multiple office locations as assigned. Multiple levels of stairs, with elevator access where available. Accident, Health Hazard and Security Knowledge Bloodborne Pathogens Right-To-Know HIPAA Security Procedures Fire and Safety Regulations General Requirements Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines. Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures. Observe all Fiscal, Office, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures. Observe all HIPAA Policies and maintain confidentiality. Attend all required trainings and meetings. Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise good judgment in all employment duties. Document time worked accurately. Drug-Free Workplace Statement Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. As a general policy, pre-employment drug testing is not required for employment with Apis Services. However, drug and alcohol testing may be required under specific circumstances, including but not limited to: Following a work-related vehicle accident, in accordance with applicable policy and legal requirements. Following a workplace incident or injury where post-incident or workers’ compensation drug testing is appropriate or required. Certain affiliates may be subject to federal, state, licensing, regulatory, contractual, or funding agency requirements that mandate pre-employment or ongoing drug testing for specific positions or programs. In those cases, the affiliate-specific policy will govern those positions. Schedule Flexibility Please note that work schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, travel, and various work locations may be required. Equal Employment Opportunity Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its constellation of affiliate companies. Apis Services and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other protected status under applicable law. This policy of equal employment opportunity extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr