Vocational Manager

Job Summary

The vocational manager role oversees all aspects of vocational training both on and offsite. Vocational training includes classroom instruction, hands on work experience, volunteer opportunities and job placement services. This position is responsible for management of all vocational staff and reports directly to the Executive Director.

Job Responsibilities

Trainee Oversight

• Responsible for vocational training and support for all residents of the Center for Living and Learning and any participants from the surrounding community
• Prepare and facilitate 1 group lesson per week pertaining to mental health and wellness skills and 1 enrichment group activity such as cooking or reading Develop, implement and oversee monthly individualized vocational plans to ensure successful progress based on each trainee’s individual needs and goals

• Record daily progress notes, Manage volunteer placement for trainees. This includes communicating with businesses and organizations in the community to find opportunities that meet the individual’s interests and needs
• Address and resolve trainee needs in a respectful and compassionate manner. When necessary, effectively communicate with trainees experiencing symptoms of mental illness and assist with de-escalation.

Operational Oversight

• Management of 3 vocational staff, including all hiring, onboarding and training, as well as developing staff goals and objectives and reviewing their performance biannually
• Collaborate with residential staff in order to provide a holistic approach to the trainees’ care
• Create and communicate a weekly schedule for vocational staff and record and report staff and trainee payroll hours bi-weekly 
• Maintain and organize the program systems including calendar and file drive
• Manage staff schedules and time off requests, ensuring the daily program is adequately staffed.
• Attend weekly management staff meetings and attend biannual all staff meetings
• Maintain vocational program expenditures and income; report spreadsheets and submit receipts monthly to the Executive Director.

TN Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

• Collaborate with TN Vocational Rehabilitation to provide successful employment opportunities to trainees who have demonstrated readiness. This includes implementing and overseeing all pre-employment and post-employment support including resume building, interview preparation, onsite job coaching, implementation of necessary vocational supports, and providing disability education as needed.
• Obtain Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification, which is required by VR. Attend monthly continuing education classes offered through VR in order to maintain certification.
• Submit necessary reports and forms as required by VR and communicate with trainees’ assigned Vocational counselors on a regular basis.

Market and Horticulture Leadership

• Oversight of both market and horticulture programs
• Lead, organize, execute and advertise two market events each year
• Plan and facilitate daily market work groups which correspond with the needs of each market event and inventory for retail partners in the community
• Develop market products, including maintaining supply inventory and financial records 
• Facilitate garden work groups as planned by horticulture manager

Volunteer and Student Coordinator

• Collaborate with post-secondary partnership programs to coordinate onsite learning opportunities 
• Oversee the coordination of all CLL Vocational volunteers

Qualifications

Requirements: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or an associate degree/high school diploma and three years relevant experience. Paid experience working directly with those with a disability will be considered first. All candidates are subject to a background check and must have reliable transportation as well as a valid driver’s license. 

The vocational manager is required to obtain a Certified Employment Specialist Progression certification in order to maintain compliance with the TN Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. 

The manager is also required to cover the 8am-9am weekly shift during closings when residential staff are unable to provide coverage.

Recommended qualifications include:

• Ability to create a positive workplace culture that supports the goals and needs of the employees and trainees
• Conflict management skills

• Strong work ethic
• Relational support skills: the ability to respectfully guide, confront, advise, delegate, and direct trainees 
• Ability to independently oversee projects and take initiative to develop new processes as needed
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail, including the ability to multi-task and keep detailed, organized records
• Ability to quickly and calmly adapt to change

Additional Information

Benefits

• 403b Retirment Plan
• Health Benefits
• PTO

How to Apply

Email: View email address on cnemt.org

Details

• Date Posted: June 11, 2026
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Other
• Service Area: Health (Physical, Mental)
• Start Date: 06/22/2026
• Salary Range: $55,000 - $58,000
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk M-F, 7:30am-3:30pm