VOCATIONAL LEAD

Job Description

Job Description

Vocational Lead

Are you passionate about helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop vocational skills, pursue employment goals, and achieve greater independence?

Who We Are

At Community Mainstreaming Associates (CMA) , our mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities in living fulfilling, independent lives. Through our comprehensive services, we promote inclusion and empower those we serve to thrive within their communities.

We are driven by compassion, innovation, and a strong commitment to making a difference. Join our Supported Employment and Pre-Vocational Programs team and help individuals build meaningful skills, explore opportunities, and work toward their personal and employment goals.

Learn more about our impactful work at communitymainstreaming.org .

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Meaningful Impact: Help individuals develop vocational skills, confidence, and pathways toward greater independence.

• Program Leadership Opportunity: Support program operations while providing direct services to individuals we support.

• Creative & Engaging Work: Develop curriculum, facilitate classes, and create opportunities for skill-building and community involvement.

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside vocational professionals, participants, families, employers, and community partners.

• Professional Growth: Expand your expertise in supported employment, pre-vocational services, training, documentation, and program coordination.

• Mission-Driven Culture: Be part of a team committed to inclusion, empowerment, and person-centered support.

What We Offer

• Full-time employment opportunity

• Competitive annual salary

• Supportive and collaborative work environment

• Professional development and ongoing training

• Leadership experience within vocational programming

• Opportunity to develop curriculum and facilitate participant learning activities

• Meaningful work supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Comprehensive benefits package

• 403(b) retirement plan with organization match of up to 5%

• Tuition assistance

• Paid time off and holidays

What You Will DoDirect Service Responsibilities

• Maintain an active participant caseload and provide direct, billable vocational services.

• Provide individualized vocational services aligned with participants’ Life Plans, Staff Action Plans, employment goals, and authorized services.

• Develop and facilitate vocational classes, training sessions, and skill-building activities based on participant needs and program goals.

• Create curriculum focused on employment readiness, workplace skills, communication, independence, and vocational development.

• Identify and coordinate volunteer opportunities, community-based experiences, and learning activities that support employment-related skills.

• Support participants with developing workplace behaviors, social skills, confidence, and employment readiness.

• Maintain consistent communication with participants, families, employers, Care Managers, and other members of the participant’s Circle of Support.

• Complete all required service documentation accurately and within established timelines.

• Monitor participant progress toward vocational and employment goals.

• Communicate concerns, changes, barriers, and support needs to the Vocational Coordinator.

• Maintain established productivity, caseload, and billing expectations.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain and update designated program trackers, rosters, spreadsheets, and operational records.

• Review program data and identify missing or incomplete information requiring follow-up.

• Assist with collecting information needed for monthly and quarterly reporting.

• Track deadlines and provide updates regarding outstanding documentation and administrative requirements.

• Support organization and maintenance of program files and required records.

• Assist with preparation for internal reviews, audits, and quality assurance activities.

• Complete assigned administrative projects that support efficient program operations.

Operational Support

• Support onboarding and orientation of new staff as directed by the Vocational Coordinator.

• Assist staff with understanding program procedures, documentation requirements, workflows, and service expectations.

• Serve as a resource to staff regarding routine program processes and best practices.

• Assist with communicating program reminders, deadlines, and operational updates.

• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program planning activities.

• Identify and escalate participant, staff, compliance, documentation, or operational concerns to the Vocational Services Coordinator.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with the Vocational Coordinator regarding caseload activity and administrative responsibilities.

• Remain available to address assigned program needs within the scope of the Lead role.

• Attend required trainings, meetings, and organizational activities.

• Maintain professional relationships with participants, families, employers, staff, and community partners.

• Complete additional direct-service and administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Experience providing employment or vocational services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.

• Ability to balance direct-service responsibilities with administrative deadlines.

• Computer proficiency, including spreadsheets and electronic documentation systems.

• Valid New York State Driver’s License .

• Reliable transportation with valid proof of insurance and registration.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.

• Smartphone required.

Preferred:

• Experience providing Supported Employment (SEMP) services.

• Experience developing curriculum, facilitating classes, or providing vocational training.

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in employment or community-based settings.

• Familiarity with OPWDD services, vocational documentation requirements, and electronic record systems.

Internal Minimum Requirements

• Must have completed the orientation period (3–6 months ).

• Must be in good standing in current position.

• Must be up to date on all mandatory trainings.

• Smartphone required.

Key Success Factors

Success in this position requires the ability to:

• Provide effective, person-centered vocational support.

• Develop engaging learning opportunities and skill-building activities.

• Maintain accurate documentation and program records.

• Balance participant support responsibilities with administrative priorities.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, families, employers, staff, and community partners.

• Support staff understanding of program expectations and procedures.

• Identify barriers and assist in developing solutions that support participant success.

• Demonstrate organization, initiative, accountability, and sound judgment.

• Promote consistent, high-quality vocational services.

Work Location

[Insert Work Location]

The position may require travel throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties based on participant needs, program activities, community experiences, and operational requirements.

Reliable personal transportation is required. Proof of insurance and registration must be maintained.

Work Hours / Schedule

Full-time

Monday–Friday

[Insert specific shift hours]

Schedule may vary based on participant needs, vocational programming, community activities, meetings, and organizational requirements.

Pay

$52,000–$60,000 per year

Generous Benefits

Community Mainstreaming Associates offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and professional development.

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Benefits: Generous employer contribution; eligibility begins the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

• Employer-paid Dental Benefits

• Vision Plan

• Accident Insurance

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• Identity Theft & Fraud Protection

• Legal Services

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Organization match of up to 5%.

• Life Insurance: 100% employer-paid coverage of 1x annual salary.

• Voluntary Life Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Benefits

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Program

• Tuition Assistance

Paid Time Off

• Up to 80 hours of vacation during the first calendar year of employment.

• Employees accrue an additional 8 vacation hours each subsequent calendar year , up to a maximum of 120 hours .

• Up to 48 hours of personal time per calendar year.

• 9 paid holidays.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a non-profit organization, Community Mainstreaming Associates offers employees the opportunity to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) , subject to applicable program eligibility requirements.

Build Opportunities Through Vocational Support

If you are organized, creative, and passionate about helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop skills and achieve employment goals, we invite you to join Community Mainstreaming Associates.

As a Vocational Lead, you will combine direct participant support with program leadership responsibilities to help individuals discover their strengths, build confidence, and pursue meaningful opportunities.

Community Mainstreaming Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer.