Vocational Specialist

Vocational Specialist

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.

Are you passionate about finding job seekers meaningful employment that is more than just a job? Do you dream big and see a world where everyone sees the abilities of job seekers, regardless of disability? As a Vocational Specialist, you are the ultimate connector between employers and job seekers.

Position:
Vocational Specialist 1

Location:

Orange County - Hybrid position based out of Irvine but will work/travel in the orange county area.

Hours:

Full-time – 37.5 hours per week Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Additional Information:
This position is a hybrid position and requires travel to meet with assigned job seekers. Candidate must have reliable transportation, insurance, and a clean DMV record. Spanish speaking preferred.

Hourly Starting Pay Rate: $25 per hour

As a Vocational Specialist you will:

• Guide job seekers through a discovery process to identify their strengths and ideal work conditions
• Develop customized job search strategies with detailed timelines
• Build confidence and create buy-in with job seekers
• Support clients throughout the interview and onboarding process
• Seek out community opportunities and forge meaningful business relationships
• Use your business acumen to understand employers' needs and challenges
• Advocate for individuals, our services, and innovative employment practices

You'll Thrive Here If You:

• See "no" as merely a temporary roadblock, not a dead end
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and can speak the language of business
• Read subtle cues and adapt conversations accordingly
• Connect with others easily and meaningfully
• Excel at negotiation and relationship building
• Recognize potential in others, sometimes before they see it themselves
• Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
• Self-motivated with the ability to work well independently to achieve goals

Our Vocational Specialists come from a variety of backgrounds. Apply today if you have the passion, drive, and desire to make a positive impact in the lives of the people we support:
Real Estate, Marketing, Non-Profit, Case Managers, Education, Customer Service.

Benefits and Perks of being an ESSC associate include:

• Excellent Monday through Friday work schedule. No weekends or evenings
• Full-time positions are eligible for medical, dental, & vision, 401k program, tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year, student loan counseling program, 15 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, etc.
• Great work culture & work/life balance
• ACRE Certification through on-the-job training

Overview of Position:
Under direct supervision, provides individual employment services. Determines client interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personality characteristics for vocational planning purposes. Develops and executes job placement plan. Ensures complete and accurate files are established and maintained. Prepares associated reports.

Essential Function:

• Completes the discovery process, determining personal attributes, interests, skills, talents, and preferences, resulting in a solid profile. Develops a personalized plan and determines opportunities.
• Generates employment opportunities for clients through regular employer contacts, public relations, and community interaction. Follows up on leads with potential employers and develops jobs.
• Completes paperwork and maintains files and client documentation.
• Provides transportation to clients depending upon program design and job location.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

Typically requires HS diploma.|ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certification is required.

Experience:

• Typically requires 1-2 years' experience in job development with individuals with special needs or vocational rehabilitation; or equivalent combination of training,…