Vocational Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include the following. Other duties may be assigned.)

• Provides vocational training, supports, and assessments for individuals who have a future goal of working in a community.
• Initiates and maintains ongoing relationships with area businesses, sets up community based vocational assessment sites and volunteer opportunities.
• Assists individuals during community experiences, including volunteer opportunities, paid or unpaid internships and worksite visits. This could include job coaching.
• Provides information about available services, programs, and vocational opportunities to individuals, family members and other support providers.
• Reviews potential barriers to community employment with individuals and create plans for ways to overcome barriers. This includes working with the Plan Writer to develop individual's plans.
• Supports individuals in developing resumes, practicing interviewing skills and provides instruction and teaching of tasks necessary to obtain employment. This could include instruction in the appropriate use of job-related facilities such as lunchrooms, cafeterias, and restrooms.
• Provides travel training designed to teach individuals how to travel safely and independently using public transportation.
• Provides education and counseling around benefits management, stress management, social skill development and interpersonal skill development.
• Completes all paperwork for service documentation and billing in accordance with OPWDD regulations and agency policies. Maintains record keeping systems for program participants.
• Attends meetings for individuals as well as participates in required departmental meetings, special projects, and in-services or other trainings.
• Provides transportation to and from vocational experiences in the community.
• Maintains and assures security of all confidential files and information on individuals receiving services, provides documentation in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Plans and conducts job readiness classes and job club activities.
• Informs the Assistant Director or Director of Employment Services of concerns with placements, business relationships, accidents/incidents, or sensitive situations pertaining to individuals receiving services.
• This position requires a two week notice of voluntary resignation.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment;
  Manages competing demands;
  Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Changes approach/method to best fit the situation.
• Attendance/Punctuality - At work and on time. Ensures responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional situations;
  Responds promptly to needs;
  Solicits feedback to improve service;
  Responds to requests for assistance;
  Meets commitments.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction;
  Takes responsibility for own actions. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Design - Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences. Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect;
  Keeps commitments;
  Inspires the trust of others;
  Works with integrity and ethically;
  Upholds organizational values.
• Flexibility - Perform work on multiple concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities;
  Asks for and offers help when needed. Prioritizes tasks to meet agency needs.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity;
  Meets challenges with resourcefulness;
  Generates suggestions for improving work.
• Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality;
  Listens to others without interrupting;
  Keeps emotions under control;
  Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound judgment. Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Motivation - Measures self against standard of excellence. Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations;
  Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures;
  Supports organization's goals and values.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities;
  Uses time efficiently;
  Organizes schedules.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner;
  Works well in team problem solving situations;
  Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner;
  Reacts…