Vocational Specialist; Job Coach​/Employment Specialist

Position: Vocational Specialist (Job Coach / Employment Specialist)
POSITION OVERVIEW This role is based out of our Wexford office and requires 50–75% travel throughout Western Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. A Vocational Specialist is a person who consistently advocates on behalf of those who experience obstacles to traditional employment. The Vocational Specialist works closely with each person represented to conduct all aspects and phases of Supported Employment and Customized Employment such as:
Discovery, creation of the Discovery Profile, Customized Plan for Employment, Visual Resume, conducting Job Development to include conducting Employer Needs Analysis as well as engaging in Negotiation to determine duties and pay, and assisting in the creation of job descriptions for newly created positions. The goal of the Vocational Specialist is to assist specific people represented to locate and sustain work based on their conditions, interests, and contributions Works closely with a variety of businesses and other organizations to coordinate and deliver supports that ensure the success.

The Vocational Specialist works independently within the scope of Vocational Services. The Vocational Specialist is responsible for maintaining their own schedule while ensuring they reach a minimum of 75% of time spent in billable hours per week while managing utilization with a target of 90% utilization for each person represented. The position of Vocational Specialist is one that crosses a variety of professional domains.

As such, the Vocational Specialist should be familiar with and proficient in functions/tasks that would typically fall within the job descriptions of:
Vocational Assessor, Recruiter, Business Consultant, Sales, and Job Coach.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Encourages and honors each person to be the decision maker in his/her life. Translates daily activities into workplace tasks based on value and capability of the job seeker. Focuses on strength, capability, and competency. Performs all job duties with the understanding that matching employer needs and job seeker needs are both critical in creating value added outcomes. Conducts Employer Needs/Benefits Analysis (ENBA), helping employers focus on unmet needs.

This may include tasks that need to be completed but are not getting done, tasks that are better suited to be completed at a lower pay grade, opening that higher paygrade to greater productivity, and tasks that enhance the overall operation of the business. Conducts job site Job Analysis. Within the Job Analysis, helping determine the natural ways and means of the business.

This assists the Vocational Specialist as they act as a liaison during the onboarding and training process. Enters contract negotiation on behalf of the job seeker being represented. This may include negotiations regarding conditions of employment, duties to be completed, as well as negotiation around pay and required benefits. Creates an Employment Support Plan that assists each new employee in ongoing success with their position.

Completes activities of Discovery (what others may call vocational assessment), focusing on strengths, needs and interests of the job seeker as outlined in the 2014 amendment to the rehabilitation act:
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Knows, understands, and manages cases within a variety of funding sources which may include, Medicaid Waiver, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Private Funding, School Funding, and Grant Opportunities. Tracks monthly progress for each job seeker represented. Manages referral processes and reporting requirements for each funding source. Coordinates benefits analysis when appropriate. Engages in training and on-the-job support as required for each job seeker represented.

Implement all supports as specified in the person-centered plan, individual support plan, personal employment goals and support plans [for psychiatric, behavioral, or other concerns]. Identify and assist in the establishment of any required job site accommodations. Complete and periodically update individual employment or career planning tools, such as Discovery Profiles, Employment Planning Meetings, Community Calendars, and Vocational Goal Plans.…