Vocational Specialist

·       Provide supported employment services to individuals with disabilities as assigned by the Associate Director and Director of Programs; this may include working with clients/students from various funding sources including the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) , Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, Project SEARCH programs, high school districts or other funding sources. 

·       Accept referrals and conduct intake and assessment interviews to assess client's eligibility and general needs in order to determine if and how the agency can assist.

·       Develop individualized written service plans, including plans for support, training, and follow-up services.

·       Maintain a caseload of approximately 10-15 clients

·       Provide case management utilizing the Casebooks system to track all activities and all required paperwork/forms under the appropriate funding source.

·       Using a holistic approach, assess client's level of functioning, including psychological, medical, vocational, independent living and social assessments.  Make referrals for additional assessment and examination as needed.

·       Make referrals to community resources and to other programs and services as needed in order to maintain quality services for clients.

·       As authorized by clients, obtain previous assessments, vocational histories etc. from appropriate sources, including DRS, schools, and other services.

·       Provide employment counseling based on client's vocational goals, interests, abilities, previous experience and for other barriers which may impact on employment opportunities.

·       Provide job readiness services to individuals with disabilities.  Job readiness services include but are not limited to preparation of resumes, conducting mock interviews, training and assistance in completing job applications, assistance in identifying employment opportunities; information on the use of public transportation.  It may also include other services that may increase the opportunities of the clients to obtain and maintain a job, such as discussion of salary and benefits, on-the-job rules and regulations, work schedules, appropriate dress attire, etc.

·       Assist clients in applying for jobs.  Make and/or accompany to appointments as needed.

·       Meet with employers to solicit job opportunities; provide job development through active involvement with the PAEP Business Advisory Council and other business development opportunities including representing PAEP at local chambers meeting and other business networking opportunities that will result in job leads for PAEP clients.

·       Provide disability awareness training to businesses to acclimate PAEP clients to jobs

·       Develop new and on-going business partnerships with employers on an ongoing basis in order to secure job placements for clients.

·       Analyze jobs. Identify necessary work and work-related skills.

·       Identify necessary job modifications and provide intervention on behalf of the client to assure reasonable accommodations are made when needed.

·       Coordinate support systems with other involved agencies, e.g. case management, transportation, residential, schools. 

·       Keep updated on laws and regulations that may affect service provision, e.g. social security work incentive programs, supported employment federal regulations.

·       Maintain communication with funding referral and other support agencies in order to coordinate and provide the most effective services needed.