Employment/Vocational Specialist I - Bilingual in Spanish

Do you dream big and see a world where everyone sees the abilities of job seekers, regardless of disability?

About the Vocational Specialist Role: As a Vocational Specialist you would empower adults with disabilities to find meaningul careers and not just a job. We empower individuals to uncover their unique talents, interests, goals, and skills, guiding job seekers toward meaningful, productive, and financially rewarding careers. 

Seeking passionate candidates with skills gained from a variety of backgrounds/work experience such as:

Customer service, real estate, sales, education, social services, non-profit, job coaches, mentors, markeing, etc.  If you are a go-getter who is excited about empowering others to find life changing employment, apply today!

Position: Vocational Specialist I 

Location: Cerritos and surrounding area

Hours: Full-time - Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (primary hours - requires some flexibility based on the client's schedule)

Hourly Starting Pay Rate: $25.00 per hour

Additional Requirements: Ability to travel throughout Southern California with own reliable transportation, maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; must have and maintain proper auto insurance and vehicle registration. See below for additional requirements.

Find out More about Employment Services: WorkFirst Employment Services | Easterseals Disability & Community Services

• 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.
• We offer a career path providing room to grow!
• Great work culture & work/life balance

•  Utilizes evidence-based platform and nationally recognized Customized Employment process to identify job seeker KSAs, personality characteristics, aptitudes and interests; tailors and executes a customized employment plan and strategy based on Discovery.
• Supports job seeker on each step of the plan including showcasing his/her KSAs to select local businesses, leading to negotiation and attainment of meaningful employment.
• In concert with job seeker, and her/his team, plans, coordinates and executes the discovery process to ensure solid vocational profile and list of local businesses.
• Establishes timelines, schedule, and tasks in accordance with discovery and tracks both ideal conditions and potential barriers. Submits required reports to mentor and obtains approval prior to beginning next step of process.
• Designs, develops and executes a job search and job development plan through 1-on-1 negotiations with identified local businesses, incorporating informational interviews and hands on experience.
• Generates leads with local businesses of interest, based on candidate’s complimentary skills, highlighting business benefits and gains, and creates jobs as approved by supervisor/mentor.
• Provides onboarding support and follow up with job seeker during the first 90 days of employment.
• Establishes and maintains accurate, complete and timely files, notes, and reports in applicable system(s).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Typically requires HS diploma.
• ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certification is provided.

EXPERIENCE:

• Typically requires 1-2 years’ experience in business sector or vocational rehabilitation; or equivalent combination of training, education and experience to perform the job successfully

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Must be able to multi-task and accept challenges.
• Ability to quickly build rapport with people from vast backgrounds and experiences; inherent curiosity is a must.
• Skilled in observation, negotiation, and advanced planning.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Applications (Word, Outlook and Excel).
• Able to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain customer service orientation and professionalism in all interactions.
• Strong, effective communication skills, both oral and written, to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups, and with all levels of staff and the public.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality to manage sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Able to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
• Ability to travel throughout Southern California with own reliable transportation, maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; must have and maintain proper auto insurance and vehicle registration.
• Ability to pass post-offer medical examination and test for tuberculosis.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.