Vocational Specialist I - Creating Meaningful Employment

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: We have openings in Irvine and Santa Monica – Seeking candidates within a 1-hour commute.
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

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

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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Provides onboarding support and follow up with job seeker during the first 90 days of employment.
8. Establishes and maintains accurate, complete and timely files, notes, and reports in applicable system(s).
9. 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.