Vocational Specialist na None

Vocational Specialist

Job Description – Journeys DDA

The Vocational Specialist will play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining relationships with employers, participants, and staff. They will support and follow the direction of vocational services, provide training to job coaching staff, and ensure the smooth operation of our vocational programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a passion for helping individuals achieve their vocational goals.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships: Build strong relationships with employers, participants, and staff, and become familiar with pertinent information on each individual.
• Support vocational services: Assist in implementing and following the direction of vocational services, ensuring that participants receive the necessary support to succeed in their vocational endeavors.
• Train job coaching staff: Provide weekly training sessions to job coaching staff, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to effectively support participants.
• Schedule job coaches: Maintain an updated schedule for job coaches, making necessary changes and ensuring adequate coverage for coaching shifts.
• Cover coaching shifts: Be prepared to cover coaching shifts as needed, stepping in to provide support and guidance to participants.
• Resolve concerns and questions: Address concerns and questions from coaches in a timely manner, offering guidance and solutions to support their work.
• Provide leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership skills by providing guidance and support to co-workers, modeling learned skills, and offering constructive feedback as needed.
• Assume responsibility for clients: Take on the responsibility of overseeing and supporting specific clients as designated by the organization.
• Problem-solving and programmatic suggestions: Actively engage in problem-solving and contribute programmatic suggestions to enhance the effectiveness of vocational services.
• Lead and attend trainings: Organize and lead training sessions for staff, ensuring that all relevant topics are covered, and employees are equipped with the necessary skills.
• Lead and attend supervision: Participate in supervision meetings, providing updates on progress, addressing challenges, and seeking guidance as needed.
• Conduct in-person observations: Carry out in-person observations as prescribed, monitoring the progress of participants and offering feedback for improvement.
• Lead and attend orientations: Lead or attend orientations related to vocational services, ensuring participants and staff are well-informed and prepared for their roles.
• Maintain licenses and certifications: Stay up to date with all required licenses and certifications, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Qualifications

• Highschool Diploma or GED
• Prior experience working in vocational services, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of individuals.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate and guide a team.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications and technology.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Vocational Specialist position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, duties, and responsibilities. The organization reserves the right to modify or revise the job description as necessary.

Key Indicators of Success

Key indicators of success for Direct Support Professionals

1. Employer and participant satisfaction: Measure the satisfaction levels of employers and participants with the services provided by the Vocational Specialist. This can be done through surveys, feedback forms, or regular check-ins. High satisfaction rates indicate that the Vocational Specialist is effectively establishing relationships and meeting the needs of employers and participants.
2. Staff training effectiveness: Evaluate the impact of the Vocational Specialist's training sessions on job coaching staff. Monitor the progress and skill development of staff members who have received training and assess their ability to effectively support participants. Successful training outcomes demonstrate the Vocational Specialist's ability to impart knowledge and skills to the team.
3. Timely resolution of concerns: Track the time taken by the Vocational Specialist to address and resolve concerns and questions raised by job coaches. Timely resolution indicates the ability to provide guidance and support in a prompt manner, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
4. Leadership and feedback effectiveness: Assess the Vocational Specialist's ability to provide leadership to co-workers, model learned skills, and offer constructive feedback. This can be measured through feedback from staff and supervisors, as well as observations of the Specialist's interactions with the team. Effective leadership and feedback contribute to a motivated and skilled workforce.
5. Programmatic suggestions and problem-solving: Evaluate the Vocational Specialist's contribution to programmatic improvements and problem-solving within the vocational services. Measure the quality and impact of their suggestions and solutions in enhancing the effectiveness and outcomes of the programs.
6. Successful completion of training and supervision: Monitor the Specialist's participation and engagement in training sessions and supervision meetings. Assess their ability to lead and actively contribute to these activities. Successful completion indicates a commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
7. Client progress and outcomes: Track the progress and outcomes of participants under the Vocational Specialist's oversight. This can include metrics such as successful job placements, increased employability skills, and overall vocational achievements. Positive participant outcomes demonstrate the Specialist's effectiveness in supporting individuals in their vocational goals.
8. Compliance with licenses and certifications: Ensure that the Vocational Specialist maintains all required licenses and certifications relevant to the position. Compliance with these requirements is essential for maintaining professional standards and meeting regulatory guidelines.