OVERVIEW

The Vocational Specialist assists participants with choosing, preparing for, obtaining and maintaining employment. More specifically, the Vocational Specialist works directly with participants to discuss options and goals, develop and maintain relationships with state partners, employers and other community members, locate barriers to employment and work with participants to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers, hold meetings and workshops to develop work skills, facilitate assessments and evaluations, role model for direct support professionals, maintain close contact with participants during job training and placement(s) to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy and prepares and maintain records and reports by monitoring and documenting progress.

Responsibilities:

Participating in agency activities, serving on committees, and communicating the agency’s values and principles to others; coordinating and monitoring effective clinical supports and developing effective multidisciplinary teams; providing training and mentoring to new and existing employees; writing reports/updates on programming; caregiver contact.

BENEFITS

In addition to a creative and collaborative work environment, Perspectives offers a generous benefits package that includes:

• Flexible schedules
• Paid training and mentor programs
• Employee incentive programs
• Generous paid time off
• Verizon, AAA and health club discounts
• Medical and dental benefits
• 401k savings plan

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimal Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent
• Experience in providing supported employment
• Certification or proof of enrollment in ACRE approved training, CESP, SE101 or an employment specialist program
• Ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively to participants and their caregivers
• Demonstrates the ability to build relationships/network with employers in the community
• Strong verbal, written and face-to-face communication skills
• Strong documentation skills, both written and in a computer database
• Ability to collaborate with state partners (ORS, BHDDH, DLT)
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• The ability to work autonomously and in collaboration with others
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and insured vehicle

Desired Qualifications

• Post high school education or certificate in a social services, business or related field or equivalent experience
• Certification or proof of enrollment in ACRE approved training, CESP, SE101 or an employment specialist program, or PATH and/or Person-centered Thinking Facilitator/Advisor Training