What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vocational Employment Specialist position at Goodwill Industries Of Greater New York?
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.
Job Description Form
Position Title:
Vocational Employment Specialist
Reports To (Title):
Bridges (OSY) Program Coordinator
General Purpose: In a few brief sentences summarize the primary duties and responsibilities.
This person will plan and teach employability and workplace training classes to youth enrolled in Goodwill’s Bridges (OSY) program. Develop job opportunities for program participants enrolled. Responsible for career evaluation, job readiness, and job placement services. This person will work directly with the participants Individualized Strategic Service Plans and execute on what the plan goals outline. Schedule interviews and follow up with employers to make placements. Build and maintain employer relationships and contacts by visiting employers in the community. Once placed in employment, the Vocational Employment Specialist will also maintain contact with employers and participants and continually assess the need for supportive services. Maintain documentation of placement services rendered and employment verifications. Complete internal statistical reports and progress reports for funding sources. Ensure employer satisfaction with program/placement services and candidates. Attend, plan and implement job fairs. Liaison with local business communities. Become familiar with labor laws, in demand occupations and ADA.
Essential Functions: Describe the duties that define the core responsibilities of the job.
- Provide career instructional classes as listed in grant funded contract.
- Develop rapport with youth and advises Case Manager when the youth is ready for the next step in vocational plan to meet successful placement.
- Provide access to on-line and in person learning programs (i.e., O-NET, Career Scope, etc.).
- Provide career guidance, resume, interview preparation, and teach confidence-building classes with self-advocacy to youth.
- Contact employers and determine job openings for participants based on the employment goals provided by the Case Manager.
- Connect program participants to apprenticeship and/or occupational training programs based on employment goals provided by the Case Manager.
- Ensure that placement, retention and wage goals are met on a monthly basis.
- Educate employers about disability issues, ADA issues, tax credits and job modifications.
- Communicate job description/job responsibilities effectively to the Program Coordinator and Case Managers of Bridges.
- Investigate transportation options to and from the employer job site for program participants.
- Connect consumers to support services as needed.
- Conduct follow-up for participants enrolled in training, apprenticeships and/or employment up until a minimum of 3 months of employment.
- Submit internal and external activity summaries, placement and retention reports on a monthly basis.
- Collect and submit documentation verifying attendance of program participants.
- Enter program participant information into Foothold Awards system.
- Must become familiar with CARF regulations and ensure that services are provided and documentation maintained is CARF compliant.
- Provide coverage I the absence of Case Manager.
- Attend all meetings as required.
(Other duties and assignments as may be assigned at the sole discretion of the employer)
Qualifications: Describe the minimum educational and experience requirements/preferences.
- BA preferred but will accept relevant work experience.
- At least 4 years experience in business development for social service programs.
- At least 4 years experience in Human Services.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license and ongoing access to transportation to travel to employers in counties throughout Northern New Jersey.
Skills Required: Describe the minimum skills required or preferred
- Intermediate Word, Excel and Outlook preferred
- Excellent communication and written skills
- Must be able to prioritize and multi-task
- Navigate and negotiate through difficult situations
- Ability to communicate with all levels of employees
Scope of Responsibility & Positions Supervised: Where applicable describes level of authority, decision making discretion, consequences of actions, supervisory and fiscal responsibility. Provide metrics where possible. Level of supervision received.
- This position does not supervise others. The Vocational Employment Specialist must work effectively as a partner with other Bridges program staff, and other Transitional Services program staff.
Special Working Conditions: Describe unusual working conditions or environmental factors.
- Vocational Employment Specialist is expected to work in the community in addition to the main office. Conditions at employer locations may vary.
