What are the responsibilities and job description for the VOCATIONAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST position at Melwood Horticultural Training Center Inc.?
This position is a hybrid position located in Upper Marlboro, MD. The core working hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. This is a salaried, exempt position. This is a full time position offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. This position requires that the employee must successfully complete criminal history information background check and drug screening and be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
VOCATIONAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST
The Vocational Support Specialist plays an integral role in providing support services primarily to employees with disabilities assigned to the Employment Support Services workforce. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring individuals with and without disabilities obtain needed support designed to monitor, improve and enhance individual performance. He/she is expected to support Melwood’s Employment Support Services goals: employee productivity, retention, social skills integration and successful employment, with respect to individuals with differing abilities and/or other populations who experience barriers to employment. Vocational Specialists work alongside the personnel performing the job tasks. The incumbent must meet federal, state, and local human-service requirements for individuals with disabilities.
In addition, the Vocational Specialist will perform the vital function of instructing, monitoring, and correcting work-related activities to achieve contract objectives.
*1. Provides individual task training on an ongoing basis through task analysis and task completion goal plans. This includes developing training approaches appropriate to the individual supported when there is a job change, quality requirement change, etc.
* 2. Provides counseling and supportive assistance to individuals assigned to the Contract Division and/or performing contractual work. Helps employees and supervisors identify factors which may impede job performance.
*3. Teaches the specific job tasks necessary to achieve performance success. Obtains guidance from operations management and technical experts to achieve viable methods to train the workforce on an ongoing basis.
*4. Consults with supervisors and management regarding the needs of Human Resources employees. Communicates strengths and weaknesses of employees and identifies possible methods of increasing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. Communicate corporate values and goals (including performance targets) to each employee.
*5. Works with all assigned direct employees to achieve quality, timeliness, and contract site’s profitability objectives, as conveyed by operations management. Observes ongoing workplace behavior to identify and correct any negative deviations in behavior or performance quickly.
*6. Provides comprehensive support and crisis intervention in areas such as, but not limited to, immediate on-site intervention, problem analysis and follow-up recommendations. Maintains and sharpens training approaches for a varied workforce. This includes staying current on behavior modification theories and application, as well as task analysis and operational training.
*7. Facilitates acclimation and integration issues, task change coping strategies, job performance, on-site work and personal related goal setting and needs assessments.
*8. Prepares written summaries, in approved format, on all individual counseling activities as it pertains to meetings, phone contacts, site visits, counseling sessions, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors with certification in rehabilitation counseling or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of two years of coaching and/or counseling experience directly related to employment program models is required. Previous experience in a manufacturing or services environment preferred. Experience with disabilities, mental health and/or substance abuse is preferred. Must be able to work well and communicate with all levels of management, staff and individuals served. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication. Must possess ability to conduct evaluations using approved assessments; develop behavioral plans and research techniques designed to correct employee performance barriers; promote individual abilities; and excellent analytical, judgment and decision-making abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and email. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple and changing priorities and deadlines. Evenings, holidays, weekends and overtime may be required. Must present a professional appearance and image. Must be willing to use personal vehicle in performance of duties. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
