Vocational Specialist

Position Overview

Trinity Services is looking for an experienced leader in employment and vocational rehabilitation. The ideal candidate is outgoing, with experience in leadership, public speaking, and sales. As Program Director: Vocational Services, you will represent Trinity to community organizations, schools, DRS, and employers, helping individuals with disabilities achieve and maintain employment. The Program Director's primary responsibilities include supervising Employment Specialists' job development activities, managing on-the-job supports for individuals with disabilities, and coordinating community outreach related to the agency's employment services.

Location: New Lenox

Hours: Full-time

Salary Range: $45,000-$60,000 commensurate of experience

Reports To

Network Director

Network Or Department

Network 6

Job Duties

Work Environment and Client Interaction

• Foster a work environment that treats individuals with dignity and respect.
• Conduct intake sessions with prospective clients and their families, explaining services and gathering necessary information.
• Prepare referrals for DRS services.
• Assess each new client to identify skills, abilities, interests, education, work experience, and other factors for successful placement.
• Maintain positive relationships with families, supporting them through the school-to-work transition.
• Maintains a small case load.
  
  

Employer and DRS Collaboration

• Collaborate with employers to modify job tasks to suit the client's abilities.
• Attend regular meetings with DRS counselors and supervisors to ensure clear communication and referral generation.
• Maintain strong, productive relationships with DRS counselors.
• Participate in meetings with local DRS offices, school administrators, and other agencies.
  
  

Documentation and Reporting

• Review client files regularly to ensure documentation of services provided (assessment, shadowing, job development, coaching, retention, etc.).
• Ensure job coach progress notes are completed for each billing period.
• Produce financial reports and ensure the program meets necessary financial milestones.
  
  

Supervision and Team Management

• Supervise SEP Coordinator, Employment Specialists, Clerical Staff, and Job Coaches, including individual meetings, site visits, team meetings, and evaluations.
• Supervise Career Access Network staff, network with local businesses, and develop outreach opportunities for Supported Employment staff.
• Guide supervision of Rehabilitation Counseling student interns from CACREP and CORE-accredited programs, as applicable.
  
  

Community Engagement and Public Relations

• Give public presentations at events such as school IEPs, conferences, workshops, and service fairs to promote employment services.
• Represent Trinity Services by networking through state professional organizations and committees.
  
  

Program and Administrative Oversight

• Coordinate accreditation, annual fidelity reviews, and DHS audits for the department.
• Oversee all program functions for the Career Access Network and complete other duties as assigned by Trinity Services.
  
  

Professional Development and Availability

• Attend conferences and training related to employment services in Illinois.
• While the position primarily operates during daytime hours, availability for evening and weekend events is required.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, coworkers, and their supervisor.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to bend, stoop, lift and carry.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Psychology or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Professional license (LCPC or LCSW) preferred.
• Required experience and/or education in rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of evidence-based employment practices.
• Experience with public speaking and creating formal presentations.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Word, Excel, email, and report tracking.
• Valid driver’s license required; mileage reimbursement provided.
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification (training provided).
  
  

Physical Demands

• Be able to lift over 40 pounds from floor to waist unassisted
• Be able to push and pull 75 pounds
• Be able to complete deep knee squats
• Remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop and kneel
• Physical activities that could be used include: driving, balancing, pulling, pushing, standing, climbing, grasping, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion.