Vocational Specialist

Purpose:

The Vocational Specialist will join the team at UPMC's Vocational Training Center, which includes the Vocational Center and the Supported Employment Program, a well respected program within the ID community that has been in operation for 50 years. Individuals served in these programs have diagnoses including Intellectual Disability and/or Autism, and in many cases a secondary mental health diagnosis.

This position requires ability to maintain effective and ongoing communication with consumers, coworkers, supervisors, employers, family members and other service providers. The location for this position is one block off of Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s Historic South Side neighborhood. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The dress code is business casual and street parking is available.

Responsibilities:

·       Goal Planning: Develop and deliver measurable and attainable goal plans for clients with the treatment team.

·       Service Plans: Create and implement individualized service plans for training, integration, and support.

·       Client Interaction: Meet with clients and primary care providers for assessments, program information, and vocational guidance.

·       Transportation Coordination: Ensure clients' transportation needs are met.

·       Documentation: Submit timely written and electronic documentation to supervisors.

·       Worksite Support: Train and support clients at work sites to meet employer expectations.

·       Compliance: Follow program-related directives and comply with regulations and policies.

·       Work Opportunities: Assist in preparing paid work assignments and provide group coverage.

·       Job Development: Provide job development, training, and follow-up services for job retention and promotion.

·       Relationships: Maintain good relationships with program staff, families, agencies, and employers.

·       Communication: Coordinate program activities and communicate with families and residential providers.

·       Instruction and Supervision: Provide daily instruction and supervision to clients and group participants.

·       Progress Documentation: Document and revise monthly goal plan progress.

·       Job Analysis: Conduct job analysis and participate in team meetings for client/job matching.

·       Support Staff Cooperation: Work with other support staff for client welfare.

·       Career Exploration: Develop strategies for clients to explore career choices.

·       Program Plans: Assist in developing and updating Individual Program Plans (IPPs).

·       Training Programs: Create training programs to address job performance and behavior issues.

·       Advanced Preparation: Prepare clients for more advanced vocational settings.

·       Community Employment: Develop community-integrated employment opportunities and prepare clients for job interviews.

·       Plan Monitoring: Monitor plans throughout job placement.

·       Self-Care Assistance: Assist clients with basic self-care and hygiene activities as needed.