Vocational and Community Support Specialist

Primary Responsibilities And Essential Functions Of Position

• Provide individualized instruction and support to help individuals develop and maintain daily living, socialization, communication, and community integration skills.
• Implement activities and services consistent with everyone’s Life Plan and Community Habilitation Plan.
• Support individuals in identifying and participating in recreational, educational, vocational, and community based activities.
• Promote community inclusion, self-advocacy, and relationship-building opportunities.
• Absorb and enhance vocational skills, and actively participate in their communities.

Community and Independent Living Support

• Provide individualized instruction and support to help individuals develop and maintain daily living, socialization, communication, and community integration skills.
• Implement activities and services consistent with everyone’s Life Plan and Community Habilitation Plan.
• Support individuals in identifying and participating in recreational, educational, vocational, and community based activities.
• Promote community inclusion, self-advocacy, and relationship-building opportunities.
• Absorb and enhance vocational skills, and actively participate in their communities.

Employment Support and Job Coaching

• Provide job coaching and vocational support to individuals participating in supported employment services.
• Utilize structured training techniques to teach job tasks, workplace expectations, productivity standards, quality assurance, communication skills, grooming, and professional conduct.
• Absorb and adapt to workplace changes, and navigate workplace relationships.
• Conduct regular job-site visits to monitor performance, assess progress, and provide ongoing coaching and support.
• Collaborate with employers to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure successful employment outcomes.
• Support job retention through ongoing monitoring, advocacy, and workplace accommodations when appropriate.

Advocacy and Service Coordination

• Advocate on behalf of individuals in employment, community, and service settings.
• Coordinate with families, employers, supervisors, and external agencies to support individuals' goals and service needs.
• Absorb and access transportation resources and develop safe travel skills, including travel training when appropriate.
• Participate in Program Planning Team (PPT) meetings and provide recommendations regarding individual progress and support needs.
• Respond proactively to the emotional, social, physical, and cultural needs of individuals receiving services.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily service notes, monthly progress reports, employment reports, and other required records.
• Document services provided, individual progress, challenges encountered, and recommendations for continued support.
• Report incidents, concerns, or significant changes in an individual's status to program management immediately.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, including OPWDD, ACCES-VR, Department of Labor, HIPAA, OSHA, and agency policies and procedures.

Program And Team Responsibilities

• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to ensure quality service delivery and meet program objectives.
• Participate in required staff meetings, training, and professional development activities.
• Absorb and assist in developing volunteer opportunities, paid employment opportunities, and meaningful community activities for individuals receiving services.
• Maintain professional relationships with individuals, families, employers, coworkers, and community partners.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Education, Rehabilitation, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience in vocational services, job coaching, community habilitation, workforce development, or related human services preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community-based environments.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and supported employment practices preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the community as required.

Physical Demands

• Constantly required to exchange accurate information.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office tools.
• Frequently remains in a stationary position.
• Occasionally moves about inside an office.
• Occasionally moves office equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May occasionally travel to program sites and for agency events.

Benefits

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

About Heartshare

• For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated.
• To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook.