Vocational Support Specialist

About the role

Be Part of our Circle. We empower people to live their best life. That is our mission—not only to those we serve but to those we employ. This mutually shared sense of purpose drives our decisions and actions. Come as you are and achieve better lives as part of the St. Louis Arc family of individuals in this vital role. The St. Louis Arc is a non-profit organization that provides support and services to more than 4,500 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities each year. Known for the quality of our staff and culture, the St. Louis Arc was recently recognized as one of the Top 3 Best Places to Work in the “Big Companies” category by St. Louis Business Journal.

Responsibilities

• Support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they explore interests, build skills, and pursue meaningful career opportunities in the community
• Conduct interest and skills assessments and use gathered data to inform the development of a Positive Personal Profile and Career Plan
• Expand, maintain, and assist with developing partnerships with area non-profit businesses at which to complete volunteer work, unpaid work experiences, and assessments
• Work with these businesses to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship
• Assist people supported to plan and complete diverse volunteer and educational opportunities that align with their identified employment goals and needs (including community-based volunteering, job shadowing, mock interviewing, job/career research, peer group meetings/classes)
• Objectively evaluate a person’s knowledge, skills, and abilities for competitive integrated employment
• Teach skills needed to obtain and/or maintain competitive integrated employment
• Provide instructional training at volunteer/work sites, including developing and deploying adaptations to increase independence as needed
• Support individuals with personal care and hygiene support as needed
• Complete all documentation required according to Agency and funder timelines, including community events reports, medication administration records, progress notes, etc.
• Actively participate in Individual Support Plan meetings, training, and team meetings
• Communicate professionally and manage relationships with person supported and their support team (family members, community business partners, other direct care staff, support coordinators, etc.)

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent related experience required
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Valid Driver’s license (in good standing)
• Current auto insurance
• One year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or work in an educational field required

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Strong ability to cultivate important relationships across multiple constituencies
• Knowledge of best practices in the field of supporting people with developmental disabilities and supported employment
• Proficient computer skills including the ability to use electronic health records systems and ability to learn new systems as necessary
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem-solve and exercise good judgement
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance (up to $250 per month for full‑time hourly direct care staff)

Pay

$24.04 per hour

Schedule

Monday‑Friday hourly role; prefers full‑time (40 hours per