Placement Specialist

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE SERVICES•Cleveland, OH

1d•$18 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Vocational Guidance Services (VGS), a private, not-for-profit vocational rehabilitation agency, is hiring a Placement Specialist in Cleveland, Ohio. The role supports people with disabilities or other barriers to employment through vocational services, job development, placement, and retention. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the position involves regular travel throughout Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, potentially up to 75%. The listed pay range is $18.00–$19.25 per hour. The Placement Specialist works with program participants, community employers, and referral sources to develop vocational opportunities and achieve suitable competitive employment. The role also provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), coordinates placement and retention supports, maintains case documentation, and submits billing reports. The position requires regular attendance, reliable transportation, and compliance with agency safety policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination.
Demonstrated skills in salesmanship and marketing.
Must obtain CESP certification within 18 months of employment.
Demonstrated ability to assess and appropriately match worker traits and personality with employer needs and job demands.
Basic computer-operation skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
Must pass a clean background check and meet Medicaid requirements.
Must have reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

CESP certification upon hire is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop Work Adjustment and Community Based Work Adjustment opportunities for participants in line with their vocational goals and referral authorizations.
Complete vocational authorizations for types of work participants may be interested in.
Ensure appropriate Job Coach coverage at worksites and provide backup Job Coach support when needed.
Coach participants in independent employment activities, including accessing job opportunities, preparing resumes, applying for jobs, interviewing, and following up.
Develop, implement, review, and revise a written Placement Success Plan for each participant with the participant and referring counselor.
Meet with participants regularly to review progress and update plans.
Prepare and finalize participant resumes.
Develop, coordinate, and provide Pre-ETS training in participating Northeast Ohio schools, expand services, and deliver services as authorized.
Match and place participants in suitable competitive employment based on vocational goals, interests, aptitudes, skills, and limitations.
Arrange job interviews and accompany participants when necessary.
Use a team approach to plan, develop, implement, and monitor placement activities.
Analyze worksites and recommend job accommodations, modifications, or assistive technology when needed.
Provide post-employment retention services for 90 days or for the period required by the OODVR Manual.
Conduct follow-up activities to evaluate job development and placement services.
Honor participant preferences and actively seek participant input.
Obtain written job orders detailing position duties, educational requirements, and employer needs.
Market placement services to businesses through in-person, written, and telephone communications.
Build professional relationships with employers, respond to hiring needs, and develop job opportunities suited to participant goals and qualifications.
Support successful outcomes in Work Adjustments and Community Based Assessments.
Advocate for participants with local employers.
Recruit participants referred by OOD, BWC/MCO, VA, and other sources for career exploration, work adjustment, assessment, job readiness, summer youth work experience, and placement services.
Maintain frequent communication with referring counselors through calls, emails, faxes, reports, and meetings.
Arrange and conduct staffing meetings with participants and referring counselors to address difficulties or differences of opinion.
Maintain case files and documentation according to funding-source, CARF, government, and agency requirements.
Prepare and submit accurate, timely billing reports; work with referring counselors to resolve billing issues promptly.
Write detailed, accurate case notes in designated case management systems and record employer contacts, job orders, interviews, and placements.
Share employment opportunities, labor market trends, employer attitudes, and other relevant feedback with rehabilitation staff.
Pursue professional development through seminars, workshops, and professional organizations.
Participate actively on the Placement team and communicate thoroughly with involved parties.
Maintain a positive work atmosphere and communicate constructively with customers, vendors, clients, participants, coworkers, and supervisors.
Provide backup and support for staff who are ill or on vacation.
Maintain regular attendance and follow agency safety policies to support a safe work environment.