Vocational and Community Support Specialist
About The Position
The Vocational and Community Support Specialist assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in developing skills for greater independence, meaningful community participation, and successful employment. The role combines community habilitation and supported employment services, providing individualized training, coaching, advocacy, and support in home, community, and workplace settings. The specialist works with individuals, employers, and interdisciplinary teams to carry out person-centered goals in each individual's Life Plan, Community Habilitation Plan, and Supported Employment objectives. This is a part-time position scheduled two days a week. It requires picking up an individual in the Bronx and accompanying them by Access-A-Ride to their job site in Queens; the commute from the Bronx to Queens is compensated. The position is based at Laurelton Childrens in Queens and involves travel of up to 50%.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community-based environments.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the community as required.
- Willingness to travel to the Bronx two to three times a week.
Nice To Haves
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Education, Rehabilitation, Social Work, or a related field.
- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Experience in vocational services, job coaching, community habilitation, workforce development, or related human services.
- Knowledge of person-centered planning and supported employment practices.
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized instruction and support to develop daily living, socialization, communication, and community integration skills.
- Implement activities and services consistent with each individual'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, relationship-building, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-determination.
- Accompany individuals on public transportation, including Access-A-Ride, to and from their job site and residence.
- Provide job coaching and vocational support to individuals participating in supported employment services.
- Teach job tasks, workplace expectations, productivity standards, quality assurance, communication skills, grooming, and professional conduct using structured training techniques.
- Help individuals learn new job duties, adapt to workplace changes, and navigate workplace relationships.
- Conduct job-site visits to monitor performance, assess progress, and provide coaching and support.
- Collaborate with employers to identify improvements and support successful employment outcomes.
- Support job retention through monitoring, advocacy, and workplace accommodations when appropriate.
- Advocate for individuals in employment, community, and service settings.
- Coordinate with families, employers, supervisors, and external agencies to support individual goals and service needs.
- Help individuals access transportation resources and develop safe travel skills, including travel training when appropriate.
- Participate in Program Planning Team meetings and provide recommendations about individual progress and support needs.
- Respond proactively to the emotional, social, physical, and cultural needs of individuals receiving services.
- Maintain timely documentation, including daily service notes, monthly progress reports, employment reports, and other required records.
- Document services, progress, challenges, and recommendations for continued support.
- Immediately report incidents, concerns, or significant changes in an individual's status to program management.
- Comply with applicable regulations and standards, including OPWDD, ACCES-VR, Department of Labor, HIPAA, OSHA, and agency policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with supervisors and team members to deliver quality services and meet program objectives.
- Participate in required staff meetings, training, and professional development activities.
- Assist in developing volunteer opportunities, paid employment opportunities, and meaningful community activities.
- Perform other job-related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position and applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
Benefits
- Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
- 403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution.
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible spending account for dependent care, medical, parking, and transit.
- Employee appreciation programs and events.
- Tuition Assistance Program.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Wellhub discount.
- Verizon Wireless discount.
- BJ's Membership discount.
- Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates, and more.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
High school or GED
