Vocational and Community Support Specialist

Heartshare Human Services Of New York•Queens, NY

About The Position

The Vocational and Community Support Specialist supports 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 instruction, coaching, advocacy, and support in home, community, and workplace settings. The specialist works with individuals, employers, and interdisciplinary teams to implement person-centered goals in each individual’s Life Plan, Community Habilitation Plan, and Supported Employment objectives. This is a part-time position for two days a week. The specialist picks up an individual in the Bronx and accompanies them by Access-A-Ride to a job site in Queens; travel time from the Bronx to Queens is compensated. The role also requires travel to the Bronx two to three times a week and travel throughout the community as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
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 in 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, between their residence and job site; support transportation access and safe travel skills, including travel training when appropriate.
Provide job coaching and vocational support to individuals in supported employment services.
Teach job tasks and workplace expectations, productivity standards, quality assurance, communication skills, grooming, and professional conduct using structured training techniques.
Support individuals in learning new duties, adapting to workplace changes, and navigating workplace relationships.
Visit job sites regularly to monitor performance, assess progress, and provide coaching and support.
Collaborate with employers to identify improvements and support successful employment outcomes; assist with job retention, 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.
Participate in Program Planning Team meetings and provide recommendations on progress and support needs.
Respond proactively to individuals’ emotional, social, physical, and cultural needs.
Maintain timely and accurate daily service notes, monthly progress reports, employment reports, and other required documentation; record services, progress, challenges, and recommendations.
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, attend required meetings and training, and participate in professional development.
Assist in developing volunteer opportunities, paid employment opportunities, and meaningful community activities.
Perform other job-related duties consistent with the position’s scope 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 accounts 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.
Comprehensive benefit package based on full-time or part-time status.