(ACRE Certified) Vocational & Life Skills Specialist

Connections for Life•Suisun City, CA

just now

About The Position

The Vocational and Life Skills Specialist is responsible for coordinating, delivering, and overseeing individualized vocational, employment, and life skills services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This role supports individuals in achieving Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), increased independence, and meaningful community participation. The Specialist serves as a key program lead for Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP), working in close collaboration with the Career Pathway Navigator (CPN) while also providing direct employment support and job coaching. Responsibilities include career discovery, job development, employer engagement, on-the-job coaching, staff coordination, and ensuring compliance with all applicable funding, reporting, and documentation requirements. The Specialist also works collaboratively with case managers across all programs to provide employment-related resources, guidance, and support, addressing participants’ vocational and career development needs agency-wide. This position requires a highly organized, relationship-driven professional with strong case management, communication, and community partnership skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred in social services, rehabilitation, education, or related field
Minimum 4 years of experience supporting individuals with IDD
ACRE Certificate required
Experience with employment services, service coordination, job coaching, or program implementation
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends
Community-based role with work occurring at job sites, employer locations, community settings, and participant homes
Travel throughout Solano County and Napa. (Mileage reimbursement)
Communicate verbally and in writing
Sit or stand for extended periods
Use hands and fingers for computer and documentation tasks
Occasionally, stand, walk, reach, and lift light materials
Have close-range vision for computer and documentation work
Knowledge of IDD services, vocational rehabilitation, and Employment First principles
Strong case management, documentation, and organizational skills
Ability to build and sustain employer and community partnerships
Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and advocacy
Working knowledge of benefits planning and community-based employment supports
Proficient in Microsoft Office, virtual meeting platforms, and internal documentation systems
Flexible, self-motivated, and able to manage competing priorities independently
Maintains confidentiality, professional boundaries, and a strengths-based approach

Nice To Haves

Experience with transition-age youth and adults preferred
Bilingual skills are a plus

Responsibilities

Lead and support the Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) program in collaboration with the Career Pathway Navigator
Ensure services are person-centered, goal-driven, timely, and aligned with authorized funding (POS)
Monitor service delivery, outcomes, utilization, and quality assurance for CCP and employment services
Track performance metrics and prepare program updates for internal and external stakeholders
Conduct career discovery to identify individual strengths, interests, skills, and employment goals
Develop and implement individualized career and life skills plans
Prepare individuals for employment through resume development, interview practice, workplace etiquette, self-advocacy, and problem-solving
Provide job coaching and on-site employment support to ensure skill acquisition, independence, and job retention
Support individuals in pursuing and maintaining competitive integrated employment, internships, or volunteer placements
Facilitate transition planning and connect individuals to long-term supports, benefits planning, and generic community resources
Provide person-centered job coaching within community-based work environments
Support employer relationships by assisting with training strategies, accommodations, and communication
Identify and implement environmental modifications and assistive technologies as needed
Facilitate appropriate social interactions and model professional workplace behavior
Encourage independence, productivity, and professional growth
Provide travel training and transportation coordination when necessary
Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, training programs, schools, and community organizations
Coordinate mock interviews, job trials, workplace tours, and job fairs
Connect individuals with Workforce Development Boards, benefits planners (SSI/SSA/Ticket to Work), and transportation resources
Maintain accurate case notes, service logs, employment records, and progress reports per CFL and funder requirements
Track authorized service hours, outcomes, and billing data
Participate in audits, quality reviews, and program evaluations
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, transition planning, and case reviews
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure continuity of care, accurate scheduling, and clear communication
Provide feedback on service improvements, training needs, and best practices