Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHOH) - Vocational Assessment Employment Specialist, ASL

Easterseals New Jersey

110d•$23 - $26

About The Position

The Vocational Assessment Employment Specialist serves as a career coach, advocate, and employer partner, helping individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing find, secure, and thrive in competitive employment throughout New Jersey. The position is based in the Central New Jersey region, covering Somerset, Hunterdon, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. It involves travel throughout New Jersey, with approximately 65% of time spent in the community, and a Monday–Friday schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Flexibility is required for occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support participants, employers, and program services. The specialist helps participants identify career goals and develop personalized employment plans, conducts vocational assessments, matches individuals with suitable careers, and provides job coaching, workplace training, and ongoing employment support. The role also involves building relationships with employers, teaching job-readiness and workplace-success skills, maintaining documentation and service records in accordance with program and accreditation standards, collaborating with families and service partners, and representing Easterseals at community and networking events. The position utilizes assistive technology for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Easterseals New Jersey describes its work as mission-driven, focused on helping individuals build confidence, independence, and brighter futures. The organization offers compensation and benefits, subject to eligibility requirements, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and ability to successfully pass the Sign Language Communication Evaluation (SLCE) administered by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation, or a related field and 1 year of related experience; or an associate degree and 2 years of related experience; or a high school diploma/GED and 3 years of related experience.
Knowledge of the unique strengths and workplace needs of individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Passion for disability employment and empowering others to achieve independence.
Skill in building relationships with employers and community partners.
Comfort providing coaching, training, and individualized support.
Organized, self-motivated, and able to manage documentation and multiple priorities.
Effective communication and excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

Help individuals identify career goals and develop personalized employment plans.
Build relationships with local employers to create meaningful job opportunities.
Conduct vocational assessments and match individuals with careers suited to their strengths and interests.
Provide one-on-one job coaching, workplace training, and ongoing employment support.
Teach job-readiness, employability, and workplace-success skills.
Spend most working time in the community supporting job seekers and employer partners.
Maintain documentation and service records while ensuring compliance with program and accreditation standards.
Collaborate with families, counselors, community agencies, and funding partners to promote successful employment outcomes.
Represent Easterseals at networking events and community meetings to expand employment opportunities.
Use assistive technology for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.