Vocational Specialist - M-F Days - Job Developer - Meaningful Employment - Disability Services

Easterseals Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

26d•Hybrid

About The Position

Easterseals Southern California is hiring a Vocational Specialist 1 to provide individual employment services and connect job seekers with employers. The position is based at the Culver City - La Tijera site and is hybrid, with most work taking place in the community with job seekers and employers. The schedule is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; the starting pay rate is $25 per hour. Under direct supervision, the Vocational Specialist determines clients’ interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personality characteristics for vocational planning. The specialist completes a discovery process, creates a personalized job placement plan, identifies opportunities, and supports clients through interviews and onboarding. The role also involves regular employer outreach and relationship building, maintaining accurate client files and documentation, preparing reports, and providing client transportation depending on program design and job location. The position requires travel throughout Southern California, reliable transportation, proper auto insurance and vehicle registration, and a driving record that complies with transportation safety standards. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain criminal record and fingerprint clearances, pass a post-offer medical examination and tuberculosis test, and pass required drug testing. ACRE certification is required; the posting also notes that certification is available through on-the-job training. Spanish-speaking ability is a plus.

Requirements

Typically requires a high school diploma.
ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certification is required.
Typically requires 1–2 years of experience in job development with individuals with special needs or vocational rehabilitation, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Ability to multitask, accept challenges, and work independently toward goals.
Ability to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
Good judgment and decision-making skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups.
Ability to maintain customer-service orientation and professionalism in all interactions.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive situations and documentation.
Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record and fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to employer or program requirements.
Ability to travel throughout Southern California using reliable transportation; maintain a driving record compliant with Transportation Safety Standards; and maintain proper auto insurance and vehicle registration.
Must pass a post-offer medical examination and tuberculosis test.
Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.
Reliable transportation, insurance, and a clean DMV record are required.

Nice To Haves

Spanish-speaking ability is a plus.
Experience or background in real estate, marketing, nonprofit work, case management, education, or customer service.

Responsibilities

Guide job seekers through a discovery process to identify their strengths, interests, skills, talents, preferences, and ideal work conditions.
Develop personalized job search strategies and job placement plans, including detailed timelines and opportunities.
Build job seekers’ confidence and support them through interviews and onboarding.
Generate employment opportunities through regular employer contacts, public relations, community interaction, and follow-up on employer leads.
Develop meaningful business relationships and understand employers’ needs and challenges.
Advocate for individuals, Easterseals services, and innovative employment practices.
Complete paperwork and maintain accurate client files and documentation.
Prepare associated reports.
Provide transportation to clients depending on program design and job location.
Perform other duties as assigned.