Vocational Specialist I - Connecting Job Seekers with Meaningful Employment

Easter Seals Southern California•Irvine, CA

2d•$25•Hybrid

About The Position

Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities. Easterseals Southern California provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 15,000 people each year—from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, daily and independent living services for adults, employment programs, veterans’ services and more. Our public education, policy and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society. Join us as we seek to be the most inclusive place for people with disabilities to live, learn, work & play easterseals.com/southerncal Are you passionate about finding job seekers meaningful employment that is more than just a job? Do you dream big and see a world where everyone sees the abilities of job seekers, regardless of disability? As a Vocational Specialist, you are the ultimate connector between employers and job seekers. OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under direct supervision, provides individual employment services. Determines client interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personality characteristics for vocational planning purposes. Develops and executes job placement plan. Ensures complete and accurate files are established and maintained. Prepares associated reports.

Requirements

See "no" as merely a temporary roadblock, not a dead end
Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and can speak the language of business
Read subtle cues and adapt conversations accordingly
Connect with others easily and meaningfully
Excel at negotiation and relationship building
Recognize potential in others, sometimes before they see it themselves
Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
Self-motivated with the ability to work well independently to achieve goals
Typically requires HS diploma.
ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certification is required.
Typically requires 1-2 years’ experience in job development with individuals with special needs or vocational rehabilitation; or equivalent combination of training, education and experience to perform the job successfully
Must be able to multi-task and accept challenges.
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Applications (Word, Outlook and Excel).
Able to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills.
Ability to maintain customer service orientation and professionalism in all interactions.
Strong, effective communication skills, both oral and written, to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups, and with all levels of staff and the public.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality to manage sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
Able to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
Ability to travel throughout Southern California with reliable transportation, maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; must have and maintain proper auto insurance and vehicle registration.
Ability to pass post-offer medical examination and test for tuberculosis.
Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.
Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-10 lbs.
Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing. Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, grasping, and twisting
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint with or without corrective lenses
Travel: Up to 30% of time
Environmental Exposure: None

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide job seekers through a discovery process to identify their strengths and ideal work conditions
Develop customized job search strategies with detailed timelines
Build confidence and create buy-in with job seekers
Support clients throughout the interview and onboarding process
Seek out community opportunities and forge meaningful business relationships
Use your business acumen to understand employers' needs and challenges
Advocate for individuals, our services, and innovative employment practices
Completes the discovery process, determining personal attributes, interests, skills, talents, and preferences, resulting in a solid profile.
Develops a personalized plan and determines opportunities.
Generates employment opportunities for clients through regular employer contacts, public relations, and community interaction.
Follows up on leads with potential employers and develops jobs.
Completes paperwork and maintains files and client documentation.
Provides transportation to clients depending upon program design and job location.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Excellent Monday through Friday work schedule. No weekends or evenings
Full-time positions are eligible for medical, dental, & vision, 401k program, tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year, student loan counseling program, 15 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, etc.
Great work culture & work/life balance
ACRE Certification through on-the-job training

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