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

Easterseals Southern California•Culver City, LA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. As a Vocational Specialist, you are the ultimate connector between employers and job seekers. This position is considered hybrid but most of the work will be done in the community with job seekers and employers. 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

Candidate must have reliable transportation, insurance, and a clean DMV record.
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
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.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking a plus.

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.