Employment Vocational Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for screening and assessing vocational and training needs for participants. Will work to enhance vocational readiness skills, identify employment opportunities, and assist participants in obtaining a GED and other vocational training as requested. The position also involves providing hands-on support to clients as they complete computer-based tasks such as GED preparation, job searches, resume development, and online job applications.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare lesson plans, administer interest inventories and other appropriate testing/screening/assessment tools, and instruct adults in vocational skills, including interviewing, resume writing, work behaviors, work skills, etc.
• Evaluate and monitor clients’ vocational/occupational skills performance.
• Support clients in securing and maintaining employment, including assistance with online job searches.
• Assist clients with disabilities who are unable to work identify and obtain suitable volunteer opportunities.
• Provide one-on-one support to clients with limited computer skills to help them research available job openings online.
• Work with outside agencies, local businesses, and schools to coordinate further training for job placement.
• Work with employers, Chamber of Commerce, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other groups to develop appropriate community employment positions.
• Complete documentation of services on provided from in a timely manner.
• Provide input into the client’s treatment service need and disposition.
• Assist all other WestCare staff as needed in a collaborative manner to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the vocational counseling field.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a manner that is pleasant and professional.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to operate a computer and complete documents in Microsoft Word program formats or the ability to learn.
• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to complete work tasks withing schedule work hours.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willing to seek new work projects and contribute ideas and efforts to the constant improvement of WestCare GulfCoast-Florida services.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School or equivalent plus experience in a similar position required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in vocational counseling or related field preferred.
• One (1) + years’ experience in a similar capacity: experience working with adults in a substance abuse or mental health setting preferred.
• Requires strong computer skills and intermediate proficiency.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily in a professional office setting.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Potential for high noise level at times.
• Working overtime may be required and essential to perform job duties at times

WestCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at WestCare is contingent upon
successful completion of a pre-employment drug test,
pre-employment physical and criminal background check.