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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Vocational Coordinator

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

Social ServicesNon-ProfitHealthcareHuman ResourcesCareer Services

🎯 Role Definition

As a Vocational Coordinator, you are a career strategist, an advocate, and a crucial link between talented individuals facing barriers to employment and the businesses that need them. You will manage a caseload of clients, providing comprehensive, individualized support from initial assessment to long-term job retention. Your mission is to foster independence, build confidence, and create sustainable career pathways for the people you serve. You'll be the architect of their professional success stories, making a tangible impact every single day.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Case Manager
  • Job Coach / Employment Specialist
  • Direct Support Professional (DSP)
  • Social Worker (BSW)

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Vocational Coordinator
  • Program Manager (Vocational Services)
  • Director of Vocational or Employment Services
  • Clinical Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Career Counselor (Education or Corporate)
  • Benefits Specialist
  • Corporate Recruiter or HR Generalist with a focus on diversity and inclusion

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct in-depth, person-centered vocational assessments to identify clients' skills, aptitudes, interests, strengths, and potential barriers to employment using interviews, and situational analysis.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) or Service Plans (ISP) in collaboration with clients, outlining clear goals and actionable steps.
  • Provide intensive one-on-one career counseling and guidance to help clients explore career options, set realistic employment goals, and develop a strategic job search plan.
  • Teach and model essential job-seeking skills, including effective resume and cover letter writing, online application strategies, networking techniques, and mock interviewing practice.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with local employers, business leaders, and community partners to develop a robust network of job leads and placement opportunities.
  • Proactively perform job development activities, including cold calling, attending job fairs, and networking events, to advocate for clients and match their skills with employer needs.
  • Facilitate the successful placement of clients into competitive, integrated employment settings that align with their skills, preferences, and career goals.
  • Provide on-site and remote job coaching to newly employed clients, offering support with job orientation, task analysis, and integration into the workplace culture.
  • Act as a liaison between the employee and employer, providing support and mediation to resolve workplace issues and ensure a successful, long-term employment relationship.
  • Monitor client progress on the job and provide ongoing, long-term follow-along support to promote job retention and identify opportunities for career advancement.
  • Maintain meticulous, accurate, and timely case documentation, including progress notes, placement data, and outcome reports, in compliance with organizational and funder requirements.
  • Manage a dynamic caseload of individuals, effectively prioritizing tasks to meet the diverse needs of each client while adhering to program deadlines.
  • Conduct job site analyses to evaluate workplace environments, identify essential job functions, and determine the need for reasonable accommodations.
  • Advocate on behalf of clients to address and overcome systemic barriers to employment, including issues related to transportation, childcare, and stigma.
  • Facilitate engaging psychoeducational and skills-based groups or workshops on topics such as workplace communication, financial literacy, and stress management.
  • Stay current on local labor market trends, in-demand industries, and available community resources to provide the most relevant guidance to clients.
  • Assist clients in understanding how employment may impact their public benefits (e.g., SSI/SSDI) and connect them with benefits counseling resources.
  • Coordinate services and communicate effectively with an interdisciplinary team, including therapists, case managers, medical providers, and family members, to ensure holistic support.
  • Ensure all service delivery and documentation practices adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, including ADA, and meet the standards of accrediting bodies like CARF.
  • Transport clients as needed to interviews, job fairs, or job sites using a personal or company vehicle, ensuring their safe and timely arrival.
  • Research and identify skill-building opportunities, such as volunteer positions, internships, or short-term training programs, to enhance client employability.

Secondary Functions

  • Generate ad-hoc reports on client progress, placement rates, and program outcomes for internal stakeholders and funding sources.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of vocational service delivery by providing feedback and insights on program effectiveness and client needs.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including case managers, therapists, and medical staff, to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to client care.
  • Participate in regular team meetings, case conferences, and strategic planning sessions to align individual efforts with departmental goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Case Management Software: Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) or client management systems for documentation and tracking.
  • Vocational Assessment Tools: Experience with or knowledge of various assessment methods to determine client skills and interests.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Word for resume creation, Excel for tracking data, and Outlook for communication.
  • Labor Law Knowledge: Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), fair labor standards, and employment laws.
  • Job Development & Marketing: Proven ability to network, market clients to employers, and close placement opportunities.
  • Reporting & Documentation: Skill in writing clear, concise, and professional case notes and outcome reports.

Soft Skills

  • Empathetic Communication: The ability to build rapport and trust with diverse individuals, listen actively, and communicate with compassion and clarity.
  • Advocacy & Persuasion: A tenacious and persuasive demeanor when advocating for clients with employers and other stakeholders.
  • Problem-Solving: Creative and critical thinking skills to identify challenges and develop effective solutions to overcome barriers to employment.
  • Resilience & Patience: The capacity to remain positive and persistent in the face of setbacks and to guide clients through challenging periods.
  • Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to manage a full caseload, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or similar credential.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Human Services
  • Sociology
  • Education

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of experience in vocational counseling, case management, job development, or a related field.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience working with individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other significant barriers to employment. A proven track record of successful job placements and building employer relationships is highly desirable.
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