The Vocational Specialist supports individuals with severe mental illness in achieving employment and community participation through assessment, job development, and ongoing coaching. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate vocational goals into treatment plans while providing clinical and rehabilitation services.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field. Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness is preferred, along with knowledge of supported employment principles.
Vocational Specialist (Employment Specialist) – Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) Job Summary The Vocational Specialist is a core clinical member of the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) and is responsible for supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in achieving meaningful employment, education, and community participation.
This role focuses on assessment, job development, placement, and ongoing support using evidence-based supported employment principles.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities 1.Engagement, Assessment, and Planning Engage consumers in discussions about employment and education, with an emphasis on competitive employment and the benefits of work and school.
Conduct comprehensive, person-centered vocational and pre-vocational assessments focused on strengths, interests, preferences, and employment readiness.
Complete on-the-job assessments as appropriate to support job matching and skill development.
Facilitate person-centered planning and integrate vocational goals into the consumer’s overall treatment plan.
Provide ongoing assessment of consumers’ symptoms, functioning, and response to vocational and clinical interventions.
2.
Job Development and Employer Relations Build and maintain relationships with local employers and community businesses.
Educate employers about ACT services, supported employment, and workplace accommodations.
Identify job opportunities aligned with consumer preferences, including potential job carving options.
Negotiate job placements, accommodations, and supports with employers as needed.
3.
Job Placement and Ongoing Support Facilitate individualized job placement consistent with evidence-based supported employment models.
Provide job coaching and ongoing workplace supports, including skill development, workplace navigation, and managing relationships with supervisors and coworkers.
Assist consumers in resume development, interview preparation, and job-seeking skills.
Support consumers in addressing workplace challenges and maintaining employment.
4.
Benefits Counseling and Resource Coordination Provide basic benefits counseling related to employment and public benefits.
Connect consumers to specialized benefits counseling resources when more intensive support is needed.
Coordinate services with vocational rehabilitation, educational institutions, Social Security, housing authorities, residential providers, and other community resources.
5.
Collaboration and Team Integration Work closely with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and other ACT Team members to integrate vocational goals into treatment planning.
Serve as a consultant and educator to ACT Team members regarding supported employment principles and vocational recovery.
Participate actively in team meetings and communicate promptly about changes in consumer status, progress, or barriers.
Serve as liaison between consumers, family members, employers, and the ACT Team.
Clinical, Rehabilitation, and Supportive Services Provide individual and group interventions as needed, including symptom education, behavioral symptom management, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation services.
Assist consumers with activities of daily living, including money management, household skills, meal preparation, and personal hygiene as indicated.
Support consumers in meeting basic needs related to housing, financial stability, physical health, vocational interests, recreation, and socialization.
Participate in on-call coverage in accordance with ACTT policies and procedures.
6.
Documentation and Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of vocational services, progress notes, and assessments in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
Update service plans as consumer needs and goals evolve.
Assume primary responsibility for documentation and service coordination for an assigned caseload.
Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards and documentation policies.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field. Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness preferred. Knowledge of supported employment, vocational rehabilitation principles, and job development strategies. Strong interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while exercising independent clinical judgment. Familiarity with local labor markets and community resources. Commitment to recovery-oriented, person-centered, and strengths-based care.
Work Environment Services are primarily provided in community settings, including consumers’ homes, workplaces, and public locations. Position requires flexibility, independence, and the ability to respond to changing consumer needs.
