Employment Vocational Specialist (TEMPORARY)

WESTCARE GULFCOAST-FLORIDA INC; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

WestCare GulfCoast-Florida Inc is seeking a Vocational Counselor to screen and assess vocational and training needs for participants in Saint Petersburg, FL. The role focuses on enhancing readiness, identifying employment opportunities, and assisting participants with GED and vocational training as requested.

The counselor will prepare lesson plans, administer assessments, guide clients through job searches, and collaborate with community partners to create placement opportunities while

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in vocational counseling or related field preferred.
• Experience in a similar role, preferably with adults in behavioral health or substance use settings, is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess vocational and training needs for participants.
• Instruct adults in vocational skills such as interviewing, resume writing, and work behaviors.
• Support clients in securing employment and assist with job searches online.

Skills

Vocational counseling

Teamwork

Communication

Discretion

Crisis response

Time management

Documentation

Computer literacy

Initiative

Professionalism

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in vocational counseling or related field

Tools

MS Word

Job description

Position Summary

Job Title: Vocational CounselorLocation: Saint Petersburg, FL 33705Job Type: Full TimeCategory: Nonprofit – Social ServicesSalary Range: $16.00 – $17.00 per hourResponsible 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 GED and other vocational training as requested.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare lesson plans, administer interest inventories and other appropriate testing/assessment tools, and instruct adults in vocational skills, including interviewing, resume writing, work behaviors, and work skills.
• 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 in identifying and obtaining 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.
• Collaborate with employers, Chamber of Commerce, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other groups to develop appropriate community employment positions.
• Complete documentation of services on time.
• Provide input into the client’s treatment service needs 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

• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the vocational counseling field.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a pleasant and professional manner.
• 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 within scheduled hours.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to seek new work projects and contribute ideas and efforts to the constant improvement of WestCare GulfCoast‑Florida services.
• Understanding that new requirements such as vaccinations may arise and will be communicated by Human Resources.

Education and 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.