Vocational Specialist I

Easterseals Southern California; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401k program

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Easterseals Southern California connects job seekers with meaningful employment, offering comprehensive employment services across Orange County and beyond. The Vocational Specialist role focuses on discovery, strategy development, and employer engagement to place individuals in suitable roles while providing ongoing support through onboarding and beyond.

The position is hybrid, based out of Irvine with travel across Southern California, and requires a reliable vehicle.

Qualifications

• Requires HS diploma; ACRE Certification is required.
• Must be able to multi-task and work with diverse clients.
• Strong MS Office and written/oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide job seekers through a discovery process to identify strengths and preferences.
• Develop customized job search strategies with timelines.
• Build confidence and create buy-in with job seekers.
• Support clients through interview and onboarding processes.
• Develop relationships with employers and community partners.

Skills

MS Office

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

HS diploma

ACRE Certification

Tools

MS Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

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.

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Are you passionate about finding job seekers meaningful employment that is more than just a job? Do you dream big and see a world where everyone sees the abilities of job seekers, regardless of disability? As a Vocational Specialist, you are the ultimate connector between employers and job seekers.

Position: Vocational Specialist 1

Location: Orange County - Hybrid position based out of Irvine but will work/travel in the orange county area.

Hours: Full-time – 37.5 hours per week Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Hourly Starting Pay Rate: $25 per hour

Additional Information: This position is a hybrid position and requires travel to meet with assigned job seekers. Candidate must have reliable transportation, insurance, and a clean DMV record. Spanish speaking preferred.

Find out more about Employment Services: https://socal.easterseals.com/get-support/areas-of-support/workfirst-employment-services

As a Vocational Specialist you will:

• 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

You’ll Thrive Here If You:

• 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

Our Vocational Specialists come from a variety of backgrounds.

• Real Estate
• Marketing
• Non-Profit
• Case Managers
• Education
• Customer Service

Benefits and Perks of being an ESSC associate include:

• Excellent Monday through Friday work schedule. No weekends or evenings
• Full-time positions are eligible for medical, dental, & vision, 401k program, tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year, student loan counseling program, 15 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, etc.
• Great work culture & work/life balance
• ACRE Certification through on-the-job training

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OVERVIEW OF POSITION

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

• 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.

EDUCATION

Typically requires HS diploma.|ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certification is required.

EXPERIENCE

• 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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Must be able to multi-task and accept challenges.
• 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.

Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-10 lbs.
Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing. Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, grasping, and twisting
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint with or without corrective lenses
Travel: Up to 30% of time
Environmental Exposure: None