Certified Employment Specialist Vocational & Life Skills Specialist

Job Title:

Vocational and Life Skills Specialist

Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Director of Living Services (Career Pathways Navigator CPN)

The Vocational and Life Skills Specialist is responsible for coordinating, delivering, and overseeing individualized vocational, employment, and life skills services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This role supports individuals in achieving Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), increased independence, and meaningful community participation.

The Specialist serves as a key program lead for Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP), working in close collaboration with the Career Pathway Navigator (CPN) while also providing direct employment support and job coaching. Responsibilities include career discovery, job development, employer engagement, on-the-job coaching, staff coordination, and ensuring compliance with all applicable funding, reporting, and documentation requirements. The Specialist also works collaboratively with case managers across all programs to provide employment-related resources, guidance, and support, addressing participants’ vocational and career development needs agency-wide.

This position requires a highly organized, relationship-driven professional with strong case management, communication, and community partnership skills.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in social services, rehabilitation, education, or related field
• Minimum 4 years of experience supporting individuals with IDD
• ACRE Certificate or CESP required
• Experience with employment services, service coordination, job coaching, or program implementation
• Experience with transition-age youth and adults preferred
• Bilingual skills are a plus

• Lead and support the Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) program in collaboration with the Career Pathway Navigator
• Ensure services are person-centered, goal-driven, timely, and aligned with authorized funding (POS)
• Monitor service delivery, outcomes, utilization, and quality assurance for CCP and employment services
• Track performance metrics and prepare program updates for internal and external stakeholders

• Conduct career discovery to identify individual strengths, interests, skills, and employment goals
• Develop and implement individualized career and life skills plans
• Prepare individuals for employment through resume development, interview practice, workplace etiquette, self-advocacy, and problem-solving
• Provide job coaching and on-site employment support to ensure skill acquisition, independence, and job retention
• Support individuals in pursuing and maintaining competitive integrated employment, internships, or volunteer placements
• Facilitate transition planning and connect individuals to long-term supports, benefits planning, and generic community resources

• Provide person-centered job coaching within community-based work environments
• Support employer relationships by assisting with training strategies, accommodations, and communication
• Identify and implement environmental modifications and assistive technologies as needed
• Facilitate appropriate social interactions and model professional workplace behavior
• Encourage independence, productivity, and professional growth
• Provide travel training and transportation coordination when necessary

• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, training programs, schools, and community organizations
• Coordinate mock interviews, job trials, workplace tours, and job fairs
• Connect individuals with Workforce Development Boards, benefits planners (SSI/SSA/Ticket to Work), and transportation resources

• Maintain accurate case notes, service logs, employment records, and progress reports per CFL and funder requirements
• Track authorized service hours, outcomes, and billing data
• Participate in audits, quality reviews, and program evaluations

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, transition planning, and case reviews
• Collaborate…