(ACRE Certified) Vocational & Life Skills Specialist at Connections for Life – Suisun City, California

Job Title: Vocational and Life Skills Specialist

Job Classification:

Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Reports To: Director of Living Services (Career Pathways Navigator CPN)

Position Summary:

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.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in social services, rehabilitation, education, or related field
• Minimum 4 years of experience supporting individuals with IDD
• ACRE Certificate 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

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Oversight & Coordination

• 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

Individualized Career & Life Skills Services

• 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

Employment Support & Job Coaching

• 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

Community Engagement & Employer Partnerships

• 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

Documentation, Compliance & Reporting

• 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

Team Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, transition planning, and case reviews
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure continuity of care, accurate scheduling, and clear communication
• Provide feedback on service improvements, training needs, and best practices

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of IDD services, vocational rehabilitation, and Employment First principles
• Strong case management, documentation, and organizational skills
• Ability to build and sustain employer and community partnerships
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and advocacy
• Working knowledge of benefits planning and community-based employment supports
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, virtual meeting platforms, and internal documentation systems
• Flexible, self-motivated, and able to manage competing priorities independently
• Maintains confidentiality, professional boundaries, and a strengths-based approach

Work Environment & Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends
• Community-based role with work occurring at job sites, employer locations, community settings, and participant homes
• Travel throughout Solano County and Napa. (Mileage reimbursement)

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• Communicate verbally and in writing
• Sit or stand for extended periods
• Use hands and fingers for computer and documentation tasks
• Occasionally, stand, walk, reach, and lift light materials
• Have close-range vision for computer and documentation work