Vocational Specialist in Kearny, New Jersey at Pathways to Independence

About Company:

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization providing pre-vocational and vocational training opportunities to adults with disabilities. PTI was founded in 1978, as a sheltered workshop, by a group of concerned community members who recognized the need in the West Hudson, South Bergen areas for vocational training and employment for persons with disabilities. Since then, the agency has continued to expand its spectrum of services to include assisting people with various disabilities in pertinent employment settings.

Our commitment is to provide the best quality services possible to consumers we serve. Through the training programs PTI offers, it is our intent that each individual will develop the skills necessary to create his or her own future, filled with promise of dreams realized.

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is approved for service by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and New Jersey Transit. Among our many programs, the following have received state certification and national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Division of Developmental Disabilities:

• Community Services: Community Integration
• Employment Services: Trial Work Experience.
• Employment Services: Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
• Employment Services: Employee Development Services
• Employment Services: Organizational Employment Services
• Community Employment Services: Pre-Placement. Placement
• Community Employment Services: Job Development (Intensive Services).

About the Role:

The Vocational Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals within the health care and social assistance sector to achieve meaningful employment and career development. This position focuses on assessing clients' vocational interests, skills, and barriers to employment, then designing and implementing personalized vocational plans that promote independence and economic self-sufficiency. The specialist collaborates closely with healthcare providers, social workers, employers, and community resources to facilitate job placement, training, and ongoing support. By providing guidance, advocacy, and education, the Vocational Specialist empowers clients to overcome challenges related to disability, health conditions, or social circumstances. Ultimately, this role contributes to improving clients' quality of life through sustainable employment and integration into the workforce.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals facing employment barriers, preferably in a healthcare or social assistance setting.
• Strong knowledge of vocational assessment tools and employment support strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse client populations.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain detailed documentation.
• Valid NJ Drivers License and be 21 years of age or older to transport clients

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, social work, or a related discipline.
• Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or equivalent credential.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions.
• Familiarity with local labor market and community employment resources.
• Proficiency in case management software and data tracking systems.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive vocational assessments to evaluate clients' skills, interests, and employment barriers.
• Develop individualized vocational rehabilitation plans tailored to clients' needs and goals.
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals, social service agencies, and employers to facilitate job training, placement, and retention.
• Provide counseling and support to clients to enhance job readiness, interview skills, and workplace adaptation.
• Monitor client progress and adjust vocational plans as necessary to ensure successful employment outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation and case records in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Stay informed about labor market trends, community resources, and vocational training opportunities.

Skills:

The Vocational Specialist utilizes strong assessment and counseling skills daily to understand clients’ unique vocational needs and to develop effective employment plans. Communication skills are essential for collaborating with healthcare providers, employers, and community organizations to coordinate services and advocate for clients. Organizational and case management skills ensure that client progress is tracked meticulously and that documentation meets compliance standards. Problem-solving abilities are applied to address barriers to employment and to adapt strategies as client circumstances evolve. Additionally, knowledge of labor market trends and vocational resources enables the specialist to connect clients with relevant training and job opportunities, fostering successful workforce integration.