Vocational Specialist

Reports To: Unit Director/Clinical Supervisor

Training: CPI, QPRT, Annual, Safety, six (6) hours in discipline, Heart Saver First Aid CPR/AED

Career Development: Vocational Specialist | Therapist | LIP | Assistant Director | Director

Position Summary:
The vocational specialist leads the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) staff in providing assistance with each consumer's individual needs for job development, job-seeking skills and on-the-job assessment, referral to training and support, so that consumers will acquire and maintain appropriate job and social skills necessary to get and keep employment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides individual supportive counseling to assist consumer in identifying and coping with the symptoms of mental illness that may interfere with his/her work performance.
• Provides on-the-job crises intervention.
• Provides work-related supportive services (assistance with grooming and personal hygiene, securing appropriate clothing, wake-up calls and transportation).
• Completes an assessment of consumer work skills.
• Makes recommendations to the treatment plan regarding vocational goals.
• Ensures implementation of treatment plan and monitoring of progress toward vocational goals.
• Markets vocational services to area businesses.
• Participates, with other team members and consumers/family/others as appropriate, in the completion and updating of treatment plans for each consumer within established time frames or as indicated by consumer need.
• Documents all consumer interactions, including sessions with consumers/families/others as appropriate, within established time frames.
• Completes progress notes accurately, addressing treatment goals, major treatment issues and changes in mental status.
• Writes in a professional and competent manner.
• Proficient in the knowledge and skills described in the core competency curriculum for each assigned age/disability group.
• Develops an adequate professional working relationship with all referral sources and relevant agencies.
• Assists with case management and intra/interagency coordination of services for consumers.
• Responds to consumer-defined crises 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, providing crisis intervention and consultation to consumers, their families and others.
• Monitors medication intake by assessing symptoms, side effects and medication compliance, reporting to team.
• Works cooperatively with staff and supervisor.
• Seeks supervision in a professional manner and documents supervision.
• Demonstrates a willingness to serve on professional committees, attend staff meetings, attend in-services, etc.
• Effectively facilitates social and recreational activities.
• Effectively facilitates psychoeducational groups.
• Assists in the interviewing process for job applicants.
• Spends time in consumer's residence and community in order to realize goals of the consumer's treatment plan.
• Maintains a New Jersey driver's license.
• Practices safe and courteous driving habits.
• Engages in supportive counseling and provides education in daily living skills.
• Transports consumers as needed.
• Performs on-call responsibilities as assigned.
• Documentation must be completed within one (1) calendar day of service delivery.
• Productivity goals shall meet percentage as designated by department.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in behavioral health.
• Experience: Two (2) years in a vocational setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional years of experience in a behavioral health setting.

Equipment Use: Computer, copier, facsimile

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.