Vocational and Community Support Specialist

## Description

The Vocational and Community Support Specialist assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in developing the skills necessary to achieve greater independence, meaningful community participation, and successful employment outcomes. This role combines community habilitation and supported employment services by providing individualized training, coaching, advocacy, and support in home, community, and workplace settings. The Vocational and Community Support Specialist works closely with individuals, employers, and interdisciplinary teams to implement person-centered goals outlined in each individual's Life Plan, Community Habilitation Plan, and Supported Employment objectives. Through education, skill development, and community engagement, the specialist empowers individuals to build independence, enhance vocational skills, and actively participate in their communities.

**Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:**

**Community and Independent Living Support**

• Provide individualized instruction and support to help individuals develop and maintain daily living, socialization, communication, and community integration skills.
• Implement activities and services consistent with everyone’s Life Plan and Community Habilitation Plan.
• Support individuals in identifying and participating in recreational, educational, vocational, and community based activities.
• Promote community inclusion, self-advocacy, and relationship-building opportunities.
• Assist individuals in developing decision-making, problem-solving, and self-determination skills.
• Accompany an Individual/s on Public Transportation including Access-A-Ride to and from their job site to their residence.

**Employment Support and Job Coaching**

• Provide job coaching and vocational support to individuals participating in supported employment services.
• Utilize structured training techniques to teach job tasks, workplace expectations, productivity standards, quality assurance, communication skills, grooming, and professional conduct.
• Assist individuals with learning new job duties, adapting to workplace changes, and navigating workplace relationships.
• Conduct regular job-site visits to monitor performance, assess progress, and provide ongoing coaching and support.
• Collaborate with employers to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure successful employment outcomes.
• Support job retention through ongoing monitoring, advocacy, and workplace accommodations when appropriate.

**Advocacy and Service Coordination**

• Advocate on behalf of individuals in employment, community, and service settings.
• Coordinate with families, employers, supervisors, and external agencies to support individuals' goals and service needs.
• Assist individuals in accessing transportation resources and developing safe travel skills, including travel training when appropriate.
• Participate in Program Planning Team (PPT) meetings and provide recommendations regarding individual progress and support needs.
• Respond proactively to the emotional, social, physical, and cultural needs of individuals receiving services.

**Documentation and Compliance**

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily service notes, monthly progress reports, employment reports, and other required records.
• Document services provided, individual progress, challenges encountered, and recommendations for continued support.
• Report incidents, concerns, or significant changes in an individual's status to program management immediately.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, including OPWDD, ACCES-VR, Department of Labor, HIPAA, OSHA, and agency policies and procedures.

**Program and Team Responsibilities**

• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to ensure quality service delivery and meet program objectives.
• Participate in required staff meetings, training, and professional development activities.
• Assist in developing volunteer opportunities, paid employment opportunities, and meaningful community activities for individuals receiving services.
• Maintain professional relationships with individuals, families, employers, coworkers, and community partners.

## Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Education, Rehabilitation, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience in vocational services, job coaching, community habilitation, workforce development, or related human services preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community-based environments.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and supported employment practices preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the community as required.

• **Physical Demands**
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Constantly required to exchange accurate information
• Constantly operates a computer and other office tools
• Frequently remains in a stationary position
• Occasionally moves about inside an office
• Occasionally moves office equipment weighing up to 25 pounds
• May occasionally travel to program sites and for agency events

**Benefits**

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

• HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to [[email hidden]](mailto:[email hidden]).
• **About Heartshare**

Who WE ARE

For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated.

To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at [<www.heartshare.org>](http://www.heartshare.org/) or Follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/home) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartshare-human-services-of-new-york/mycompany/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/HeartShareNY) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/heartshare/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/heartshare/)

HeartShare Human Services of New York | Homepage

HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.