JOB TITLE: VOCATIONAL SERVICES WORKER

JOB CODE: 31820

DEFINITION: This is professional work providing vocational services for patients with an intellectual disability or a mental health diagnosis. An employee in this job evaluates, recommends, implements, and monitors the vocational segments of patients’ comprehensive program plans. Work involves conducting formal patient assessments of functioning levels, strengths, and needs; developing patient goals; implementing vocational plans; and delivering vocational workshops and all other patient-employee work programs. Work includes monitoring, evaluating, and reporting patient progress toward achieving program goals to the interdisciplinary team; selecting vocational activities to meet individual needs; and adapting vocational activities to the changing needs of the patient. Work may include training and directing non-professional staff in the delivery of vocational services. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by a supervisor for quality and achievement of program goals through observation, conferences, and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Evaluates, recommends, implements, and monitors the vocational segments of comprehensive patient program plans.

• Develops patient vocational program descriptions and goals.

• Provides individual instruction, direction, and support to patients throughout their vocational programs.

• Directs and instructs aides in the conduct of vocational activities, such as shop activities; horticultural activities; furniture repair; patient worker activities; sub-component assembly; and materials handling, collating, sorting, and packaging.

• Attends interdisciplinary team meetings and provides recommendations regarding the use and benefits of specific vocational methods in the patient’s program plans.

• Prepares space, equipment, and staff for vocational activities within an assigned area and integrates scheduling with services provided by other clinical disciplines.

• Screens patients and prepares referrals to other therapeutic services.

• Documents and maintains necessary administrative and clinical records.

• Requisitions supplies and equipment needed to implement vocational services.

• Ensures activity areas are free of hazards and instructs individuals, employees, and assigned volunteers in safety practices and precautions in using supplies and equipment.

• Participates in training on current theories and methods in the field of vocational rehabilitation.

• Participates in vocational services staff meetings.

• Conducts in-service training for aides, volunteers, and other facility staff.

• Travels to on- and off-campus field sites and transports patients to vocational activities and events.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of vocational rehabilitation.

• Knowledge of vocational program content, such as vocational evaluation, work adjustment, skills training, placement, and vocational counseling.

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior and effective ways of working with patients with physical, medical, or intellectual disabilities.

• Knowledge of the care, use, and maintenance of equipment and supplies needed for vocational services.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to implement and evaluate vocational segments of individual program plans in accordance with patients’ functioning levels, strengths, and needs.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, vocational education, vocational counseling, or a related human services field;

or

• Four years of paraprofessional experience providing vocational services to individuals with physical, medical, or intellectual disabilities;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.