JOB TITLE: VOCATIONAL SERVICES MANAGER

JOB CODE: 31850

DEFINITION: This is managerial work providing vocational services for patients with an intellectual disability or a mental health diagnosis. An employee in this job directs the development, planning, and implementation of a vocational services program in a Commonwealth facility. Work involves managing the delivery of vocational workshops and other patient-employee work programs, monitoring program effectiveness, and evaluating and determining adjustments to improve service delivery. Work includes developing, recommending, and communicating policies and procedures related to the overall program; managing and coordinating the delivery of volunteer services delivered through community agencies; and monitoring the budget and expenses of the program. Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor and is reviewed for quality of services and achievement of established objectives through conferences and reports.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-lever job by the responsibility for supervising Vocational Services Supervisors.

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.)

• Manages, coordinates, and implements a vocational services program for individuals with an intellectual disability or a mental health diagnosis in a Commonwealth facility.

• Directs the delivery of all vocational services through supervisory staff.

• Develops policies and procedures governing the administration of the vocational services program and implements and communicates them to staff.

• Coordinates the delivery of all vocational services with other professional services in the facility.

• Researches and assesses the feasibility of significant adjustments to workshops and patient-worker program delivery or new work offerings and presents recommendations.

• Maintains contact with interdisciplinary treatment teams, gains understanding of patient treatment and habilitative goals, and assigns Vocational Services Workers to the teams.

• Consults with physicians and other professionals on the development, implementation, and effectiveness of vocational services.

• Monitors and reconciles program expenses and recommends new expenditures based on program needs and budget.

• Coordinates the delivery of volunteer community services provided to patients, including ensuring necessary equipment and patient transport services are available; and interfaces and resolves issues with internal and external points of contact.

• Oversees the patient-work programs which are contracted with outside businesses and participates in contract negotiations.

• Reviews, evaluates, plans, and implements the training and related activity needs of staff.

• Requisitions, inspects, and manages proper maintenance of equipment and materials.

• Reviews and prepares reports on the vocational services program at the facility.

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

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• 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 health and safety standards and their application to vocational services program development and implementation.

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

• Knowledge of vocational training methods and resources involved in work production, in-service training, and out-service training.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

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

• Ability to assess patients' functioning levels, strengths, needs, and progress relative to vocational program goals and delivering quality vocational services.

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

• Ability to interpret and apply clinical and program data and reports to assess vocational services and delivery effectiveness.

• 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)

• One year as a Vocational Services Supervisor (Commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional vocational services experience that includes one year of supervisory experience and a bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, vocational education, vocational counseling, or a related human services field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of supervisory professional vocational services experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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