The Vocational Specialist provides recovery-based employment and educational support to adults with serious mental illness using evidence-based practices like IPS. Responsibilities include conducting employer outreach, facilitating group sessions, and assisting clients with job readiness and community integration.
Requirements summary
A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field and at least one year of experience in mental health services are required. Candidates must possess a valid New York State driver's license and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Records.
bachelor degreepostgraduate degreeCase ManagementAssessmentInterpersonal CommunicationJob DevelopmentElectronic Health RecordsTreatment PlanningCrisis InterventionMicrosoft OfficeGroup FacilitationResume WritingVocational CounselingEmployer OutreachCover Letter DevelopmentBenefits NavigationIPS Methodology
Job description
Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency transforming lives and communities through mental health, addiction, housing, and essential human services with more than 60 social service programs in over 20 locations.
Schedule
Monday-Friday 8: 00am-4:00pm
SUMMARY
Family Service League is seeking a full-time Vocational Specialist to work in our Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) program located in Huntington NY.
The Vocational Specialist provides recovery-based services to adults with serious and persistent mental illness.
Responsibilities include assisting individuals in identifying and achieving employment and educational goals through individualized vocational counseling and support.
The Vocational Specialist conducts assessments, facilitates PROS individual and group sessions, assists with job readiness and job search activities, and provides ongoing support to help participants obtain and maintain competitive employment.
Regular travel within the community and the transportation of clients are essential functions of this position.
This position is community-based, with at least 50% of work hours spent off-site providing vocational services, employer outreach, job development, and employment support and community integration.
We offer a generous benefits package including the following
Health and Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Retirement Savings Plan with a 5% employer contribution
Life and AD&D Insurance
Generous PTO (paid time off)
Up to 11 paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Student Tuition Remission Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Employee Discounts and more!
Responsibilities
The Vocational Specialist will provide vocational services in individual and group settings utilizing evidence-based practices, including IPS (Individual Placement and Support).
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
AD&D Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Employee Discounts
Paid Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Plan
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Student Tuition Remission Program
Spend at least 50% of work time in the field providing direct vocational services, conducting employer outreach, job development, community integration, and supporting clients in achieving employment-related goals.
Maintain a caseload of clients.
Provide group services to assist all clients with recovery goals.
Utilize Job Zone and Career Zone resources to assist clients in achieving employment-related goals.
The Vocational Specialist will provide services in both office and community-based settings.
Develop and maintain relationships with employers to identify employment opportunities and support successful job placement for participants.
Assist clients with SSI and SSDI income reporting and benefits navigation.
Provide referrals to Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) when individuals may benefit from services not provided through IPS, including college or vocational training, tuition assistance, and assistive technology.
The Vocational Specialist will assist individuals with resume writing and cover letter development.
Complete all caseload documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, relapse prevention plans, and other required records.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary treatment team.
All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field required.
Minimum of one year of related experience in mental health services required.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, required, as well as familiarity with Electronic Health Records.
Valid, clean New York State driver's license required.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required.
Physical requirements
Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and transport clients in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Ability to enter and exit a vehicle multiple times throughout the workday and assist clients with entering and exiting the vehicle, as needed.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb stairs as required during community visits and client interactions.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
Market context
Vocational specialist roles in New York
In New York, vocational specialist roles are commonly tied to mental health and community support programs, where employers look for candidates who can help clients build job readiness and maintain employment. Competition can be stronger for applicants who already have mental health experience, a valid New York State driver’s license, and comfort with Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Records. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm the original posting for any role-specific caseload or documentation expectations before applying.
