UPMC·Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Vocational Specialist will develop and implement individualized service plans and goal plans for clients with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses. They are responsible for providing job development, training, and ongoing support to clients at various work sites to ensure successful employment outcomes.
The Vocational Specialist will join the team at UPMC's Vocational Training Center, which includes the Vocational Center and the Supported Employment Program, a well respected program within the ID community that has been in operation for 50 years.
Individuals served in these programs have diagnoses including Intellectual Disability and/or Autism, and in many cases a secondary mental health diagnosis.
This position requires ability to maintain effective and ongoing communication with consumers, coworkers, supervisors, employers, family members and other service providers.
The location for this position is one block off of Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s Historic South Side neighborhood.
The dress code is business casual and street parking is available.
· Goal Planning: Develop and deliver measurable and attainable goal plans for clients with the treatment team. · Service Plans: Create and implement individualized service plans for training, integration, and support. · Client Interaction: Meet with clients and primary care providers for assessments, program information, and vocational guidance. · Transportation Coordination: Ensure clients' transportation needs are met. · Documentation: Submit timely written and electronic documentation to supervisors. · Worksite Support: Train and support clients at work sites to meet employer expectations. · Compliance: Follow program-related directives and comply with regulations and policies. · Work Opportunities: Assist in preparing paid work assignments and provide group coverage. · Job Development: Provide job development, training, and follow-up services for job retention and promotion. · Relationships: Maintain good relationships with program staff, families, agencies, and employers. · Communication: Coordinate program activities and communicate with families and residential providers. · Instruction and Supervision: Provide daily instruction and supervision to clients and group participants. · Progress Documentation: Document and revise monthly goal plan progress. · Job Analysis: Conduct job analysis and participate in team meetings for client/job matching. · Support Staff Cooperation: Work with other support staff for client welfare. · Career Exploration: Develop strategies for clients to explore career choices. · Program Plans: Assist in developing and updating Individual Program Plans (IPPs). · Training Programs: Create training programs to address job performance and behavior issues. · Advanced Preparation: Prepare clients for more advanced vocational settings. · Community Employment: Develop community-integrated employment opportunities and prepare clients for job interviews. · Plan Monitoring: Monitor plans throughout job placement. · Self-Care Assistance: Assist clients with basic self-care and hygiene activities as needed.
· High School diploma/GED required. o Bachelor's degree, preferably in Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, or other human service field preferred. · Prior experience in an applied setting working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities is preferred. · Experience with individuals with a dual (MH/ID) diagnosis is highly desirable. · Prior experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behaviorally oriented treatment programs, and/or in job development, assessment, training and follow-up services is preferred. · Good writing and communication skills. · Effective interpersonal skills are essential, as position requires frequent interaction with private sector employers on behalf of the consumers being served. · Candidate must be able to work independently, maintain flexible hours and provide own transportation to job sites (for Supported Employment duties).No one under the age of 18 will be employed. · If transporting consumers, a valid Driver's License is expected. · Basic computer literacy. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: · Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) · Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) · Driver's License · Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal · Act 33 with renewal · Act 34 with renewal · Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
A high school diploma or GED is required, with a bachelor's degree in a human service field preferred. Candidates should have prior experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and possess a valid driver's license.
Market context
Vocational specialist roles in Pennsylvania often draw candidates with human services backgrounds, especially those with experience supporting individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or dual diagnoses. These positions can be competitive because employers look for strong writing, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently while meeting program needs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to show direct support experience and clear documentation skills.