Job Specification The Role of a Vocational Coach

🎯 Role Definition

A Vocational Coach is a career catalyst, a mentor, and a dedicated partner in an individual's journey toward meaningful employment. This role moves beyond simple job placement; it's about understanding the whole person—their skills, passions, challenges, and aspirations. As a Vocational Coach, you champion your clients, empowering them with the tools, confidence, and strategies they need to not only find a job but to build a sustainable career. You are a bridge builder, connecting individuals with barriers to employment to supportive employers and community resources, fostering independence and transforming lives through the power of work.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Case Manager
Direct Support Professional
Social Work Assistant (BSW)
Human Resources Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Vocational Coach
Program Manager (Employment Services)
Workforce Development Coordinator
Director of Client or Employment Services

Lateral Moves:

Career Counselor (Education or Private Practice)
Corporate Recruiter or Talent Acquisition Specialist
Academic Advisor
Community Outreach Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive, person-centered assessments to identify an individual's skills, interests, strengths, and potential barriers to employment.
Develop and implement highly individualized employment plans (IEPs) with clear, achievable goals, measurable objectives, and concrete action steps.
Provide intensive, one-on-one coaching and counseling sessions to support clients through every phase of their job search, career exploration, and skill development.
Teach and model essential job-seeking skills, including the creation of compelling, modern resumes and cover letters, effective online application strategies, and professional networking techniques.
Facilitate engaging workshops and group sessions on critical topics such as interview mastery, workplace communication, financial literacy, and professional conflict resolution.
Conduct realistic mock interviews and provide constructive, actionable feedback to help clients build confidence and articulate their value to employers.
Actively cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with local employers, businesses, and industry partners to develop a robust pipeline of job leads and placement opportunities.
Serve as a powerful advocate on behalf of clients with potential employers, professionally addressing any concerns and highlighting the client's unique strengths and qualifications.
Provide on-the-job coaching and transitional support to clients once employed, helping them acclimate to the work environment, understand company culture, and navigate initial challenges to ensure success.
Mediate and assist in resolving workplace issues that may arise between the employee and employer, with the goal of fostering positive relationships and ensuring long-term job retention.
Skillfully connect clients with necessary wraparound support services, such as transportation, childcare, housing assistance, and mental health resources, to address holistic needs that impact employment.
Maintain meticulous, accurate, and confidential case files and documentation, chronicling all client interactions, progress toward goals, and employment outcomes in a timely and professional manner.
Diligently track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including client placement rates, 90-day retention statistics, and wage progression, for internal and external program evaluation.
Stay consistently informed about local labor market trends, in-demand industries, and available community resources to provide the most relevant and up-to-date guidance.
Assist clients in understanding and navigating complex benefits planning, including how earned income may affect public assistance benefits like SSI/SSDI.
Guide individuals in identifying and pursuing relevant vocational training, certifications, or educational pathways that enhance their skills and long-term employability.
Perform detailed job analyses at potential work sites to determine the essential functions of a position and ensure an appropriate, sustainable match for the client.
Provide unwavering motivational support and encouragement to clients throughout their entire journey, celebrating every success and helping them build resilience to overcome setbacks.
Collaborate effectively and respectfully within a multidisciplinary team of case managers, therapists, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated, holistic approach to client services.
Represent the organization at community outreach events, resource fairs, and job fairs to promote vocational services and recruit both clients and new employer partners.
Assess client needs for reasonable accommodations in the workplace and assist in navigating the formal request process with employers, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Develop and maintain a comprehensive resource library of career exploration tools, training programs, and employer contacts accessible to the entire client population.

Secondary Functions

Assist in gathering and analyzing program data to report on client outcomes and demonstrate program effectiveness to stakeholders.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of vocational service delivery by providing feedback and innovative ideas for program development.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including case managers, therapists, and social workers, to ensure holistic client support and integrated service planning.
Actively participate in team meetings, case conferences, and ongoing professional development sessions to stay current on industry best practices and emerging trends.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Career Counseling & Assessment: Proficiency in using career assessment tools (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, ONET) and applying counseling theories.
Job Development & Employer Engagement: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a network of employer partners.
Resume & Cover Letter Expertise: Ability to coach and write compelling, tailored application materials.
Case Management Software: Familiarity with CRM or electronic health record (EHR) systems for documentation and tracking.
Knowledge of Employment Law: Solid understanding of the ADA, FMLA, and fair hiring practices.
Labor Market Information (LMI) Analysis: Ability to research and interpret data on local job trends, wages, and in-demand skills.

Soft Skills

Empathy & Patience: Ability to build rapport and trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with complex needs.
Exceptional Interpersonal Communication: Superior active listening, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively interact with clients, employers, and colleagues.
Motivational Interviewing: Skill in using a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication to strengthen a person's own motivation for change.
Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to stay positive and flexible while navigating client setbacks, challenging situations, and a dynamic work environment.
Advocacy & Negotiation: Confidence in championing clients' needs and negotiating employment terms.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Capacity to creatively overcome barriers to employment and think strategically.
Cultural Competency & Humility: A deep respect for and understanding of diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
Strong Organizational & Time Management Skills: Ability to manage a demanding caseload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

A Master's degree in a relevant field or a professional certification such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Social Work
Psychology
Human Services
Counseling (Vocational, Rehabilitation, or Mental Health)
Sociology
Human Resources

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of professional experience in a related field such as case management, social work, career services, or human resources.

Preferred: Direct experience in workforce development, job coaching, or providing employment support to individuals with significant barriers to employment (e.g., disabilities, justice-system involvement, homelessness, history of substance use).