Vocational Manager

🎯 Role Definition

As our Vocational Manager, you will be the strategic leader and operational heart of our career services department. Your mission is to design, implement, and oversee transformative programs that guide individuals toward sustainable employment and economic self-sufficiency. You will manage a dedicated team of vocational professionals, forge vital partnerships with local employers, and ensure our services meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. This role is perfect for a compassionate leader with a proven track record in workforce development who is passionate about creating pathways to opportunity and changing lives through the power of work.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Vocational Counselor or Specialist
Workforce Development Program Coordinator
Lead Job Coach or Employment Specialist

Advancement To:

Director of Vocational Services
Regional Program Director
Vice President of Workforce Development

Lateral Moves:

Community Outreach and Partnerships Director
Human Resources Manager (Diversity & Inclusion focus)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the vocational services department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality career counseling, job readiness training, and placement services to a diverse client population.
Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate innovative vocational programs and curricula designed to meet the evolving needs of clients and the local labor market.
Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development to a team of vocational counselors, job coaches, and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with local employers, community organizations, and government agencies to create a robust network of employment opportunities and referral sources.
Manage the departmental budget, including forecasting expenses, monitoring spending, and authoring budget narratives to ensure fiscal responsibility while maximizing program impact.
Ensure all program activities and client documentation strictly adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, as well as CARF accreditation standards and internal quality assurance protocols.
Lead the collection, analysis, and reporting of key program metrics, such as placement rates, job retention, and client wages, using data to drive strategic decisions and demonstrate program effectiveness.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including clinical staff and case managers, to develop holistic, person-centered service plans that integrate vocational goals with overall treatment and support.
Conduct comprehensive vocational assessments to identify clients' skills, interests, and potential barriers to employment, guiding the development of individualized employment plans.
Mediate and resolve complex client and employer-related issues, providing crisis intervention and support as needed to ensure successful job placements and long-term retention.
Design and facilitate advanced job readiness workshops on topics such as resume writing, digital literacy, interview skills, professional etiquette, and financial literacy.
Spearhead the strategic planning process for the vocational department, setting ambitious goals and objectives that align with the organization's overarching mission and vision.
Assess and implement assistive technology and reasonable workplace accommodations to support clients with disabilities in achieving their employment goals, ensuring ADA compliance.
Develop and manage transitional work experiences, internships, and on-the-job training opportunities that provide clients with practical, hands-on skills in real-world settings.
Oversee the management of client case files, ensuring accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in compliance with agency policies and funding requirements.
Champion a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and through program delivery, ensuring services are accessible and culturally competent for all participants.
Establish and enforce safety protocols for all vocational training sites and community-based work experiences, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Secondary Functions

Represent the organization at community events, professional conferences, and employer forums to promote vocational services and advocate for the employment of individuals with barriers to work.
Stay abreast of current trends, legislation, and best practices in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and supported employment to ensure program offerings remain relevant and effective.
Collaborate with the development department to identify grant opportunities, contribute to proposal writing, and prepare reports for funders.
Create and disseminate marketing materials to attract new clients and promote program services to referral partners and the wider community.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Program Management & Development: Expertise in designing, launching, and scaling workforce development programs.
Staff Supervision & Performance Management: Proven ability to lead, train, and evaluate a team of social service professionals.
Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Experience managing departmental budgets, tracking expenses, and financial reporting.
Labor Market Analysis: Ability to research and understand local industry trends to inform program strategy.
Vocational Assessment Tools: Familiarity with standardized assessments to evaluate client skills, interests, and aptitudes.
Regulatory Compliance: Deep knowledge of CARF, WIOA, ADA, and other relevant state/federal regulations.
Case Management Software: Proficiency with client data management systems (e.g., ETO, Salesforce for Nonprofits, Credible).
Grant Writing & Reporting: Ability to contribute to funding proposals and report on program outcomes to stakeholders.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentorship: Inspiring and guiding teams toward a common goal while fostering individual growth.
Strategic Thinking: The ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term plans.
Stakeholder Engagement & Networking: Exceptional skill in building and maintaining relationships with employers, funders, and community partners.
Empathy & Cultural Competency: A deep understanding and respect for diverse populations and individual life experiences.
Advocacy & Negotiation: Persuasively communicating the value of program participants to potential employers and advocating for client needs.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Using performance metrics and analytics to inform strategy and improve program effectiveness.
Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management: Effectively de-escalating tense situations and finding positive resolutions for clients and staff.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree.
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or similar professional certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Vocational Rehabilitation
Social Work (MSW)
Counseling
Human Services
Public Administration
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-7 years of progressive experience in vocational services, workforce development, or a related field, including at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or program management capacity.

Preferred:

Direct experience working with individuals with disabilities, justice-involved individuals, veterans, or other populations facing significant barriers to employment.
Proven success in a CARF-accredited organization and a strong understanding of the accreditation process.
Demonstrated track record of building successful employer partnership networks.