Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vocational Program Technician

🎯 Role Definition

A Vocational Program Technician supports vocational training programs by delivering direct client services, administering assessments, coordinating employer partnerships, preparing training materials, and maintaining accurate program records. This front‑line role focuses on practical job‑readiness instruction, on‑site job coaching, assistive technology setup, and barrier removal for participants with diverse needs. The Technician works closely with instructors, case managers, employers, and community partners to convert program goals into measurable employment outcomes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Job Coach / Employment Specialist
Community Support Worker
Career Services Assistant

Advancement To:

Vocational Program Coordinator / Supervisor
Employment Services Manager
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Job Developer
Disability Services Technician
Workforce Development Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct individualized vocational assessments to evaluate participants' transferable skills, work history, functional limitations, learning needs, and barriers to employment, and summarize findings into actionable recommendations for individualized training plans.
Deliver structured, competency‑based employability training sessions that teach resume writing, interview techniques, workplace communication, time management, and employer expectations to increase participant job readiness.
Provide on‑site job coaching and workplace supports at employer host sites, modeling tasks, reinforcing safety procedures, and fading support as participants achieve independence and performance standards.
Develop, adapt and maintain training materials, task analyses, visual aids, and step‑by‑step job instructions tailored to participants with varying literacy, cognitive, or sensory needs to maximize comprehension and retention.
Collaborate with case managers, vocational counselors, and multidisciplinary teams to implement Individualized Training Plans (ITPs) or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring alignment of vocational goals and accommodations.
Coordinate work‑based learning placements including internships, apprenticeships, and supported employment opportunities by recruiting employer partners, negotiating job duties, and documenting site expectations.
Assess workplace environments and recommend reasonable accommodations, ergonomic modifications, or assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, adaptive keyboards) to promote safe and productive job performance.
Monitor participant progress on measurable outcomes, conduct regular skill checks, and prepare progress reports and outcome summaries for funders, supervisors, and case files.
Maintain accurate participant records in client management systems, ensuring confidentiality, timely data entry, compliance with program regulations, and readiness for audits and performance reviews.
Conduct pre‑employment screenings and job matching by evaluating participant strengths against employer needs, facilitating tryouts, and providing feedback to both participants and supervisors.
Facilitate group workshops and employer panels to expose participants to industry sectors, workplace culture, career pathways, and labor market expectations.
Implement positive behavior supports and de‑escalation techniques when working with participants who have behavioral or mental health needs, coordinating with clinical staff when required.
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as placement rates, retention at 30/60/90 days, average wage at placement, and training completion to support continuous program improvement.
Administer and score standardized vocational assessments, work samples, and situational assessments; interpret results for staff and clients to guide individualized goal setting.
Train and mentor volunteers, peer coaches, and practicum students on program delivery, workplace safety, and participant supervision to expand program capacity.
Develop employer outreach strategies and maintain a network of job sites across multiple industries, conducting regular employer follow‑ups to resolve workplace issues and secure sustained placements.
Assist with eligibility determination, intake procedures, and orientation activities, explaining program rules, attendance expectations, and participant responsibilities.
Support transportation planning and coordination, including arranging transit training, mobility assessments, and liaising with public transit or van services to facilitate participant access to worksites.
Participate in case conferences, multi‑disciplinary meetings, and community resource referrals to address housing, benefits, substance use, or health barriers that impact employment stability.
Implement safety training and ensure participant compliance with OSHA standards and site‑specific safety rules; document incidents and coordinate incident reporting as required.
Support grant reporting and contract requirements by compiling narrative summaries, contributing to grant deliverables, and providing data for funding proposals and renewal applications.
Facilitate transitional services for youth and young adults, linking school‑to‑work supports, coordinating with special education staff, and creating age‑appropriate work experiences.
Coordinate and schedule employer site visits, job shadows, and mock interviews, including logistics, participant preparation, and post‑placement debriefs.
Respond to employer concerns and mediate workplace accommodations or performance issues, developing corrective plans and follow‑up supports to promote retention.
Stay current on local labor market trends, vocational training best practices, and disability employment policy to integrate evidence‑based approaches into program delivery.

Secondary Functions

Assist in data collection, quality assurance, and preparation of reports for program managers and funding agencies.
Participate in curriculum review and program evaluation activities to recommend improvements based on outcomes and participant feedback.
Support recruitment activities by representing the program at community events, job fairs, and agency outreach meetings.
Cross‑cover related duties such as receptionist support, supply ordering, and classroom setup when needed to ensure smooth daily operations.
Provide back‑up coverage for Vocational Counselors and Coordinators during peak periods or staff absences.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Vocational assessment tools (e.g., WorkKeys, O*NET, situational assessments) and ability to interpret assessment results.
Job coaching and on‑site supported employment techniques, including task analysis and systematic instruction.
Knowledge and practical use of assistive technology and workplace accommodations.
Case documentation and client management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Efforts to Outcomes, custom CRS systems).
Basic training design and curriculum adaptation for adult learners and individuals with disabilities.
Familiarity with labor market information, job development strategies, and employer engagement best practices.
Understanding of relevant legislation and compliance requirements (e.g., ADA, IDEA, state vocational rehabilitation rules).
Data collection, KPI tracking, and basic outcome reporting for grant-funded programs.
Workplace safety and basic OSHA knowledge applicable to job sites.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and virtual meeting platforms.

Soft Skills

Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills to engage participants, employers, and community partners.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for coaching, documentation, and employer outreach.
Patience, empathy, and cultural competence when supporting diverse learners and individuals with behavioral health or cognitive challenges.
Problem solving and adaptability to create individualized solutions and respond to changing workplace conditions.
Time management and organizational skills to coordinate multiple placements, follow‑ups, and documentation deadlines.
Team collaboration and the ability to work within interdisciplinary teams (counselors, therapists, employers).
Conflict resolution and mediation skills for addressing workplace performance or accommodation disputes.
Coaching and motivational skills to help participants build confidence, resilience, and sustained employment habits.
Attention to detail in recordkeeping, compliance, and safety monitoring.
Initiative and self‑direction to develop employer relationships and identify new placement opportunities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required; vocational certificate or relevant short course preferred.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation, Education, Workforce Development, or related field.
Certifications such as Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP), Job Coach Certification, or similar credentials are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Vocational Rehabilitation
Human Services / Social Work
Special Education
Workforce Development / Career Services
Occupational Therapy Assistant / Rehabilitation Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–4 years of direct experience in vocational training, supported employment, job coaching, or workforce development.

Preferred:

2+ years working with adults or youth with disabilities, behavioral health challenges, or barriers to employment.
Demonstrated experience in employer engagement, work‑based learning coordination, and documentation for funded programs.