Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vocational Support Technician

🎯 Role Definition

A Vocational Support Technician (VST) delivers direct vocational services and job coaching to program participants, helping them gain, maintain, or return to competitive employment. The VST assesses client needs, develops and implements individualized work plans, provides on‑site and community support (including travel training and employer liaison), documents progress, and collaborates with case managers, families, and employers to create sustainable employment outcomes. This role balances practical hands‑on coaching with strong documentation and stakeholder communication to ensure compliance with program goals and funder requirements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Direct Support Professional
Job Coach / Employment Support Worker
Community Support Worker

Advancement To:

Senior Vocational Support Specialist
Employment Services Coordinator
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor / Case Manager

Lateral Moves:

Job Developer / Employer Engagement Specialist
Transition Specialist (School-to-Work programs)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive vocational assessments and work readiness evaluations that identify skills, interests, barriers, and accommodation needs; synthesize assessment findings into clear individualized vocational plans that set measurable employment goals.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized employment plans (IEPs/individual service plans) that include step‑by‑step goals, task analyses, workplace accommodations, and timelines to move clients toward competitive employment.
Provide hands‑on, one‑to‑one job coaching on‑site at employer locations and in community settings; model tasks, cue job steps, fade supports over time, and teach employer‑specific procedures and workplace safety practices.
Facilitate job search activities including resume and cover letter assistance, application support, interview preparation, mock interviews, and follow‑up with employers to secure interviews and placements.
Perform job development and employer outreach to build relationships with local businesses, explain supported employment models, negotiate trial work experiences, and obtain job sites that match client abilities and preferences.
Deliver soft‑skills training and workplace readiness workshops covering punctuality, appearance, communication, teamwork, problem solving, money management, and other employer‑valued competencies.
Provide transportation assistance and community travel training (public transit, ride‑share navigation, mobility supports) to increase clients’ independent access to job sites and community resources.
Implement behavior support plans and positive behavior strategies as needed; use de‑escalation and redirection techniques to maintain safety and productive work environments.
Use assistive technology and adaptive equipment to support job performance—assess needs, coordinate procurement, instruct clients and employers on use, and monitor effectiveness.
Monitor and document client attendance, job performance, productivity metrics, and incident reports; maintain accurate daily notes, progress reports, and time sheets in agency systems per program and funding requirements.
Communicate regularly with employers, supervisors, case managers, families, and multidisciplinary teams to review progress, coordinate supports, and adjust plans or accommodations.
Advocate for workplace accommodations under ADA and other relevant guidance; coach employers on reasonable adjustments and worksite modifications that improve retention.
Facilitate job trials, supported placements, and trial work experiences; collect baseline and follow‑up data to evaluate job fit and readiness for long‑term placement.
Conduct regular follow‑along and retention supports post‑placement, including employer check‑ins, problem solving, schedule adjustments, and on‑the‑job coaching to promote sustained employment.
Manage multiple client caseloads while prioritizing activities, scheduling support shifts, and ensuring service delivery aligns with individualized goals and compliance timelines.
Prepare and submit documentation required by funding sources and regulatory bodies (e.g., vocational rehabilitation agencies, Medicaid waiver programs), ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
Train and support family members, guardians, and caregivers on employment goals, coaching techniques, transportation planning, and ways to reinforce workplace skills at home.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, IEP/IFSP meetings, and case conferences to integrate vocational goals with clinical, educational, and community services.
Collect and report outcome data (hours worked, wages, job retention rates, skill acquisition metrics) to support program evaluation, grant reporting, and continuous improvement.
Ensure workplace and client safety by following established protocols, reporting incidents, and maintaining current CPR/First Aid and emergency response training.
Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times, adhering to HIPAA, agency policies, and ethical standards in documentation and communication.
Provide short‑term crisis support and problem solving in employment‑related emergencies, coordinating with supervisors and clinical staff when necessary.
Assist with onboarding documentation and employer paperwork, including tax forms, liability releases, timekeeping procedures, and workplace orientation tasks.
Continuously engage in professional development—attend trainings on supported employment best practices, disability awareness, assistive technology, and trauma‑informed care.

Secondary Functions

Support data collection for program evaluation, enter service notes and progress indicators into electronic records, and respond to ad‑hoc reporting requests from supervisors.
Contribute to development of job support materials, vocational curricula, and soft‑skills training modules used across the program.
Collaborate with business services and employer outreach teams to align client placement opportunities with market demand and employer needs.
Participate in community outreach events, job fairs, and partner meetings to promote program services and recruit employer partners.
Assist in onboarding and mentoring newer vocational staff or student interns by modeling job coaching techniques and documentation practices.
Research and maintain a current directory of community resources (transportation, benefits counseling, housing supports) to refer clients to wraparound services that support employment success.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Job coaching and supported employment techniques (task analysis, fading prompts, on‑the‑job training).
Vocational assessment tools and work readiness evaluations (e.g., transferable skills inventories, functional vocational assessments).
Knowledge of ADA accommodations, vocational rehabilitation processes, and supported employment models.
Experience with electronic case management systems (EMR/CRM), timekeeping, and accurate progress note documentation.
Assistive technology familiarity (communication devices, ergonomic equipment, workplace adaptations).
Basic computer skills: MS Office (Word, Excel), email, and online job search platforms (Indeed, LinkedIn, employer portals).
Behavior management strategies and crisis de‑escalation techniques.
Ability to collect and report employment outcome metrics and enter data for program performance tracking.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (for roles requiring transportation or community support).
Certifications as required: CPR/First Aid, Defensive Driving (if transporting clients); preferred: Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) or related credential.

Soft Skills

Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship‑building with clients, employers, families, and team members.
High level of empathy, patience, and cultural competency working with diverse populations and individuals with disabilities.
Strong problem solving and creative thinking to adapt tasks and supports to individual needs.
Reliable time management, organization, and ability to prioritize competing client needs.
Professional advocacy skills to negotiate accommodations and employer buy‑in.
Flexibility and adaptability to work varied hours, including early shifts, evenings, or community‑based schedules.
Teamwork and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams and across community partners.
Confidentiality, ethical judgment, and attention to detail in documentation and reporting.
Resilience and stress tolerance for fast‑paced, unpredictable client situations.
Coaching and teaching ability to transfer skills to clients, families, and less‑experienced staff.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Education, or a related field preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Rehabilitation Services
Social Work or Human Services
Psychology or Behavioral Science
Occupational Therapy Assistant / Vocational Education

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–3 years experience in job coaching, supported employment, direct support work, or community vocational services.

Preferred:

2–5 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, or other barriers to employment in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, or transitional employment settings.
Prior experience building employer relationships, conducting on‑site job coaching, and maintaining required program documentation.

If you’re preparing a job posting or candidate profile based on this content, include location, hours, supervision structure, and any required background checks or clearances (e.g., criminal background, TB test) to ensure compliance with local hiring policies.