Prevocational Specialist

Description

Position Summary:

The Prevocational Specialist is responsible for implementing person-centered Community Prevocational Services that assist individuals in developing the skills necessary for successful employment in integrated community settings. This position focuses on providing structured learning and work experiences—such as volunteer work and non-job-task-specific activities—that promote readiness for competitive employment. The Prevocational Specialist ensures that all services support each individual’s goals, preferences, and overall well-being.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Implement individualized service plans that align with each person’s goals, preferences, and interests.
• Provide training and support through structured learning experiences in community-based environments.
• Facilitate skill-building activities that enhance work habits, interpersonal communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities. · Coordinate and supervise community-based volunteer opportunities and learning activities.
• Monitor and document individual progress toward employment readiness.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community partners to ensure services are supportive and aligned with broader life goals.
• Promote the overall well-being and empowerment of each individual through respectful, inclusive, and strengths-based practices.
• Supporting the individual in developing appropriate work attitudes and habits, including personalized instruction in socially appropriate behaviors in both workplace and community settings.
• Assisting the individual in adjusting to the demands of the workplace, Including helping them understand and meet job-specific production standards and performance expectations.
• Providing travel training, including the use of public and paratransit systems. Transporting individuals or assisting them in taking public transportation, as needed.

Provide a Variety of Work Settings for Assessment

• Offer diverse work environments and job experiences to effectively assess each individual's interests, strengths, and skills. This variety supports informed career planning and helps individuals discover suitable vocational paths.

Deliver Workplace Readiness Training, Including Benefits Planning

• Implement training programs that build foundational workplace skills—such as communication, time management, and professional behavior—and include guidance on understanding public benefits and how employment may impact them.

Teach the Use of Assistive and Workplace Technology

• Provide instruction on using technology tools that support job performance and skill development. This includes assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, as well as standard workplace platforms to meet employer expectations.

Service Planning and Supervision

• Actively contribute to the development and execution of individualized service plans, ensuring alignment with each person’s goals and desired outcomes. Participate in Program Planning Team (PPT) meetings as needed. Help design and implement program and community-based activities that support these goals. Provide supervision tailored to each individual’s needs.

Choice, Rights, and Self-Determination

• Support individuals in making informed choices and taking control of their lives. Ensure that services and goals are person-centered and reflect their personal wishes. Promote respect for their human and civil rights while encouraging responsible decision-making. 

Community Inclusion and Relationship Building

• Encourage meaningful inclusion in community life, based on each individual’s interests and preferences. Model and promote positive social interactions and help individuals build and maintain relationships with peers, neighbors, and coworkers to support personal growth. 

Communication with Families and Stakeholders

• Support open and positive communication with families, advocates, and other service providers to ensure cohesive and collaborative care.

Documentation 

• Complete all required documentation in PrecisionCare daily, including but not limited to OPWDD-mandated reports and paperwork. Ensure accurate and thorough entry of information related to medical and behavioral supports, individualized services, goals and outcomes, fire safety, community inclusion, communication logs, and other relevant areas.
• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal regulations, to ensure full compliance. Complete and submit all required written reports and documentation within designated timeframes. 

Professional Conduct and Workplace Behavior 

• Serve as a positive role model for individuals and colleagues by consistently demonstrating professional behavior.
• Adhere to the division’s Personal Appearance Guidelines at all times.
• Conduct oneself with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect toward the cultural backgrounds of individuals, staff, and the surrounding community.
• Approach challenging situations with professionalism and positivity, avoiding gossip or negative conversations.
• Advocate for individuals in a manner that is both appropriate and professional.
• Remain flexible and open to change, adapting as needed to meet evolving program and organizational needs.

Training, Development, and Representation

• Actively participate in all required staff meetings, in-service trainings, and on-site workshops to support professional growth.
• Attend external trainings, including sessions provided by Eleversity, as directed by supervisors or program management.
• Maintain current certifications in CPR/First Aid and SCIP, as required by the program.
• Meet or exceed the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Core Competency Standards by the conclusion of the first year of employment.
• Represent Heartshare professionally both within the organization and in the community, promoting the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
• Personally uphold Heartshare’s Standards & Values Statement, in addition to complying with all agency policies and procedures.
• Undertaking any additional tasks and initiatives as per the specific needs of the programs and individuals, and as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED. Some college experience preferred.
• Minimum One or more years' experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs of NY.

Benefits

What we offer once YOU join our growing family:

At Heartshare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Gympass Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

Heartshare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.

About Heartshare

Who WE ARE:

For over one hundred years, Heartshare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The Heartshare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives. To learn more about Heartshare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook