Vocational & Community Engagement Coordinator The Foundation for Independent Living, inc. Coconut Creek, FL Job Details Full-time $50,000 a year 3 hours ago Benefits 403(b) matching Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Teamwork Passenger vehicle Interpersonal skills Driver's License Vocational training Time management

Full Job Description Overview:

The Vocational and Community Engagement Coordinator supports FIL residents in identifying, pursuing, securing, and maintaining meaningful employment opportunities that align with their individual interests, strengths, abilities, and goals. The primary focus of this position is developing paid employment opportunities for residents who desire and are capable of employment. Volunteer opportunities may also be utilized when appropriate to build skills, establish work experience, explore career interests, or create a pathway toward future paid employment. This is a proactive, community-facing position requiring initiative, creativity, persistence, strong relationship-building skills, and consistent follow-through. The Coordinator is expected to actively develop employer and community partnerships, prepare residents for employment, coordinate appropriate vocational supports, and demonstrate measurable progress toward resident vocational goals. Key Responsibilities Resident Vocational Planning & Support

• Assess each participating resident's employment history, interests, strengths, skills, support needs, and vocational goals.
• Develop and maintain individualized vocational plans identifying employment goals, job readiness, barriers, necessary supports, and next steps.
• Meet with residents regularly to monitor progress, provide coaching, and adjust strategies when needed.
• Assist residents with resumes, applications, interview preparation, workplace communication, self-advocacy, and other employment-readiness skills.
• Ensure residents are active participants in establishing and pursuing their vocational goals. Employment Development & Employer Partnerships
• Proactively identify and develop meaningful paid employment opportunities for FIL residents.
• Research, contact, visit, and cultivate relationships with local employers rather than relying solely on publicly advertised job openings.
• Maintain an active employer pipeline representing a variety of industries, schedules, skill levels, and employment opportunities.
• Educate prospective employers about FIL, the strengths and abilities of FIL residents, and the benefits of inclusive employment.
• Conduct consistent and timely follow-up with employers regarding applications, interviews, potential placements, and future hiring opportunities.
• Identify creative employment options, including customized employment, job carving, internships, or structured employment opportunities when appropriate.
• Represent FIL professionally at job fairs, networking events, employer meetings, and community events. Job Matching, Placement & Retention
• Evaluate job duties, workplace environments, schedules, transportation requirements, and employer expectations to determine appropriate resident/job matches.
• Coordinate applications and interviews and provide residents with appropriate support throughout the hiring process.
• Maintain contact with residents and employers following placement to promote successful adjustment and long-term employment.
• Identify workplace challenges early and coordinate appropriate support or intervention.
• Track job retention and conduct appropriate follow-up after placement. Job Readiness & Training
• Develop and facilitate structured Job Club and other vocational training opportunities.
• Provide training in areas such as interviewing, workplace communication, attendance and punctuality, professional behavior, following directions, time management, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and maintaining employment.
• Develop workshops, exercises, mock interviews, and other learning opportunities that strengthen employment readiness.
• Collaborate with other FIL departments when residents need additional support to address barriers affecting employment. Paid Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
• Maintain a clear distinction between paid employment and volunteer placements.
• Prioritize paid employment for residents whose individualized vocational goals include employment.
• Utilize volunteer opportunities when they provide meaningful skill development, work experience, career exploration, or a pathway toward future employment.
• Regularly evaluate volunteer placements to determine whether they continue to support the resident's vocational goals and identify appropriate next steps. Vocational Rehabilitation & Community Resources
• Build and maintain relationships with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), workforce programs, job coaches, employment specialists, and other community providers.
• Assist residents and families in accessing appropriate external vocational resources.
• Coordinate outside services when specialized support is needed beyond FIL's internal capabilities.
• Maintain communication with providers and ensure timely follow-through on referrals and services. Documentation, Reporting & Accountability
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of resident vocational goals, services, activities, progress, and outcomes.
• Track key vocational activity, including residents actively seeking employment, employer contacts, applications, interviews, job offers, paid placements, volunteer placements, VR referrals, and employment retention.
• Clearly distinguish paid employment, volunteer placements, applications, interviews, employer contacts, and other vocational activities when reporting outcomes.
• Maintain organized records of employer contacts and outstanding follow-up.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and other reports as requested by the Executive Director.
• Identify and document next steps when an application, employer contact, referral, or placement does not progress.
• Demonstrate consistent follow-through, initiative, accountability, and ownership of the vocational program and its outcomes. Collaboration & Communication
• Work collaboratively with FIL departments to support resident vocational goals and overall independence.
• Communicate professionally with residents, families, employers, community partners, outside providers, and FIL staff.
• Participate in resident, family, interdisciplinary, and organizational meetings when vocational input is appropriate.
• Provide appropriate vocational updates to families while maintaining resident confidentiality and following FIL policies. Program Development
• Continually identify new employers, workforce resources, community partnerships, and training opportunities.
• Evaluate vocational services and recommend improvements to the Executive Director.
• Develop creative strategies for residents experiencing difficulty obtaining or maintaining employment.
• Assist with vocational program planning, budgeting, and organizational initiatives.
• Perform other duties, special projects, or assignments as directed by the Executive Director or supervisor. Skills & Competencies
• Strong job-development, employer-relations, networking, and community-outreach skills.
• Ability to take initiative, independently develop opportunities, and persistently follow through.
• Resident-centered approach that promotes independence, choice, and meaningful employment.
• Strong coaching, motivational, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organization, time management, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple residents, employer relationships, deadlines, and follow-up responsibilities simultaneously.
• Sound professional judgment and ability to appropriately respond to direction and feedback.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with outside partners.
• Creativity and adaptability in developing individualized employment strategies.
• Commitment to inclusion and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual, developmental, learning, and other disabilities.
• Proficiency with standard office technology, electronic records, spreadsheets, presentations, and online employment resources. Physical Requirements & Work Environment
• Ability to move throughout FIL facilities, resident homes when appropriate, employer worksites, and community settings.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and sit for extended periods as required by job responsibilities.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds when necessary to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and provide or coordinate transportation when required.
• Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, office equipment, and other tools necessary for vocational services and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in environments with varying noise levels and activity.
• Regular local travel is required for employer outreach, interviews, job-site visits, networking events, job fairs, and other vocational activities.
• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Required Education & Experience Education Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation, Social Work, Human Services, Business, Education, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in job development, supported employment, Vocational Rehabilitation, workforce development, career coaching, employer relations, disability services, human services, or a related field is preferred. Demonstrated experience developing employer relationships and assisting individuals in obtaining employment is strongly preferred. Experience working with adults with intellectual, developmental, learning, or other disabilities is strongly preferred. Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Successful completion of required background screening and Motor Vehicle Record requirements.

CPR/First Aid certification preferred or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe established by FIL.

Pay:

$50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to

Commute:

Coconut Creek, FL 33063 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Coconut Creek, FL 33063: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person