A Career Counselor works with adults of all ages to plan career choices and access the education and training needed to support a career. Gives skills assessment and aptitude tests to clients. Provides job search assistance or training for general workplace skills. Provides referrals for workplace literacy, academic or job training programs, or direct job referrals.
Vocational Case Manager
On-siteVocationalFull time
Lakewood, New Jersey, United States
Description
Case Manager - Vocational Services
Turn Vocational Goals Into Real-World Opportunities
The Arc of Ocean County is looking for a compassionate, organized professional to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities move toward meaningful employment and greater independence. As a Case Manager on our Vocational Services team, you'll combine individualized planning, case management, coaching, and employment support to help participants build skills and pursue opportunities that align with their interests, abilities, and goals.
This role reaches beyond the office. You'll work alongside participants and their support networks while building connections with employers, funding agencies, residential providers, and community partners. From developing measurable vocational goals to supporting participants in employment settings, your work will help turn individual aspirations into practical pathways toward community participation and employment.
Position Details
Location:
Lakewood, NJ
Salary:
$23.70 per hour
Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Employment Type:
Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Your Role in Participant Success
Build Individualized Vocational Plans
Create, carry out, and regularly evaluate Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), Rehabilitation Plans, and other person-centered plans that include measurable vocational objectives.
Provide assigned participants with ongoing case management, supervision, coaching, and support.
Track progress toward vocational goals and modify plans when needed to encourage successful outcomes.
Keep case notes, reports, participant records, and other documentation accurate and compliant with agency and funding-source standards.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required.
Develop Skills and Employment Pathways
Deliver individualized training in job readiness, career exploration, workplace skills, and life skills.
Help participants pursue vocational, community employment, and self-employment options that reflect their interests, abilities, and personal goals.
Offer direct supervision and support in vocational programs, community worksites, and employment environments.
Put workplace accommodations, job modifications, and individualized supports into practice to help participants succeed on the job.
Provide crisis intervention, counseling, and problem-solving support when necessary.
Model professionalism and serve as an advocate while encouraging independence and meaningful community inclusion.
Coordinate Assessments and Services
Conduct and coordinate participant intake processes, assessments, evaluations, and eligibility determinations.
Evaluate participant progress and continued eligibility for vocational services, coordinating program transfers or transitions when appropriate.
Take part in production floor time studies and quality assurance activities.
Support program expansion initiatives, including identifying community employment opportunities and assisting with grant-related efforts when assigned.
Maintain Standards and Build Partnerships
Follow agency policies and regulatory requirements established by CARF, DDD, DVRS, DCF, DOE, DOL, and other applicable funding or oversight agencies.
Establish productive relationships with participants, families, employers, funding sources, residential providers, and community partners.
Participate in audits, inspections, licensing reviews, and quality improvement activities.
Prepare Unusual Incident Reports (UIRs), General Event Reports (GERs), and other required records accurately and within established timelines.
Why This Work Matters
Vocational services can be a powerful pathway to confidence, independence, and community connection. In this position, you'll have the opportunity to help participants identify their strengths, develop practical workplace skills, navigate challenges, and pursue employment opportunities that support their individual goals.
You'll also gain opportunities to grow professionally through hands-on experience, training, collaboration, and career advancement within The Arc of Ocean County.
Requirements
What You'll Need to Succeed
This position requires a combination of education, relevant leadership experience, professional judgment, and the ability to support participants across both office and community-based environments.
Education & Relevant Experience
A bachelor's degree is required in Human Services, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
Candidates must bring at least one (1) year of supervisory experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Professional Requirements
Maintain a valid New Jersey driver's license in good standing with no more than five (5) points.
Demonstrate strong abilities in leadership, communication, organization, and case management.
Be capable of effectively supervising participants while managing multiple priorities and responsibilities.
Be comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team in office and community-based settings.
Screening, Training & Certification
Employment requires successful completion of all required background screenings, including Criminal History, Central Registry, CARI, and applicable drug testing requirements.
Employees must also complete required Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) pre-service trainings and maintain CPR/First Aid certifications as required.
Benefits
Benefits That Support Your Growth
At The Arc of Ocean County, employees receive a benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and professional development.
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Coverage
Low Deductible Medical Insurance with $0 Copay Options
Comprehensive Prescription Coverage
401(k) Retirement Plan with Agency Matching Contributions
Tuition Reimbursement and Career Advancement Opportunities
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
Paid On-the-Job Training
Additional Supplemental Benefit Options Available
Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program and discover the many opportunities for professional growth at The Arc of Ocean County.
Put Your Skills to Work Where They Matter
If you're ready to help individuals build workplace skills, pursue meaningful vocational goals, and take the next steps toward greater independence, bring your experience and commitment to The Arc of Ocean County's Vocational Services team.