Kearny, New Jersey, United States · On-site
$20/hr–$22/hr
About Company: Pathways to Independence, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization providing pre-vocational and vocational training opportunities to adults with disabilities. PTI was founded in 1978, as a sheltered worksh…
Skills: Vocational Assessment, Counseling, Case Management, Communication, Interpersonal Skills
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The Vocational Specialist conducts comprehensive assessments to design personalized vocational plans for individuals with disabilities. They coordinate with healthcare providers and employers to facilitate job training, placement, and long-term employment retention.
A Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation, social work, or a related field is required, along with a valid NJ Driver's License. Experience working with individuals facing employment barriers and knowledge of vocational assessment tools are essential.
Pathways to Independence, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization providing pre-vocational and vocational training opportunities to adults with disabilities. PTI was founded in 1978, as a sheltered workshop, by a group of concerned community members who recognized the need in the West Hudson, South Bergen areas for vocational training and employment for persons with disabilities. Since then, the agency has continued to expand its spectrum of services to include assisting people with various disabilities in pertinent employment settings.
Our commitment is to provide the best quality services possible to consumers we serve. Through the training programs PTI offers, it is our intent that each individual will develop the skills necessary to create his or her own future, filled with promise of dreams realized.
Pathways to Independence, Inc. is approved for service by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and New Jersey Transit. Among our many programs, the following have received state certification and national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Division of Developmental Disabilities:
The Vocational Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals within the health care and social assistance sector to achieve meaningful employment and career development. This position focuses on assessing clients' vocational interests, skills, and barriers to employment, then designing and implementing personalized vocational plans that promote independence and economic self-sufficiency. The specialist collaborates closely with healthcare providers, social workers, employers, and community resources to facilitate job placement, training, and ongoing support. By providing guidance, advocacy, and education, the Vocational Specialist empowers clients to overcome challenges related to disability, health conditions, or social circumstances. Ultimately, this role contributes to improving clients' quality of life through sustainable employment and integration into the workforce.
The Vocational Specialist utilizes strong assessment and counseling skills daily to understand clients’ unique vocational needs and to develop effective employment plans. Communication skills are essential for collaborating with healthcare providers, employers, and community organizations to coordinate services and advocate for clients. Organizational and case management skills ensure that client progress is tracked meticulously and that documentation meets compliance standards. Problem-solving abilities are applied to address barriers to employment and to adapt strategies as client circumstances evolve. Additionally, knowledge of labor market trends and vocational resources enables the specialist to connect clients with relevant training and job opportunities, fostering successful workforce integration.
Supporting the development of skills that positively impact the lives of adults with disabilities!
Pathways to Independence (PTI) supports a group of adults with learning disabilities and associated disorders that have no other resource to turn to for group social development. They, in many cases, have never fit in socially and are now forming the first meaningful relationships and friendships of their lives. PTI's program teaches interpersonal skills and how to apply them through community-based events and activities that help the participants feel more comfortable and experience success both in their personal and work relationships. The PTI program focuses on developing socialization and community integration shills that are commonly difficult for individuals with severe learning and associated disorders. We provide individualized training during 25-35 small group events held each month throughout the community. The staff assists participants in developing and maintaining peer relationships, using appropriate social interactions, and addressing boundary and individual communication issues. PTI was founded in 1987 as a committee of the Learning Disabilities Association of St. Louis. In 1989 we became a separate, not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization focused on helping adults with severe learning disabilties. PTI is partially funded by the Productive Learning Board of St. Louis and the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources.
Offices: 11457 Olde Cabin Road, Suite 235, St. Louis, Missouri 63141, US
Supporting the development of skills that positively impact the lives of adults with disabilities!
Pathways to Independence (PTI) supports a group of adults with learning disabilities and associated disorders that have no other resource to turn to for group social development. They, in many cases, have never fit in socially and are now forming the first meaningful relationships and friendships of their lives. PTI's program teaches interpersonal skills and how to apply them through community-based events and activities that help the participants feel more comfortable and experience success both in their personal and work relationships. The PTI program focuses on developing socialization and community integration shills that are commonly difficult for individuals with severe learning and associated disorders. We provide individualized training during 25-35 small group events held each month throughout the community. The staff assists participants in developing and maintaining peer relationships, using appropriate social interactions, and addressing boundary and individual communication issues. PTI was founded in 1987 as a committee of the Learning Disabilities Association of St. Louis. In 1989 we became a separate, not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization focused on helping adults with severe learning disabilties. PTI is partially funded by the Productive Learning Board of St. Louis and the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources.
Offices: 11457 Olde Cabin Road, Suite 235, St. Louis, Missouri 63141, US
