A vocational specialist works with individual clients to provide job and career assessments, interview coaching, and other supportive services aimed at assisting them in finding new jobs. Such specialists frequently work with physically and developmentally disabled clients to assist them in adjusting to new work environments. When working with physically or mentally challenged people, a vocational specialist may continue to assist clients after they have found work. Ongoing performance evaluations and social counseling are among the additional post-employment services available.
A vocational specialist, also known as a job counselor or a career counselor, works on the campus of a secondary or post-secondary school. However, many are employed by other organizations and non-profits. To provide clients with the best vocational counseling, most vocational specialists collaborate with other professionals such as educational guidance counselors, therapists, and teachers.
The responsibilities of vocational specialists may vary depending on the services that an organization provides to its customers. Specialists are more likely to conduct detailed assessments to determine a client’s skills, interests, strengths, and previous work experience, if any. Clients are subjected to a face-to-face interview as well as a written or computerized test when they first meet with a vocational specialist to help specialists identify the types of jobs they might be suitable for.
A vocational specialist can help match clients with appropriate employment opportunities after assessing their skill level, interests, personality type, and aptitude. Mock interviews may also be conducted by specialists to give clients an idea of what to expect during the application process and to boost their confidence when meeting with potential employers. A vocational specialist may also provide other job coaching tips, such as resume preparation, dressing for success, and how to research a company.
Clients with mental and physical disabilities are the focus of some vocational specialist jobs. These counselors are more likely to stay on top of a client’s professional development even after they have found work. Daily or weekly meetings with clients are common in post-employment services to assess progress and assess how well a client is adapting to a new work environment. Clients may also receive guidance on budgeting, dealing with workplace stress, and improving socialization skills. Other professionals working to ensure a client’s success, such as medical doctors, psychologists, caretakers, and special education teachers, usually receive progress reports from these types of specialists.