What Does a Vocational Specialist Do?

I'm curious about the role of a vocational specialist. What are their job duties and what kind of skills do you need for this position? Also, how does this job differ from other positions in the vocational field?

A vocational specialist, also known as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, typically works to help individuals with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities. Your day-to-day tasks could include helping clients maintain, regain, or choose a career that fits their condition.

Vocational specialists might conduct interviews and diagnostic tests to understand a client's abilities, skills, interests, education, and experience to formulate a plan that meets their employment objectives and job skills. This often includes providing individual or group counseling services to assist clients in achieving effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development.

As for the skills needed, the job often requires excellent communication abilities, as you'll need to explain complex information to clients, their families, and other professionals. Empathy and patience are key, as well as problem-solving skills, as it's important to help clients overcome vocational obstacles. Furthermore, sound knowledge in career development, labor markets and job searching techniques, workplace accessibility, and disability accommodation is essential to guide clients effectively.

This role is different from other vocational jobs like, for example, vocational teachers who typically provide training in a specific trade or field, or vocational nurses who provide basic medical care. As a vocational specialist, you work directly with those in need of assistance to enter or reenter the workforce, often maneuvering between job counseling, therapy sessions, and liaising with potential employers. Hence, this job can be incredibly rewarding as you make a significant impact on peoples' lives by helping them find meaningful employment.