How to hire a vocational services specialist

How to hire a vocational services specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step vocational services specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a vocational services specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new vocational services specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a vocational services specialist, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a vocational services specialist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a vocational services specialist that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of vocational services specialists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Vocational Services Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Vocational Services Specialist	Social and human service assistants provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They assist other workers, such as social workers, and they help clients find benefits or community services.	$15-23
   Program Coordinator	Program coordinators are mid-level employees who are assigned to work on a program of a specific department. They handle the communications between their department and any other department that they may need to collaborate with... Show more	$14-30
   Social Work Internship	Social work interns are students who chose to do their on-the-job training in the field of social work. They apply for an internship at social services facilities... Show more	$12-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Rehabilitation
   • Vocational Rehabilitation
   • Crisis Intervention
   • Community Resources
   • Vocational Services
   • Developmental Disabilities
   • CARF
   • Translation Services

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage a caseload TANF clients, assess clients eligibility to receive benefits, assist with placement of clients in various programs.
   • Serve as liaison with other rehabilitation agencies.
   • Review applicant documentation to determine eligibility for state and federal aid programs, including Medicaid, food stamps and emergency assistance.
   • Educate graduating students on employability and job retention skills.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your vocational services specialist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A vocational services specialist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, vocational services specialists' average salary in missouri is 49% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level vocational services specialists 35% less than senior-level vocational services specialists.
   • Certifications. A vocational services specialist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a vocational services specialist's salary.

   Average vocational services specialist salary

   $40,005yearly

   $19.23 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level vocational services specialist salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 11, 2026

4. Writing a vocational services specialist job description

   A vocational services specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a vocational services specialist job description:

   Vocational services specialist job description example

   Job DescriptionDoes the idea of a desk job bore you? Do you want a job that inspires you? A job that gives back to your community? If you answered yes to any of the above, you could be a great fit for a Direct Support Associate at Evergreen Life Services (Evergreen). As a Direct Support Associate, you will help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain life skills, build confidence and live as independently as possible. You will make a difference every time you come to work. Evergreen Life Services, Southwest Louisiana Division is currently in search for Direct Support Associates.
   
   Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for individuals served and following through on their individual plans of care.
   Essential Job Functions
   
   Ensure the health and welfare of the individuals served Assist individuals served with medication and treatment plans as needed Assist individuals served in the care and cleaning of their home, including reporting of maintenance needs Assist individuals served with money management including budgeting, banking, and shopping Assist individuals served with daily life activities such as: meal preparation, reading usage, use of telephone, use of community services (post office, mass transportation), housekeeping, clothing care, self-care, and personal hygiene Make food and non-food purchases for the home when requested Prepare meals Ensure the maintenance of the home and grounds are done as requested Complete all required documentation in accordance with applicable state agency(ies) and Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. policies and procedures Implement behavioral and other programs as trained and requested Assist individuals served with their goals as outlined in their plan of care document(s) Identify potential behavior triggers and defuse or redirect as needed to ensure safety and well-being of all involved Provide individuals served transportation in company or personal vehicle as requested Qualifications/Experience/Job Knowledge
   
   At least 18 years of age (non-driver) or 21 years of age (driver) Effectively read, write and communicate verbally in English and must be able to read and understand instructions, perform record-keeping and write reports Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with state abuse and neglect registry Ability to learn basic computer skills (i.e. turn on/off, log in/out, input data, approve timesheet) Prior experience as a direct support worker preferred Physical Requirements
   
   Constantly moves about to coordinate work Regularly moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 pounds while assisting individuals served in home, workshop, or job site. Regularly assist individuals served physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate Constantly alert and aware to consumer’s needs Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or a medical condition to perform the essential functions. Special Requirements
   
   Represent Evergreen in public in a fashion that would reflect credibility and professionalism on the organization. Desire to work with people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life Function successfully in stressful situations Demonstrate high moral standards so as to be a positive role model for individuals served Complete all orientation and on the job training prior to starting work Work assigned shifts as required by management Attend all training classes as required Employment Variables
   
   Must have a good driving record which meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation. Must be able to pass drug screen and criminal background check. May be asked to work some evenings when required. Working Environment
   
   May be required to work in a variety of settings and environments both indoors and outdoors.

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5. Post your job

   To find vocational services specialists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any vocational services specialists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level vocational services specialists with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your vocational services specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit vocational services specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with vocational services specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new vocational services specialist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the vocational services specialist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new vocational services specialist first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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