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Vocational specialist vs living specialist

The differences between vocational specialists and living specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a vocational specialist has an average salary of $37,486, which is higher than the $36,759 average annual salary of a living specialist.

The top three skills for a vocational specialist include rehabilitation, social work and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a living specialist are independent living, community resources, and autism.

Vocational specialist vs living specialist overview

Vocational SpecialistLiving Specialist
Yearly salary$37,486$36,759
Hourly rate$18.02$17.67
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs33,64349,916
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4243
Years of experience-12

What does a vocational specialist do?

Vocational Specialists are responsible for assisting individuals in finding out their career choices. They interview clients to assess their skills, job history, and personality. Their duties include matching a client's education, training, interests, and experiences to an available job position. They organize aptitude tests to assist the client make career options. They also help with résumé preparation or modification, maintaining client records, arranging reports, and correspondence. Vocal Specialists give support for individuals in times of layoffs or job losses.

What does a living specialist do?

A living specialist is a person who is responsible for assisting and guiding individuals that have difficulties caring for themselves. They are the person who helps them in doing household chores and guiding them throughout the cleaning process. This career is an important position in society because it provides care for those who are in need.

Vocational specialist vs living specialist salary

Vocational specialists and living specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Vocational SpecialistLiving Specialist
Average salary$37,486$36,759
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $46,000Between $28,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityPittsburg, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyNew York State Restaurant AssociationTerros Health
Best paying industryHealth CareNon Profits

Differences between vocational specialist and living specialist education

There are a few differences between a vocational specialist and a living specialist in terms of educational background:

Vocational SpecialistLiving Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachSUNY at Binghamton

Vocational specialist vs living specialist demographics

Here are the differences between vocational specialists' and living specialists' demographics:

Vocational SpecialistLiving Specialist
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 31.7% Female, 68.3%Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 6.8% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between vocational specialist and living specialist duties and responsibilities

Vocational specialist example responsibilities.

  • Conduct therapeutic and vocational rehabilitation groups for individuals who are diagnosed with a severe mental illness.
  • Facilitate vocational rehabilitation groups weekly.
  • Conduct initial interviews with individuals to determine if the situation warrant further investigation by EEO Specialists/investigators.
  • Document all activities including rationale for decisions in accordance with DARS policies and procedures.
  • Assist clients preparing to transition with housing applications and or locating low income and or affordable housing.
  • Facilitate vocational rehabilitation groups weekly.

Living specialist example responsibilities.

  • Ensure the facilities' mission are achieved by effectively supervising the mental health rehabilitative efforts of severely and chronically ill patients.
  • Conduct comprehensive care assessments to determine client eligibility for Medicaid fund home health assistance.
  • Provide education and vocational counseling for the individual and/or their family members and significant others to ensure healthy lifestyles and rehabilitation.
  • Collaborate with community health councils and other community agencies to provide programs that enhance community awareness of health and safety.

Vocational specialist vs living specialist skills

Common vocational specialist skills
  • Rehabilitation, 14%
  • Social Work, 11%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Substance Abuse, 6%
  • Competitive Employment, 5%
  • Vocational Rehabilitation, 5%
Common living specialist skills
  • Independent Living, 13%
  • Community Resources, 9%
  • Autism, 8%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Mental Health, 7%
  • Foster Care, 7%

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