About this role
Support Individual Goals. Coordinate Meaningful Opportunities.
Helping someone prepare for employment involves more than identifying a job opportunity. It requires thoughtful planning, individualized support, strong communication, and an understanding of each person's abilities and goals.
The Arc of Ocean County is seeking a dedicated Vocational Services Case Manager to join our team in Lakewood, New Jersey .
In this full-time position, you'll coordinate vocational services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping participants strengthen their employment skills, explore career opportunities, and work toward greater independence.
You'll combine person-centered case management with direct participant support, service planning, documentation, and collaboration with families, employers, funding agencies, and community partners.
We're looking for a professional who is organized, adaptable, and committed to helping individuals make measurable progress toward their vocational goals.
Position Information
- Location: Lakewood, NJ
- Department: Vocational Services
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
- Work Schedule: Monday–Friday
- Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Compensation: $23.70 per hour
Your Role in Vocational Services
Develop Individualized Plans and Monitor Progress
- Create, implement, and maintain Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), Rehabilitation Plans, and other person-centered planning documents.
- Establish measurable vocational objectives that reflect each participant's interests, abilities, and support needs.
- Provide ongoing case management, supervision, coaching, and individualized assistance to assigned participants.
- Evaluate progress toward established goals and recommend appropriate modifications to service plans.
- Maintain organized participant files, detailed case notes, service records, and other required documentation.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and additional reports in accordance with agency procedures and funding-source requirements.
Help Participants Build Workplace Readiness
- Provide individualized instruction in employment preparation, career exploration, job-related skills, and practical life skills.
- Assist individuals in identifying vocational programs, community employment opportunities, and potential self-employment options.
- Provide direct supervision and support in vocational programs, community worksites, and employment environments.
- Identify and implement reasonable workplace accommodations, task modifications, and individualized strategies that support participant success.
- Offer counseling, crisis intervention, and problem-solving assistance when circumstances require additional support.
- Demonstrate appropriate workplace conduct while encouraging self-advocacy, independence, and community involvement.
Coordinate Participant Services and Transitions
- Facilitate participant intake procedures, assessments, evaluations, and eligibility reviews.
- Monitor continued eligibility for vocational services and assess changing participant needs.
- Coordinate transfers between programs and transitions to other appropriate services or employment settings.
- Participate in production floor time studies and established quality assurance processes.
- Assist with identifying new community employment opportunities and supporting vocational program development.
- Contribute to grant-related projects and program expansion initiatives as assigned.
Collaborate With Families, Employers, and Community Partners
- Establish effective working relationships with participants, families, employers, residential providers, and community organizations.
- Communicate with funding agencies and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate individualized vocational supports.
- Participate in program audits, licensing inspections, quality reviews, and continuous improvement activities.
- Prepare and submit Unusual Incident Reports (UIRs), General Event Reports (GERs), and other required reports within established timelines.
- Maintain compliance with agency policies and applicable standards established by CARF, DDD, DVRS, DCF, DOE, DOL , and other relevant oversight or funding agencies.
A Position That Combines Planning With Direct Support
As a Vocational Services Case Manager, your work will involve both administrative coordination and direct interaction with the individuals receiving services.
One day may involve reviewing progress toward an employment goal, updating an individualized plan, or coordinating with a participant's support team. Another may involve providing workplace coaching, addressing a challenge at a job site, or helping someone prepare for a new vocational opportunity.
This variety allows you to apply your professional knowledge while remaining directly involved in the progress of the individuals you support.
You'll play an important role in connecting individual goals, practical skill development, and access to meaningful employment experiences .
Requirements
Qualifications and Professional Requirements
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree required in Human Services, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
- Minimum one (1) year of supervisory experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong leadership, case management, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to supervise participants effectively while managing multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
- Strong attention to detail when preparing service plans, participant documentation, and required reports.
- Ability to work comfortably in office environments, vocational programs, and community-based employment settings.
- Valid New Jersey driver's license in good standing with no more than five (5) motor vehicle points .
Background Screening and Training
Candidates must successfully complete required pre-employment screenings, including:
- Criminal History screening
- Central Registry screening
- CARI screening
- Applicable drug testing requirements
Employees must also complete required Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) pre-service training and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications as required.
Benefits
Benefits That Support Your Career
The Arc of Ocean County offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for continued professional development.
Health and Insurance Coverage
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Low Deductible Medical Plans with $0 Copay Options
- Comprehensive Prescription Coverage
- Additional Supplemental Benefit Options
Financial Benefits and Paid Leave
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Agency Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
- Employee Referral Bonus Program
Training and Professional Development
- Paid On-the-Job Training
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Career Advancement Opportunities
Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program and opportunities for professional growth within The Arc of Ocean County.
Help Connect Potential With Progress
At The Arc of Ocean County, vocational services are designed to help individuals develop abilities, pursue personal goals, and participate more fully in their communities.
As a member of our Vocational Services team, you'll contribute through thoughtful service coordination, individualized instruction, professional advocacy, and ongoing participant support.
If you have a background in human services, experience supervising individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and an interest in vocational development, we encourage you to apply.
Join The Arc of Ocean County as a Vocational Services Case Manager and help individuals take meaningful steps toward employment, independence, and long-term success.