Vocational Specialist | Western Psychiatric Hospital
The Center of Autism and Developmental Disorders (CADD) Inpatient Program follows a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions.
The Vocational Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and documentation of educational, vocational, and adaptive behavior skill training activities to support consumers in the acquisition of skills necessary to increase their level of independent functioning in the community, and to provide intervention as necessary to support individuals capable and interested in advancing to a more independent work setting.
Responsibilities:
Client Planning & Support
- Develop individualized goals and service plans; assess clients and provide guidance.
- Track progress, update plans, and submit required documentation.
- Assist with basic self‑care needs when necessary.
Job Development & Coaching
- Conduct job analyses and match clients to suitable roles.
- Provide job development, training, and on‑site coaching to ensure successful performance.
- Support career exploration, prepare clients for interviews, and monitor placements.
Program Operations
- Coordinate transportation and daily schedules.
- Assist with paid work assignments and group coverage as needed.
- Follow all regulatory, program, and supervisory directives.
Collaboration & Communication
- Maintain communication with families, staff, residential providers, and employers.
- Support Program Specialists with IPPs and quarterly updates.
- Share information and coordinate with all support staff.
Skill Building & Advancement
- Deliver training to address performance or behavior issues.
- Prepare clients for more independent vocational settings.
Qualifications:
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High School diploma/GED required.
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Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, or other human service field preferred.
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Prior experience in an applied setting working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities is preferred.
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Experience with individuals with a dual (MH/ID) diagnosis is highly desirable.
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Prior experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behaviorally oriented treatment programs, and/or in job development, assessment, training and follow-up services is preferred.
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Good writing and communication skills.
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Effective interpersonal skills are essential, as position requires frequent interaction with private sector employers on behalf of the consumers being served.
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Candidate must be able to work independently, maintain flexible hours and provide own transportation to job sites (for Supported Employment duties).
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No one under the age of 18 will be employed.
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If transporting consumers, a valid Driver’s License is expected.
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Basic computer literacy.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
- Act 33 with renewal
- Act 34 with renewal
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
CAREER GROWTH
Grow Your Nursing Career
Spanning over 20 clinical specialties and more than 50 unique nursing roles, every nurse at UPMC can achieve and advance their goals with the My Nursing Career Ladder. Whether you’re looking to progress to an elevated role or continue your education, UPMC equips nurses with the resources, feedback, leadership, and benefits to help you succeed and achieve your career goals. Here’s how a few nurses have grown their careers through the years at UPMC:
Clyde C.
As a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Muncy, Clyde is a great example of someone who has taken advantage of UPMC’s My Nursing Career Ladder to grow his career while remaining in the same hospital location.
Clyde’s Career Journey:
⦁ 2017: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022-present: Professional Staff Nurse, Expert – UPMC Muncy

Michelle B.
In her current role as a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Presbyterian, Michelle cares for patients with chronic and ongoing health issues as part of a Medical-Surgical unit. Michelle enjoys the daily change that Med-Surg nursing brings, and has found a career path that is interesting, meaningful, and full of opportunity.
Michelle’s Career Journey:
⦁ 2019: Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2023: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Expert – UPMC Presbyterian

INSURANCE SERVICES DIVISION OF UPMC
Advance Your Future
A career with UPMC means more than just caring for patients – when you’re a part of UPMC Insurance Services Division, it means caring for more than four million insurance members, too. UPMC Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance products and services to our network across the country, providing peace of mind, better health, and financial security to our members, along with limitless career opportunities and a rewarding mission to those on our team.
About UPMC Insurance Services Division
As an integrated health care provider-insurer, UPMC goes beyond patient care to provide insurance products and services to millions of members. Our team partners with UPMC and community network providers to deliver knowledge and expertise that provides the highest quality care at the most affordable price, supporting our members through service, communication, and more.
Fast Facts:
- We provide insurance products and services to over more than four million members.
- UPMC’s Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance options including UPMC Health Plan, Workpartners, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for Kids, UPMC Community HealthChoices, and Community Care Behavioral Health.
- UPMC Health Plan is among the nation’s fastest-growing health plans.
Opportunities on Our Team
We’ve got a job that’s just right for you! UPMC Insurance Services Division team offers a vast array of career paths and opportunities, from career areas like customer service, data analytics, and information technology and even patient care roles like social work, nursing, and care management.
Whether in non-clinical or patient-facing roles, our team impacts patients and members by providing quality experiences before, during, and after their care, building relationships in a unique and meaningful way.
Recognized for Excellence
Be a part of an award-winning team! UPMC Insurance Services Division has been recognized for outstanding care and service with awards that include:
- U.S. News and World Report named UPMC for Life a “Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage” in Pennsylvania for 2024.
- The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has named UPMC Health Plan an “Equality 100 Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion” for 2023–2024.
- UPMC for Life ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction* among Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power.
- The Ethisphere Institute named UPMC as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth consecutive year.
*Results are based on award-eligible plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power. For J.D. Power 2024 award information visit, jdpower.com/awards.
Jump-Start Your Career
Looking to launch a career with longevity and opportunity? With countless entry-level opportunities for recent graduates, along with tools and resources that empower you as you learn and grow, UPMC Insurance Services Division is the perfect place to get a career started.
Interested in taking your career to new heights? Our career paths and advancement opportunities will provide you with chances to achieve your goals at every step.
BENEFITS AND LIFE AT UPMC
We know that you have many options when choosing where to build your career. So why choose UPMC? We can think of a few reasons.
Work-Life Balance
Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.
Development & Opportunities
Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.
Compensation
Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.
Performance & Recognition
Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.
Benefits
Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.
Work-Life Balance
Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.
Development & Opportunities
Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.
Compensation
Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.
Performance & Recognition
Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.
Benefits
Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.
Benefits that Matter to You
We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.
- Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
- Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
- Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
- Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
- Employer-paid life insurance
Benefits that Matter to You
We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.
- Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
- Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
- Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
- Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
- Employer-paid life insurance
Benefits that Matter to You
We’re committed to providing our employees with benefits that meet their needs and support their well-being in all areas of life.
- Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
- Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
- Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
- Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
- Employer-paid life insurance
Support for You – and Your Family
Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Family planning resources
- Tuition assistance for dependents
- Comprehensive health care for dependents
- Emergency child and elder care options
- Flexible work arrangements
Support for You – and Your Family
Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Family planning resources
- Tuition assistance for dependents
- Comprehensive health care for dependents
- Emergency child and elder care options
- Flexible work arrangements
Support for You – and Your Family
Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.
- Flexibility to choose the shifts and work arrangements that work best for your lifestyle
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Family planning resources
- Comprehensive health care for dependents
- Emergency child and elder care options
A Culture That Cares
At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.
- Employee resource groups
- Awards for champions of dignity & respect
- Center for Workplace Culture and Engagement
- Programs for veteran engagement
A Culture That Cares
At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.
- Employee resource groups
- Awards for champions of dignity & respect
- Center for Workplace Culture and Engagement
- Programs for veteran engagement
A Culture That Cares
UPMC is a place where you can find a home, no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or culture, and where you can meet people who share your passions and care about you.
- Employee resource groups
- Awards for champions of dignity & respect
- Center for Workplace Culture and Engagement
- Programs for Veteran Engagement
Tools to Reach Your Potential
Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.
- Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
- Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
- Accelerated career pathways for growth
- Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways
Tools to Reach Your Potential
Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.
- Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
- Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
- Accelerated career pathways for growth
- Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways
Tools to Reach Your Potential
Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.
- Unlimited educational possibilities, including no-cost BSN and MSN programs
- Robust career ladders for every nurse – no matter your specialty, location, or career stage
- Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
- Ongoing learning opportunities
Expansive Opportunity
Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.
- 100,000 employees
- 40+ hospitals and 800+ doctors’ offices and outpatient sites
- Dozens of career ladders to climb
- International locations
- State-of-the-art technology
Expansive Opportunity
Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.
- 100,000 employees
- 40+ hospitals and 800+ doctors’ offices and outpatient sites
- Dozens of career ladders to climb
- International locations
- State-of-the-art technology
Expansive Opportunity
Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.
- 100,000 employees
- 40+ hospitals and 800+ doctors’ offices and outpatient sites
- International locations
- State of-the-art technology
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In UPMC Insurance Services Division, analysts work to understand, innovate, and improve the products and services UPMC provides.
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