About this role
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.
High School diploma/GED required.
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, or other human service field preferred.
Prior experience in an applied setting working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities is preferred.
Experience with individuals with a dual (MH/ID) diagnosis is highly desirable.
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.
Good writing and communication skills.
Effective interpersonal skills are essential, as position requires frequent interaction with private sector employers on behalf of the consumers being served.
Candidate must be able to work independently, maintain flexible hours and provide own transportation to job sites (for Supported Employment duties).
No one under the age of 18 will be employed.
If transporting consumers, a valid Driver’s License is expected.
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
ST Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Pay range
$19.60–$30.25 / hr
Set by education and experience. Shift differentials are paid on top.
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Vocational Specialist | Western Psychiatric Hospital — Pittsburgh, PA | Pepper Health (Library Build)
Vocational Specialist | Western Psychiatric Hospital at Pepper Health, Pittsburgh. See the pay range, the schedule, and your recruiter’s name before you apply.
---
type: 'JobPosting'
title: 'Vocational Specialist | Western Psychiatric Hospital'
url: 'https://pepper2.socialhost.dev/job/23360804/vocational-specialist-western-psychiatric-hospital/'
job_id: '23360804'
organization: 'SFX Demo'
location: 'Pittsburgh, PA'
employment_type: 'Full-Time'
date_posted: '2026-03-03T15:00:40.413Z'
date_modified: '2026-05-18T09:14:03.143Z'
---
# Vocational Specialist | Western Psychiatric Hospital
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA (On-site)
- Employment type: Full-Time
- Category: Behavioral Health
- Shift: Day Job
- Business unit: ST Health Western Psychiatric Hospital
- Pay: $19.60–$30.25 / hr
- Organization: SFX Demo
- Posted: 2026-03-03T15:00:40.413Z
## Description
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.
…Shift and schedule
Shift
Day Job
Hours
Full-Time
Workplace
On-site
Where you’ll work
Pittsburgh, PA
A city of bridges, neighborhoods and world-class medicine. Affordable living, a booming health sector, and Pepper Health facilities across the metro — from our flagship Shadyside campus to a home-health network covering every borough.
- Pepper Health Shadyside
- Pepper Health Passavant
- Pepper Health Children's
- Pepper Health Rehab Services
- Pepper Health at Home
Benefits
Benefits from day one
Day-one health coverage
Medical, dental and vision start your first day — no waiting period, full- and part-time.
Tuition & certifications
Up to $5,250/yr tuition support plus paid certification renewals and exam fees.
Retirement with match
403(b) with employer match and immediate vesting on your contributions.
PTO & wellbeing days
Generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and dedicated wellbeing days.
Ladders & residencies
Nurse residency, allied apprenticeships, and defined advancement ladders in every area.
Family support
Childcare discounts, caregiver leave, and flexible scheduling that respects your life.
Stories
From people in this role

Allied health at Pepper is a career, not just a job. Certifications paid, cross-training encouraged, and a clear ladder from tech to lead.
Career progression
Where this role can lead
Care Coordinator
Licensed Clinician (LSW/LPC)
Senior Clinician — LCSW
Program Supervisor
Behavioral Health Director
FAQ
Questions people ask about this role
About this roleCan I cross-train into other modalities?
Yes — cross-training is how most of our imaging and lab teams grow. Your manager builds it into your development plan.
About this roleDo you support continuing education?
Up to $5,250/yr in tuition support plus paid certification fees — many of our techs are in degree programs while working.
About this roleIs there a path from entry roles to clinical careers?
Our patient-care-support roles feed directly into nursing and allied pipelines, with tuition support and schedules that flex around school.
About this roleWhat does advancement look like?
Defined ladders — tech → senior → lead → supervisor — with transparent criteria and pay steps published for every level.
Application process
What happens after you apply
Apply
Two minutes with Apply Start — resume autofill does the rest.
Recruiter screen
A real person reviews every application and reaches out.
Interviews
Meet your manager and the team — virtual or on-site, your pick.
Offer
Transparent pay, benefits walkthrough, and time to decide.
Welcome
Paid onboarding, a peer buddy, and your 90-day growth plan.
Related
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