Vocational Counselor

Summary :

Responsible for the overall delivery and management of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals participating in the organization’s vocational programs. Provides guidance, counseling and vocational case management to assigned individuals. Assesses vocational performance, in cooperation with the individual and other professionals, develops and implements strategies designed to support the highest level of vocational performance. Works with individuals served, other professionals and paraprofessionals, family members and others in order to achieve vocational growth, development and success.

Essential Job Functions :

Prepares and completes intake documentation and in concert with individuals served, establishes initial service plan in accordance with regulatory authorities, policies and procedures for individuals participating in vocational programs offered at the agency.

Establishes transportation arrangements and provides individual orientation to individuals served including facility tour, review and instruction about program policies and work rules.

Provides vocational guidance and counseling to assigned individuals emphasizing vocational development; performs initial assessment of vocational strengths and needs for compensatory strategies to achieve goals, exploration of career interests, identification of vocational goals, growth of appropriate interpersonal and employment skills and use of strategies designed to achieve established goals.

Establishes, maintains, and updates service plans; engages assigned individuals in expression and documentation of their vocational goals; annotates progress and revisions as appropriate.

Identify and arrange for assistance from other professionals designed to secure and provide other services including public benefits and services necessary to support assigned individuals.

Observes work and behavior performance, teaches job readiness and work adjustment skills utilizing individual and group methods as appropriate to learning style of individuals served.

Works in collaboration with production or work supervisor to monitor performance, chart progress, encourage vocational growth and development and achieve highest level of productive independent functioning. May teach specific job-related skills to assigned individuals.

Provides crisis intervention services to individuals served in the program. Works collaboratively with other members of the rehabilitation service team including but not limited to : service coordinators, therapists, case managers and residential staff as appropriate. May communicate with family members as necessary and appropriate.

Complies with all documentation, filing, and recordkeeping requirements as established by regulatory and certifying bodies including but not limited to : OMRDD, NISH, US DOL, NYSID, and organizational policies and procedures. Monitor and update in accordance with required frequency client productivity and disability documentation.

Complete situational assessments on assigned individuals. May work with other personnel to achieve assessment findings, prepares and completes relevant reports.

May work with job coaches and other personnel in delivery of vocational services.

May be required to use personal vehicle for business travel.

Completes activities associated with case record audits and case closure / discharge activities.

Assures individuals served are in compliance with PPD testing protocols.

May be assigned additional duties designed to support the delivery of services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent oral and written communicational skills required.

Must have strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and activities.

Ability to interact with the consumers and family with sensitivity and tact, demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of professional staff and others.

Education and Experience :

Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Career Counseling, or Guidance and Counseling preferred. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field accepted.

One-year experience working with MR / DD population desired.

All experience and education requirements, except when required by federal, state, or local laws or requirements, may be waived at the discretion of management with the approval of the Executive Vice President, in collaboration with Human Resources.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions :

• Ability to left at least 50 lbs. dead weight.

Corporate Qualifications / Expectations :

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must meet applicable Vehicle Operator Requirements.

Adhere to all CDS Life Transitions, Inc. policies and procedures.

Adhere to the Agency Mission, Vision, Shared Values, and Customer Service Standards.

Attend mandatory education and training modules as scheduled; obtain and maintain required certifications.

Maintain all required certifications / training by State regulations and CDS policy

Act as a professional representative of CDS Life Transitions, Inc. in regards to appearance, behavior, temperament, communication, language, and dress.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, skills, required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the direction of the employer.

CDS Life Transitions is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, military or veteran status, gender expression and / or identity, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. CDS Life Transitions will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at 585-347-1616