Vocational Counselor

Vocational Counselor -
Select Job Type: Human Services

General Purpose:

Provide Vocational Evaluation, DVE, Community-Based Work Evaluation (CBWE), and Trial Work Experience (TWE) services for individuals referred, including intake, orientation, testing, and monitoring of participant. Complete required documentation for all services as outlined by the funding source. Administer evaluations for High School Students enrolled in services.

Essential Functions:

· Review new referrals; send start letter within 5 business days of receiving new referral to schedule intakes.

· Follow up on new referrals that do not come to their first & second appointment, collect paperwork, and return voucher to DVR counselor in a timely manner – not more than 20 days after receiving referral.

· Explain and review all GW policies, procedures and handbook to new referrals, provide tours (if applicable).

· Complete required documentation (including Intakes, IWEP Plans, Progress Notes, and other required documentation) within specified timeframes.

· Administer evaluation tests based on the interest/needs of consumers and at the request of the referral agency and the direction of the Coordinator.

· Score and compile all vocational test material and complete evaluation/observation summary reports.

· Provide health & safety orientations to consumers (if applicable).

· Complete case notations on a daily basis related to consumers’ behaviors, attitudes and/or characteristics observed during evaluation and Trial Work Experience assessments.

· Completes all progress notes per the progress note and paperwork compliance procedure.

· Enter all consumer information into Foothold Awards system.

· Assist consumers with job exploration and career development as needed.

· Maintain accurate test score records and files and re-test DVE consumers as needed.

· Maintain good relationships and communication with supervisors at Employer sites.

· Develop new employer sites for TWE, CBWE and Internship Development programs.

· Organize and prioritize daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Maintain all appointments on the Outlook calendar.

· Compile statistical information on consumers’ activities in all Vocational Evaluation programs assigned, on a monthly basis.

· Serve as an agency representative at community and social service meetings.

· Participate in CBWE and TWE consumer case conferences as requested by the Vocational Evaluator.

· If fluent in another language, may be asked to translate on behalf of rehab consumers as needed.

· Exercise good judgment and discretion in all communication and when making decisions that impact individuals, the group of individuals, and/or in crisis situations.

· Develop and maintain positive & productive relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and other colleagues, individuals, parents & caretakers, support teams, and internship/volunteer sites.

· Become familiar with CARF regulations. Assure services provided and documentation maintained is CARF compliant. Help prepare for and participate in CARF audits.

· Attend rehab dept. and all staff meetings.

(Other duties and assignments as may be assigned at the sole discretion of the employer)

Qualifications:

· Bachelor degree from an accredited school in related field required.

· 1 year of experience in mental health, vocational rehabilitation, or case management preferred.

· Bilingual (Spanish) and/or ASL preferred.

Skills Required:

· Intermediate Word, Excel and Outlook preferred

· Excellent communication and written skills

· Highly organized self-starter, excellent organizational and administrative skills. Must be able to prioritize and multi-task

· Navigate and negotiate through difficult situations

· Ability to communicate with all levels of employees

Scope of Responsibility & Positions Supervised:

· The Vocational Counselor reports to the AVP of NJ/Coordinator.

· S/he will use discretion to change situational assessment and Trial Work/CBWE assignments for consumers in absence of Coordinator, and informs the Director of Rehab. of consumer incidents or emergencies.

Special Working Conditions:

· Lifting a minimum of 30 lbs. Ability to stand, bend and lift. Must have own vehicle to travel to meet in community or at office.

· Supervise TWE/CBWE consumers in various work environments, including retail, production, janitorial, food services, office and warehouse. Some areas may be cluttered or dusty.