Vocational Counselor

Overview

DePaul’s WorkGuide Program offers a wide range of pre-employment and employment services to Monroe County residents who qualify for Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR).  The Vocational Counselor will provide Supported Employment and Pre-Employment/Work Readiness Services to adults and students with disabilities (ages 16 and older) referred through ACCES-VR.  Our Vocational Counselors support customers in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in inclusive workplace settings earning competitive wages. Strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and proficiency in computer use are required. A flexible work schedule is required to provide coaching support during interviews and/or on-site job coaching at worksites if/when customers’ work schedules are outside of WorkGuide office hours.  Vocational Counselor will act as a liaison between employees, employers, and supervisors to foster communication and satisfaction. 

Why work for DePaul?

• Make a positive difference in someone's life
• Supportive work environment
• We value diversity
• Opportunity for professional development and career advancement
• Excellent benefits and competitive wages
• Pay range for this position is $22-$22.60/hour

Responsibilities

• Respects and maintains consumer’s rights and confidentiality and demonstrates a positive, caring attitude towards all consumers, staff, guests and service providers. 
• Provide oversight of ACCES-VR funded Employment Services.
• Provide community outreach to market programs, promote job seekers, and develop new business partnerships.
• Provide one-on-one vocational counseling.
• Facilitate work-readiness or self-advocacy classes (1:1 or groups) to meet customer and programming needs.
• Provide one-on-one vocational counseling
• Provide job development for both paid employment and volunteer internships.
• Conduct site visits as necessary to provide the required services and meet regulatory criteria.
• Provide coaching interventions to support customers and/or employers as needed to sustain long-term employment.
• Responsible for long-term follow-up services for employed customers.
• Job coaching as necessary to maximize success of job placement.
• Role model professional workplace behaviors, professional boundaries, and code of conduct in the office and community settings.
• Must develop good working relationships with ACCES-VR, DSS, Social Security, and OMH systems.
• Must adhere to WorkGuide procedures and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor to meet fluctuating referral and program needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and one year of experience in rehabilitation placement, counseling, recruitment, or related human services fields working with adults or students with disabilities, or
• Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or related human services areas and one year of relevant work experience or practicum experience.
• A combination of education and experience which is substantially equivalent to the standards of this subdivision and is approved by ACCES-VR prior to a final job offer.
• Relevant experience should include working in the Human Services field, ability to work with DD, LD, CD, Blind/Low vision, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and MH clients. 
• Must have good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• ASL is a plus but not required.
• Must be well organized and be able to work with limited supervision.
• Must be computer literate with the ability to learn/utilize required technology (Microsoft, Outlook, TEAMS, Zoom, AWARDS, ADP/DOCEBO, Smartlinx, etc.)
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule around program needs and customers’ employment needs.
• Must have a current, clean/valid NYS driver’s license that meets the agency’s clean driving record policy.
• Must have reliable transportation and vehicle to perform job duties. 

Benefits

This position is eligible for the following for the following benefits:  Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Generous PTO & Paid Holidays, 403B with Employer Match, robust Employee Assistant Program, Staff Recognition Program and Employee Discount Program.

DePaul is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.  All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and program need.