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 provides individualized career counseling, job coaching, and employment support to students and adults with disabilities referred through ACCES-VR. This role helps individuals develop workplace skills, achieve employment goals, and maintain competitive employment while promoting independence and self-sufficiency. Responsibilities include managing a diverse caseload, coordinating with employers and community partners, maintaining required documentation, and providing ongoing support tailored to each customer's needs. The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, able to work independently, and committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to succeed in the workforce. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to accommodate customer schedules.

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 $23.50-$24.10/hour

Responsibilities

• Respects and maintains customers’ rights and confidentiality and demonstrates a positive, caring and inclusive attitude towards all customers, staff, guests, and service providers.
• Conduct vocational assessments by identifying interests, skills, abilities, and employment goals and matching these to appropriate businesses and employment settings.
• Provide services, documentation and billing within designated time frames.
• Provide job development for paid employment that aligns with customers’ goals and priorities.
• Develop and maintain good positive professional relationships with community business partners to establish work opportunities that match our customers’ employment needs and goals.
• Provide job coaching as needed to maximize success of job placement. Use a variety of coaching and teaching strategies to assist individuals in learning job duties, develop workplace skills, increasing independence and achieving success in meeting the expectations of their employer.
• Conduct site visits for long-term follow-up services for employed customers to provide required services and meet regulatory criteria.
• Must complete ACCES-VR funded training tiers through NYS CASE (Career Advancement and Support for Employment) and maintain continuing education in accordance with current ACCES-VR requirements.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of work environments and respond effectively to changing customer and employer needs.
• Must develop good working relationships with ACCES-VR, Office of Mental Health (OMH) systems and other community providers and funders.
• Must adhere to WorkGuide procedures and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

Education & 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. These standards include:
• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in vocational rehabilitation or related Human Service fields for our combination of education and experience.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a combination of education with 2-3 years of relevant college coursework &/or relevant work experience including human services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, human resources, business, sales, or other related fields working with people with disabilities.
• 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.
• Must be well organized to manage time and be able to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to effectively use technology to complete required documentation, communication, scheduling, various job search/employment platforms, and other job responsibilities.
• Must have a current valid NYS license that meets agency’s clean driving record policy. Must have reliable transportation and vehicle to perform job duties. Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, whether verbally or through American Sign Language (when relevant to the position), and to read, write, and understand English sufficiently to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods. Must be able to lift to 20 lbs, communicate effectively, and perform basic office tasks such as typing, filing, and operating standard office equipment.

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.