Vocational Counselor

Who We Are

Using the slogan “Helping People Help Themselves,” JVS repairs the world, one person at a time; allowing our program participants to achieve the highest degree of independence and dignity. Our staff of more than 50 skilled professionals work with a diverse range of individuals in need of employment, education, corporate training, rehabilitation, and other specialized services. Learn more at: www.jvsnj.org

The Role

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, this position is responsible for providing vocational assessments to individuals who have disabilities to assist in determining vocational strengths which will be used for career planning. In addition, responsibilities include providing vocational counseling and assistance to program participants, running in-house groups on a variety of topics, maintaining accurate records and being able to write detailed reports documenting activities.

Essential Functions

• Manages a caseload of individuals who have disabilities, tracks and records participant’s progress through program phases.
• Provides intake interviews to program participants and orients them to the JVS program.
• Researches, develops and delivers curriculum for programmatic groups and activities.
• Gathers information from participants, their family members and community stakeholders who are all involved in the discovery and support needs planning process.
• Engages participants in a discovery process which gives a global picture of each individual and matches their education, talents and interests with employer needs.
• Works with participants on self-awareness, self-analysis and investigation of job interests and options
• Provides liaison with referral sources and reports to them as appropriate.
• Refers participants to various service providers in the community depending on needs and coordinates services with other service providers as needed.
• Provides specialized services for NJDVRS program participants which includes but is not limited to Customized Employment Services, Community Based Work Evaluations, Pre Employment Transition Services.
• Coordinates and develops fieldtrip sites for participants.
• Assists with transportation needs and travel training when needed.
• Reaches out to area employers for the purpose of developing community-based activities for participants.
• Attends various community based activities with participants.
• Refers participants to career services and follows up job placements as per program requirements.
• Participates in preparations for CARF accreditation as needed.
• Performs other duties consistent with program needs and not calling for materially different skills.

Qualifications and Experience

• REQUIRED: Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Vocational Counseling, Psychology and/or related fields.
• Experience in providing counseling services to people who have disabilities.
• Strong verbal, writing and computer skills. Must have a strong background in running group activities.

Why JVS?

• Be a part of JVS’ mission and create a meaningful impact everyday
• Health, dental, and vision benefit plans offered
• 403(b) basic retirement plan
• Generous PTO plan + extensive holiday list
• Fantastic company culture that values collaboration and growth
• Salary: $50,000