Employment Counselor - Vocational Rehabilitation

 Summary

The Employment Counselor in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program combines employment counseling for youth and adults with disabilities with the marketing and solicitation of employers to match participants with employer needs. They assist participants in gaining employment through assessment, counseling, educational planning, job development, and case management. They help people overcome challenges and achieve employment goals. The Employment Counselor will provide services in the way that best serves their clients, which may be in person or using email, telephone, and teleconferencing technologies. In addition, the Employment Counselor develops and sustains positive relationships with state rehabilitation counselors, employers, and persons invested in the participant’s success.

Agency Information

FCS is a multi-faceted human services agency with the mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need. JFCS is a place where you can put your values to work every day. You will be able to:

• Make a positive difference in the lives of others
• Feel energized to give your best effort and enjoy a healthy work/life balance
• Learn, grow and accomplish new things

JFCS serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions and highly values inclusion and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. AA/EEO

Salary and Benefits

• Annual salary $50,900.
• Work-life balance including vacation, wellness leave (sick time), paid Minnesota family and medical leave, holidays, flexible schedule, and a hybrid working schedule with the ability to work up to 60% of the time from home.
• Competitive benefits package including medical insurance, 401(k) with match, life and long-term disability insurance, and access to other benefits including vision, dental, and pet insurance.

Experience

• Two years of experience in counseling, social work, human services, job placement, job coaching, or related areas.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.

Skills and Qualities

The ideal person for this role would be friendly, compassionate, and draw energy from interacting with others; has a sincere and natural desire to do what it takes to help others; listens actively and can be responsive to their needs; has strong organizational skills; and is self-motivated to complete tasks in a timely manner. Specific qualities include being a person who:

• Respects and reflects JFCS’s Values: compassion, inclusion, innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
• Has the proven ability to engage compassionately with people from across all backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and mental and physical abilities.
• Has expertise in identifying interests, skills, capabilities, and barriers to employment of persons served
• Is able to apply counseling skills and career development theories to help clients work through functional limitations, develop confidence and establish achievable employment goals.
• Has strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Is an effective problem solver.
• Has the ability to use approved testing and assessment instruments appropriately under supervision. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of local job market and employment trends.
• Is proficient in MS Office programs including Word and Excel.
• Has experience working and building relationships virtually (preferred).
• Actively contributes to the agency community by participating in committees, workgroups, or other collaborative efforts that support agency goals and foster a positive work environment.

Job Duties

Employment Counseling (60%)

• Accurately assess clients’ interests, aptitude, skills, motivation, and barriers to employment to determine work readiness.
• Identify functional limitations and develop appropriate accommodations and supports.
• In collaboration with clients, develop individual employment plans with measurable goals.
• Research employment opportunities and network with employers to assist clients with job search.
• Access appropriate support services to address barriers to employment.
• Advocate for participants when appropriate.

Program Marketing and Outreach (20%)

• Market the program and conduct outreach to potential clients, employers, community agencies and organizations, and educational institutions.
• Create, sustain, and expand employer contacts and connections.
• Collaborate with employers to identify and address needs and offer attainable solutions.

Administrative Duties (15%)

• Record, organize, and manage client and agency information to ensure accurate and timely documentation.
• Maintain required forms and documentation in compliance with program and agency guidelines. 
• Maintain organized and timely client files.
• Comply with data privacy laws and procedures.
• Coordinate delivery of services and maintain communication with employers, participants, State Rehabilitation Counselors and appropriate JFCS program staff.

Training (5%)

• Develop and conduct small-group job search skills and basic re-employment skills training sessions.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Combination of sitting, walking, and standing, mostly indoors. Frequent interpersonal communication, oral and written, one-to-one, and in group meetings. Frequent writing and coordination of schedule involving clients and services. Assessment and report writing are essential functions of this position. Frequent use of telephone, computer, copier, and fax. Constant need for time awareness and responding to deadlines. Work occurs in indoor office setting, clients’ homes, agency sites, hospitals, shelters and criminal justice settings. Must be able to walk up and down stairs, lift up to 25 pounds, and get in and out of a car. Exposure to inclement weather. Constant work with and around others. May have exposure to emotionally or psychologically challenging experiences. Must have use of personal transportation for frequent driving, current Minnesota driver’s license, auto insurance with appropriate coverage limits and clean driving record.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.