Vocational Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through comprehensive support services. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals recovering from substance use disorders, helping clients pursue meaningful employment, education, volunteer opportunities, and long-term stability in recovery.

The position provides individualized vocational assessment, career counseling, employment preparation, resource coordination, and ongoing support. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works collaboratively with counselors, case managers, treatment team members, community partners, employers, and vocational training providers to support clients' recovery and employment goals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree and/or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential preferred.
• At least one year of experience or training providing vocational rehabilitation services, preferably with individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
• Experience with individual and group counseling.
• Understanding of vocational challenges experienced by individuals with substance use histories.
• Familiarity with substance use disorder treatment, mental health, and the local job market.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Valid New York State driver’s license.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Vocational Assessment and Planning

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ vocational skills, interests, education, work history, and potential barriers to employment, including barriers related to substance use and co-occurring disorders.
• Develop individualized vocational rehabilitation plans aligned with each client’s recovery and employment goals.
• Monitor client progress toward vocational goals and adjust plans as needed to address emerging barriers.

Career Counseling and Employment Support

• Provide career counseling and guidance regarding job-search strategies, resume development, interview preparation, and workplace expectations.
• Tailor employment-readiness services to the individual needs and circumstances of clients in recovery.
• Facilitate individual and group training related to work readiness, financial literacy, time management, workplace communication, and related employment skills.
• Support clients in identifying and pursuing employment, educational, internship, and volunteer opportunities.

Treatment Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with counselors, case managers, and other treatment team members to ensure vocational services support clients’ overall recovery plans.
• Coordinate services addressing intersecting mental health, social service, employment, and vocational needs.
• Participate in appropriate team meetings, case conferences, and service-planning activities.

Community and Employer Partnerships

• Establish and maintain relationships with local employers and vocational training providers.
• Develop opportunities for employment, internships, training, and other vocational experiences.
• Connect clients with community resources, including educational programs, job placement services, legal assistance, housing support, and other appropriate services.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client services, progress, referrals, and outcomes.
• Track vocational service activities and client outcomes.
• Assist with program reporting and collection of program metrics used to evaluate service effectiveness.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and program information in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in required meetings, trainings, professional development, and program activities.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by program, clinical, or senior leadership.

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide services in accordance with RECAP policies, procedures, program requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and timely client documentation.
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of client, employee, and organizational information.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when working with clients, families, community partners, and treatment team members.
• Follow applicable requirements related to substance use disorder services, client rights, confidentiality, and documentation.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect when interacting with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and sound judgment.
• Demonstrates cultural awareness and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Communicates effectively and works collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates flexibility, initiative, reliability, and accountability.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises appropriate discretion when handling sensitive information.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular interaction with clients, treatment team members, employers, and community partners.
• Ability to use computers, telephones, printers, copiers, fax machines, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to travel locally as required to provide services and maintain community partnerships.
• Ability to work in office, community, and other program-related environments.
• May occasionally encounter inclement weather, noise, and other environmental conditions associated with community-based activities.
• Must maintain consistent punctuality and attendance at the assigned worksite and program activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an outpatient position involving regular interaction with clients, treatment team members, community partners, employers, and vocational service providers. Work may occur in an office, community, or other program-related setting. Local travel may be required. The position may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and noise.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

RECAP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. RECAP reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as organizational, programmatic, or operational needs require.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree and/or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential preferred.
• At least one year of experience or training providing vocational rehabilitation services, preferably with individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
• Experience with individual and group counseling.
• Understanding of vocational challenges experienced by individuals with substance use histories.
• Familiarity with substance use disorder treatment, mental health, and the local job market.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Valid New York State driver’s license.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain a valid New York State driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must successfully complete any required agency vehicle or driver requirements.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment background screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete any required physical examination or health clearance.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must complete required agency, program, and departmental training.
• Must comply with all RECAP policies, procedures, program requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and organizational information.
• Must exercise appropriate discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Must perform other job-related duties as assigned.