VOCATIONAL & LIFE SKILLS SPECIALIST

Vocational & Life Skills Specialist

Under general supervision, assists substance use disorder clients in the development and progress of vocational and life skills goals. Maintains confidentiality and ethical standards as identified by the NYS Education Department, NASW or other relevant governing bodies. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication amongst all program staff, adhering to established agency communication protocols and is responsible for ensuring a trauma informed care environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists clients in the development and progress of vocational educational goals as needed.
• Maintains written records of goals and progress including progress notes and other documentation regarding client vocational status, life skills and recreation progress.
• Supports development and implementation of a curriculum to train clients in employability skills.
• Coordinates with other staff to integrate & utilize vocational/employment component and curriculum.
• Provides interview and job readiness education, including running groups
• Makes contact and develops job experience locations based on client education or interest.
• Develops job experience or job shadow opportunity for client, places clients on job site
• Plans and implements all therapeutic recreation, Life Skills and individual leisure components.
• Provides classroom instruction in leisure education and stress management.
• Provides activities related to physical fitness and recreational outings.
• Tracks expenses and submits for payment
• Oversees life skills curriculum in collaboration with the Clinical Team
• Incorporate curriculum into program schedule to be presented by Residential Associates.
• Documents and monitors progress.
• Completes and maintains all necessary documentation in compliance with the agency and appropriate regulatory standards.
• Enters shift notes into electronic client record database per each scheduled shift
• Completes group notes into electronic client record database by the end of each shift
• Completes incident reports, documenting any unusual incidents or situations as needed.
• Participates in Weekly Clinical Meetings and morning clinical rounds
• Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings
• Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job role performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan. Including, but not limited to, supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory directions and perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling or related field preferred. Equivalent Combination of education and experience will be considered.

Credentials: Valid and clean NYS Driver's License.

Experience: Experience working with substance use disorder or mental health clients is preferred.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance: Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCFCS's corporate compliance & ethics program. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. CCDOR considers all background check information in accordance with applicable law.

Top Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
• Generous time off package and work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Supportive and collaborative environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Join us and help make a positive impact on our community!

***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet**