Vocational Counselor

The Well-Being area in Human Services and Public Health is seeking a Vocational Counselor for the Family Stabilization Services team. You will join a team of vocational counselors case management assistants transition team leaders and administrative staff who work together to assist individuals and their families in identifying and addressing barriers to employment. The Vocational Counselor in this role works with individuals living with cognitive physical and/or emotional disabilities with a goal of attaining employment or working towards family stabilization and/or self-sufficiency.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program .

Location and hours:

This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at various Hennepin County service centers and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be Monday through Friday with typical hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While these positions are designated as hybrid based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

This position is internally classified as a Vocational Counselor.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position you will:

• Conduct comprehensive vocational and family assessments to determine appropriate referrals for vocational rehabilitation services for Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) participants enrolled in Family Stabilization Services track.
• Develop review and evaluate employment plans at designated intervals adjusting vocational goals as needed to support participant self-sufficiency and family stabilization.
• Engage with participants monthly to discuss progress toward employment goals request and review required documentation such as medical reports and activity logs and monitor overall progress in meeting program expectations.
• Manage a caseload of MFIP Post 60 participants and determine continued MFIP post-60 extension eligibility.
• Provide referrals and share relevant information with social service partners to support access to services that enhance family stability and long-term self-sufficiency.
• Ensure state and county program policies are applied accurately to support participants effectively.

• Bachelors degree or higher in vocational rehabilitation vocational counseling counseling psychology or related field and one or more years of providing employment services to adults with cognitive physical and/or emotional disabilities and who have significant barriers to obtaining and retaining employment.

• One year or more of case management experience.
• Experience:
  • Working with theprinciples and techniques of vocational rehabilitation and vocational counseling.
  • Utilizing motivational interviewing with individuals who have cognitive physical or emotional disabilities.
  • Referring clients to external vocational programs and/or other community resources.
• Knowledge of:
  • Person-centered thinking.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services programs and eligibility criteria.
  • County and community resources for adults with cognitive mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Ability to:
  • Establish effective working relationships with individuals and community partners.
  • Work collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Organize information and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.