Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Do Work That Matters. In a Culture That Means It.

Be part of a team that values connection, accountability, and real impact.

Why Access?

Because how we work matters just as much as what we do. At Access, our Culture Playbook isn't a poster on the wall - it's how we show up for each other and for the people we support.

You'll be part of a team that is:

• Clear about expectations
• Supportive and accountable
• Focused on outcomes that matter to people.

And committed to helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible - while making sure out staff can do the same.

Location: Newburgh, NY

Other locations includes Poughkeepsie, NY

Pay Range: $64,000 - $78,000 Based on Education & Credentials

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM (40 hrs.)

Travel Requirements: ~ 30% Will be working at various Mid-Hudson treatment facilities to provide vocational rehabilitation counseling. Travel to meet with employers to develop job leads, attend NYS DOL sites, various meetings or training sites.

OVERVIEW OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES :

The OASAS Vocational Rehabilitation Program is contracted through an MOU with partner substance use programs to deliver vocational services to those receiving treatment services. The Rehabilitation Vocational Counselor is part of the interdisciplinary team at the assigned site. Vocational services provided include, but are not limited to: individual and group meetings focusing on work activities, barriers to employment, referrals to outside providers, ACCESS Supports team meetings, partner site meetings, OASAS trainings, tracking of data for monthly reporting, job search assistance, application completion assistance, networking, budgeting & financial literacy and job retention support.

This position will cover the Northern part of the Mid-Hudson Region including Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, and possibly Rockland County.


PRIMARY FUNCTIONS :

• Complete documentation due within scheduled timeframes (progress notes, daily logs, OASAS reports, etc.)
• Conduct vocational assessments identifying goals, skills, barriers, experience, qualifications, etc.
• Provide individual and group vocational counseling both in person and virtual
• Identify person-centered employment goals, create resumes, review interviewing skills and help participants find and apply to appropriate job leads
• Build strong relationships with employers and workforce programs to expand employment pathways
• Assist employers in understanding business engagement strategies related to workforce development
• Stay updated on labor market trends to guide individuals toward viable employment opportunities
• Provide job coaching to help participants maintain their employment
• Attend staff and assigned program treatment meetings.
• Work in partnership with other OASAS staff to enhance job opportunities
• Compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines
• Completion of ACCES-VR referral packets as needed

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL / ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT:

• Other job-related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES :

• Valid NYS Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Knowledge of goals, objectives & psychosocial dynamics of people in addiction recovery treatment & familiarity with common barriers to employment they face.
• Knowledge of labor market trends/requirements and skills/abilities required in a wide variety of occupations.
• Familiarity with job search sites (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including interviewing and vocational assessment skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, and electronic health records required.
• Ability to work at partner agencies as the primary work location.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Preferred candidates will possess one or more of the following credentials:

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
• Master's degree (M.S. or M.Ed.) in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
• Access-VR Certified Counselor designation
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Master's degree in a related human services field
• Bachelor's degree and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) with 2 years related experience

Preference will be given to candidates holding current certifications recognized by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports or the New York State Education Department.

Applicants without the listed credentials may still be considered if they can clearly demonstrate that their competencies, skills, and knowledge base are comparable to those of certified vocational rehabilitation professionals, particularly in serving individuals with substance use disorders.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position, which are reviewed in each case.

While performing the responsibilities of the role, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and Veterans