Director of Vocational & Employment Services

Access: Supports for Living•Middletown, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Vocational and Employment Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development for vocational and employment services across the Access: Supports for Living network. The role ensures services align with the organization's mission, vision, and person-centered philosophy, supporting people with behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other employment barriers in achieving meaningful, sustainable work. The Director leads the planning, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of services, including Access VR, IDD Supported Employment, OASAS Vocational and Educational Services, Individual Placement and Support (IPS), OMH employment programs (including those operating within the CCBHC model), and Pre-Vocational Services. The role collaborates with organizational leadership and Access Business Solutions to strengthen employment pathways, expand community partnerships, and develop employment opportunities that support economic independence and recovery. This position works in a hybrid administrative and community-based environment, with travel between Access program locations and community partners. The listed location is Middletown, New York, with Mount Vernon, New York also available. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility. Salary is $115,000 annually.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of New York State employment and vocational service systems, including ACCES-VR, OMH, IDD, and OASAS programs.
Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
Ability to build partnerships with employers and community stakeholders.
Strong analytical, financial management, and program evaluation skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Bachelor’s degree with extensive leadership experience in vocational and employment services is the stated minimum education qualification.
Five to ten years of experience in vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, workforce development, or human services.
Five years of leadership or management experience overseeing programs and staff.
Demonstrated experience with employment service models such as IPS, SEMP, and vocational rehabilitation services.
Experience working with behavioral health, substance use, or disability service populations.
Candidates without current CRC certification must be willing and able to obtain it.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field.
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification; preferred.
Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification.
Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) Certificate.
IPS Practitioner Training.
Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification.
APSE Employment First Training.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and vision for vocational and employment services across the Access network and align services with organizational priorities.
Develop long-term strategies to expand employment opportunities and pursue funding and program expansion in employment and workforce development.
Lead integration of evidence-based employment models.
Oversee development, planning, and implementation of vocational and employment programs across applicable service lines.
Develop program policies, procedures, and service standards, and ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Monitor program outcomes, performance metrics, productivity, utilization, and financial performance; guide service improvements using program data.
Lead innovation and continuous improvement in response to workforce needs and community opportunities.
Oversee program management, staffing, service coordination, and budgets in collaboration with finance leadership.
Supervise, develop, and support program leaders and staff; promote collaboration, accountability, engagement, retention, and professional growth.
Ensure staff training in evidence-based practices, including IPS and supported employment models.
Collaborate with Access Business Solutions leadership to expand employment opportunities and career pathways.
Build partnerships with employers, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders.
Integrate vocational services into treatment and recovery plans in collaboration with clinical and program leadership.
Represent Access in workforce development and employment initiatives at local, regional, state, and national levels.
Ensure compliance with requirements from OMH, OASAS, OPWDD, ACCES-VR, and CCBHC standards.
Participate in audits, program reviews, and accreditation processes as required.