Director of Vocational & Employment Services

Access Supports•Middletown, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Vocational and Employment Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development for vocational and employment-related services across the Access: Supports for Living network. The role ensures services align with the organization's mission, vision, and person-centered philosophy, helping people with behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other employment barriers achieve meaningful, sustainable work. The Director leads planning, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of vocational services, including Access VR services, IDD Supported Employment, OASAS Vocational and Educational Services, Individual Placement and Support (IPS), OMH employment programs (including programs operating within the CCBHC model), and Pre-Vocational Services. The role works with organizational leadership and Access Business Solutions to strengthen employment pathways, expand community partnerships, and develop opportunities that improve economic independence and recovery outcomes. The Director oversees programs across multiple locations, including their staffing, service coordination, outcomes, productivity, utilization, and financial performance. The role develops program budgets with finance leadership, supports program leaders and staff through supervision and professional development, and ensures regulatory and contractual compliance. The Director also builds employer and community partnerships, integrates vocational services into treatment and recovery plans, and uses program data and quality improvement initiatives to improve service effectiveness and employment outcomes.

Requirements

At least a bachelor's degree; a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field is preferred.
Extensive leadership experience in vocational and employment services for candidates with a bachelor's degree.
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.
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.
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, aligned with organizational priorities.
Develop long-term strategies to expand employment opportunities and pursue funding opportunities and program expansions.
Lead the integration of evidence-based employment models.
Oversee the 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 and performance metrics and lead program innovation in response to workforce needs and community opportunities.
Provide operational oversight across multiple locations, including program management, staffing, and service coordination.
Monitor productivity, program utilization, and financial performance; develop and oversee program budgets in collaboration with finance leadership.
Supervise and support program leaders and staff, providing professional development and promoting collaboration, accountability, innovation, engagement, retention, and 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.
Work with clinical and program leadership to integrate vocational services into treatment and recovery plans.
Represent Access in workforce development and employment initiatives at local, regional, state, and national levels.
Ensure compliance with applicable requirements from OMH, OASAS, OPWDD, ACCES-VR, and CCBHC standards.
Implement quality improvement initiatives, monitor program data and outcomes, and use findings to guide strategic decisions and service improvements.
Participate in audits, program reviews, and accreditation processes as required.