Unit Coordinator – Advocacy & Vocations Unit

BRAIN INJURY SERVICES, INC.•Fairfax, VA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Senior Manager of Day Programs, the Unit Coordinator is a full-time, in-person position responsible for the development, facilitation, and implementation of a work-ordered day program for persons with brain injuries, based on the Clubhouse model. The Unit Coordinator reports directly to the Senior Manager of Day Programs and works in close coordination with the Senior Unit Coordinator regarding daily unit operations. The Unit Coordinator plays a key role in maintaining a consistent physical presence within the assigned unit, actively modeling participation, collaboration, and skill development alongside members. This role requires consistent situational awareness and sound judgment, as staff may at times need to make immediate decisions with incomplete information that have significant safety, behavioral, or programmatic impact. The Unit Coordinator works collaboratively with members to design, adapt, and implement meaningful unit tasks that support individual goals while maintaining safe, effective unit operations. This role prioritizes team-based work, consistent communication, and the use of practical, accessible learning strategies to support member engagement, skill-building, and community integration. All unit activities are aligned with member goals, Clubhouse standards, and the organizational mission.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in special education, rehabilitation counseling, social work or a closely related field is preferred. Relevant professional experience providing community-based services to individuals with disabilities may be considered in lieu of a degree.
A minimum of one year experience providing community-based services to persons with disabilities, preferably those with brain injuries, is highly desirable.
Knowledge of: Medical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects of brain injury
Knowledge of: Inclusive, person-centered group facilitation practices
Knowledge of: ADA and other laws and regulations that protect the rights of persons with disabilities
Knowledge of: Community-based rehabilitation and participation-focused service models
Skills in: Applying project management to current and new clubhouse and unit-based offerings
Skills in: Managing multiple competing demands while maintaining attention to member safety, engagement, and program flow
Skills in: Documenting and maintaining timely and accurate individual service records and clubhouse forms
Skills in: Identifying and developing interagency relationships
Skills in: Identifying the relevant documentation necessary to support a brain injury diagnosis
Skills in: Operating productivity software: such as common Google and Microsoft based applications, (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Docs, Slides, etc.)
Skills in: Utilizing communication platforms, such as Microsoft Teams & Zoom
Ability to: Capacity to work in a fast-paced, immersive team setting requiring adaptability and sustained engagement
Ability to: Ability to make sound decisions and maintain composure in situations involving ambiguity, competing needs, or unexpected challenges
Ability to: Engage and manage group and individual clubhouse unit-focused activities in an immersive group environment
Ability to: Engage members using respectful, strengths-based, and person-centered communication, while maintaining effective collaboration with support personnel
Ability to: Engage in moderate physical activity as needed
Ability to: Ability to maintain focus, situational awareness, and professional judgment in environments with frequent interruptions and high sensory input

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to those applicants with experience in a Clubhouse program and with knowledge of person-centered practices.

Responsibilities

Maintain consistent, in-person presence within the assigned work-ordered day unit
Facilitate daily unit operations and implement assigned facilitation plans
Model Clubhouse participation by working side-by-side with members
Collaborate with members to develop, adapt, and complete meaningful unit work
Implement flexible learning strategies that support engagement, skill development, and independence
Ensure unit activities are structured and align with member strengths, needs, and goals
Facilitate and apply risk management strategies in real-time, including identifying emerging safety concerns, implementing immediate protective actions when necessary, and communicating incidents and patterns to the Senior Manager.
Provide light case management for assigned members in accordance with BIS policies
Participate in intake, assessment, and eligibility activities as needed
Maintain accurate, timely member documentation and support ISP development
Train, support, and evaluate member participation and progress
Implement positive behavioral support strategies and interventions as needed
Work within a team-based environment that prioritizes collaboration and shared responsibility
Provide cross-unit support by collaborating on shared projects, tasks that intersect across units, and assisting with covering other units to ensure continuity of operations and member engagement.
Maintain consistent communication with the Senior Unit Coordinator regarding unit operations, coverage needs, and member participation
Collaborate with task-related BIS departments to support coordinated services
Report and document operational and member-related incidents per agency procedures
Coordinate services with internal staff and external agencies
Participate actively in staff meetings, planning sessions, and development activities
Plan and facilitate Advocacy and Vocations unit activities
Provide instruction and practice in communication, self-advocacy, and use of advocacy tools
Support resume development, job readiness skills, and mock interview practice
Model professional communication, workplace behaviors, and problem-solving skills
Assist with Vocational Transition Program (VTP) and/or Employment Development Services (EDS) activities, as assigned
Develop monthly unit activity plans
Assist with service tracking, attendance, outcome measures, and feedback collection
Review unit budget and purchasing needs with the Senior Unit Coordinator
Support program evaluation, quality improvement, and accreditation standards
Assist with fundraising and community partnership activities
Maintain current CPR and AED certification
Complete a minimum of Brain Injury Fundamentals Training
Complete & maintain a minimum of ServSafe Food Handler Certification