Vocational Counselor

Hennepin County • Hennepin County, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Well-Being area in Human Services and Public Health is seeking a Vocational Counselor for the Family Stabilization Services team. The counselor works with individuals with cognitive, physical, and/or emotional disabilities to help them attain employment or work toward family stabilization and self-sufficiency. The role is part of a team of vocational counselors, case management assistants, transition team leaders, and administrative staff who help individuals and families identify and address barriers to employment.

This is a full-time, benefit-earning position classified as a Vocational Counselor. It is hybrid, with work performed on-site at various Hennepin County service centers and remotely as job duties require. Employees must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New Employee Orientation for benefit-earning employees is held in person in downtown Minneapolis.

The position serves Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) participants enrolled in the Family Stabilization Services track, including MFIP Post 60 participants. It may involve access to systems or documentation containing HIPAA data. Final candidates may be required to complete a drug test, physical assessment, and/or criminal background check.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in vocational rehabilitation, vocational counseling, counseling psychology, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience providing employment services to adults with cognitive, physical, and/or emotional disabilities who have significant barriers to obtaining and retaining employment.
• Experience working with principles and techniques of vocational rehabilitation and vocational counseling.
• Experience utilizing motivational interviewing with individuals who have cognitive, physical, or emotional disabilities.
• Experience referring clients to external vocational programs and/or other community resources.
• Knowledge of person-centered thinking.
• Knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation Services programs and eligibility criteria.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to organize information and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• One year or more of case management experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive vocational and family assessments to determine appropriate referrals for vocational rehabilitation services for MFIP participants enrolled in the 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 progress in meeting program expectations.
• Manage a caseload of MFIP Post 60 participants and determine continued MFIP post-60 extension eligibility.
• Refer participants and share relevant information with social service partners to support access to services that enhance family stability and long-term self-sufficiency.
• Apply state and county program policies accurately to support participants.

Benefits

• Benefit-earning position.
• Competitive pay.
• Work-life balance.
• A variety of benefits.
• Opportunities to grow.
• Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level