Vocational Counselor

JOB SQUAD INC•Bridgeport, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

To individualize the employment relationship between employees and employers in ways that meet the needs of both. Services are based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the person served, and is also designed to meet the specific needs of the employer.

Requirements

Effective communicator.
Ability to perform duties associated with required skills and knowledge, and duties and responsibilities.
Valid Driver’s License, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle.
A four-year college degree.
Demonstrated success with forming strategic alliances and effective working relationships with other businesses, community groups, and organizations.
Must pass a background check with WV Cares and maintain good standing for the duration of employment, completing recertifications periodically.
Must obtain and maintain CESP certification.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Good overall computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
Exceptional interpersonal skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

A relevant four-year degree in the social services field is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Identifying specific job duties or employer expectations that are negotiated with employers.
Targeting individualized job goals in order to negotiate with potential employers based on the needs, strengths, and interests of the employment seeker.
Meeting the unique needs of the employment seeker and the discrete, emerging needs of the employer.
Starting with the individual as the source of information for exploring potential employment options.
Offering representation, as needed, for employment seekers to assist in negotiating with employers.
Finding employment that occurs in integrated, inclusive environments in the community, or in a business alongside people who do not have disabilities.
Finding employment resulting in pay at the prevailing wage or better (no subminimum wages).
Creating employment through self-employment, resource ownership, and business ownership.
Facilitating an amalgam of supports and funding sources that may include Workforce Investment, Division of Rehabilitation, Medicaid, service providers, schools, Social Security Administration, families, and other partners coordinated in ways to meet the needs of the individual.
Engaging the job seeker in the process of discovery, with the end result being an answer to the question, “Who is this person?”
Completes effective job analysis which leads to employment that matches the best possible working conditions for each individual.
Engages in Person-Centered Job Development by: highlighting the personal contribution of the job seeker; developing and using personal, professional, and organizational networks; “Naïve job development”; informational interviews; work experience; and using sales skills and marketing materials.
Works collaboratively with the job seeker.
Understands and assists the job seeker to explore resource ownership as a means to employment.
Engages in interest-based negotiation, problem solving, and conflict management during the employment process.
Looks for job carving possibilities that create jobs that fit the job seeker’s ideal conditions of employment and also benefit the workplace.
Advises the job seeker about the impact of work on their benefits.
Assists job seekers to use Social Security work incentives.
Provides on-the-job training and supports as appropriate.
Provides ongoing supports as needed.
Completes paperwork as needed.
Adheres to all agency policies, procedures, and standards.
Performs all other job duties as assigned.
Supervise assigned Job Coaches and coordinate work schedules.
Complete, initially and annually, required trainings for funding sources through WV DRS and Medicare Waiver, and any additional trainings as requested.
Provides transportation to consumers.