Vocational Evaluator

Helen Keller Services (HKS)•Sands Point, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), part of Helen Keller Services, is hiring a full-time Vocational Evaluator based in person at its training building in Sands Point, New York. HKNC works with individuals who are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss to support their goals for independence, employment, and quality of life. The evaluator provides counseling and education through file review, standardized testing, behavioral observation, data interpretation, and vocational and career decision-making. The role also helps the team develop transition plans once a consumer is determined to be job ready. The Vocational Evaluator works collaboratively with consumers and a multidisciplinary team to plan and deliver individualized evaluation and training activities, assess progress, and identify further learning opportunities. The position includes evaluating vocational abilities and interests, conducting work assessments, preparing and presenting reports, supporting career planning and employment opportunities, and leading transition-planning efforts. The evaluator may travel locally or nationally and may occasionally need to use a personal vehicle. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The pay rate is $40.72 per hour. Applicants may opt for a No-Frills position, which pays an additional 10% premium but does not include participation in the Union Health Insurance Plan; applicants for that option must demonstrate alternative insurance coverage.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Vocational Evaluation, or in Rehabilitation Counseling with an emphasis on Vocational Evaluation.
At least two years of full-time experience as a vocational evaluator in a vocational evaluation program.
Knowledge of current commercial vocational evaluation systems.
Experience working with people who are DeafBlind, Blind, Deaf, or have multiple disabilities.
Strong report-writing skills.
Proficiency with PC applications, including Microsoft Office, Word, and Outlook.
Must be organized, detail-oriented, ambitious, and a team player.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in American Sign Language is preferred. If not already proficient, the candidate is expected to learn and develop working proficiency in American Sign Language and braille.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with consumers and the team to design trans-disciplinary training activities, implement individualized programs, evaluate progress, and identify further learning opportunities.
Communicate consumers’ training priorities and short- and long-term goals to team members, and ensure consumers participate in decisions throughout evaluation and training.
Evaluate individuals’ abilities, interests, and personality characteristics using tests, records, interviews, and professional sources.
Conduct and interpret observations during work evaluations, write evaluation reports, and present results at Employment Planning Meetings.
Interview consumers about employment history, education, and career goals.
Administer work samples, including VALPAR, Tower, and Micro-Tower, and establish appropriate adapted procedures for individual consumers.
Observe and interpret work behavior during situational assessments and document observations.
Interpret vocational test results and compile complete reports.
Develop new work samples using work-experience sites and other situations to meet consumers’ needs.
Establish employer contacts to create internship and employment opportunities for consumers.
Lead groups and instruct consumers on work-adjustment issues.
Accompany and guide consumers, and support communication access for consumers and staff in various settings; use a personal vehicle occasionally when necessary.
Provide in-service training for staff, seminar participants, and others.
Plan and promote career and employment programs and events, including career-planning presentations, work-experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.
Provide consumers with information about college degree programs and admission requirements, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.
Select and use appropriate training and instructional methods for teaching or learning new concepts and tasks.
Schedule and facilitate Personal Futures Planning meetings.
Collaborate with the National Business and Employment Specialist to identify market trends in consumers’ home communities.
Participate in vocational planning meetings to support consumers’ vocational plans.
Collaborate with Deaf Blind Specialists throughout consumers’ programs to develop and implement action plans focused on employment outcomes.
Lead transition-planning efforts with the RC, DBES, RR, and HKNC instructional staff.
Schedule three to four mock interviews for students, in coordination with the National Business and Employment Specialist or Deaf Blind Employment Specialist.
Perform other duties assigned or requested by the immediate supervisor and/or Department Director.

Benefits

Paid vacation time
Paid sick time
Personal days
Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
12 paid holidays
Short-term disability and life insurance
Ancillary benefit options
403(b) program with employer match
Tuition reimbursement program
Career advancement opportunities
No-Frills option providing an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate; No-Frills employees do not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan and must show alternative insurance.