Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation•Toppenish, WA

3d•$21

About The Position

Responsible for professional educational and vocational counseling work for the program. Duties include carrying a case load in accordance with Vocational Rehabilitation policies and within the established policies of the Yakama Nation. Responsible for developing case histories on applicants by personal interviews, employer work and school records, or other available sources. Duties include working directly with medical professionals to set-up testing and evaluations to determine eligibility for services. Works closely with participants to establish a suitable vocational goal, establish an individual plan for employment (IPE) that is participant driven. Keep up-to-date confidential participant records. Provide regular follow-up activities to keep case documentation current, document case activity, and intervenes or adjusts rehabilitation plan as necessary.

Requirements

Knowledge of vocational counseling, psychology, sociology; considerable knowledge of individual, conjoint and group psychotherapeutic techniques.
Knowledge of the cultural of Native American participants.
Knowledge of and familiarity with the Yakama Language, culture, and traditions.
Knowledge of Tribal, local, state, and federal laws applicable to the field of vocational rehabilitation and social work areas.
Knowledge of available services for participants that are eligible for services, doctors, hospitals, professionals, local agencies.
Knowledge of field and clinical experience to be able to diagnose a problem at the intake level.
Knowledge of Social Work Code of Ethics when working with participants.
Ability to recognize mental health problems, behavioral disorders, social impairments, and organic and hereditary dysfunctions.
Ability to effectively use Social Work professional skills objectively and with insight.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the public, and other professionals.
Ability to recognize a crisis and take appropriate actions by deescalating such situations.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse individuals.
Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, or related field.
OR , five years or more work experience in Social Services or related field.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
Must pass a pre-employment background check.
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach services to local and surrounding communities that are within a 60-to-80-mile radius from Toppenish, WA.
Transport participants to locations that will increase their opportunities for employment, travel to events in the community, travel to meetings, and travel for all other program related purposes.
Review participant application for services to determine eligibility for services.
Enter all participant data in database system for appropriate record keeping.
Develops case histories on applicants by personal interviews, employer work records, school records, or any other available sources.
Arranges for medical, psychological, and/or other pertinent tests necessary to assist with the determination of eligibility for services.
Determine eligibility based on information obtained and in accordance with eligibility criteria.
Conducts thorough vocational assessments, using tests, participant work history, medical information and other participant information that is pertinent to each individual case.
Establishes a suitable vocational goal, and subsequently implements an Individualized Plan for Employment written vocational rehabilitation plan.
Developing partnership with other professionals through monitoring practices to ensure opportunity for success with participants.
Provides regular follow-up activities to keep case documentation current, document case activity, and interview or adjust the rehabilitation plan as necessary.
Meets with medical consultants to arrange appropriate rehabilitation services, which may include training, medical restoration, or other appropriate services.
Maintains active outreach in the community to inform and update the community of programs and available services.
Counsels and guides participants during rehabilitation process to foster self-reliance and preparation for entry into employment.
Develops new employment opportunities for persons with severe employment problems due to disability limitations, assists participants in securing employment consistent with their capacities and preparation; assists individual in adjusting to placement.
Maintain appropriate record keeping of all mileage conducted for program purposes.
Close participant cases within 90 days of sustainable employment.
Assists in interpretation of program to the community; promotes and coordinates assistance and services with other outside agencies.