Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Community Health Action of Staten Island • New York, NY

1d • $60,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor serves as a key member of the Next Step team, providing comprehensive vocational rehabilitation support to individuals in SUD treatment or recovery, ensuring they successfully obtain and retain employment aligned with their documented, person-centered employment goals. This includes employment assessments, individual and group employment counseling, vocational planning, job search assistance, job development within the community including outreach and presentations to facilitate understanding of the participants served to our local businesses, and recovery support services to participants. The Vocational Counselor works collaboratively with our Peer Training Institute, Workforce Development, and community partners to support participant engagement and continuity of care.

Requirements

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential; a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling; Access-VR Certified Counselor status; CASAC; LMSW; LMHC; LCSW; or a master’s degree in a related human services field.
• Two years of experience providing vocational or employment services for individuals in recovery
• Familiarity with harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing practices
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems
• Bilingual Spanish preferred
• Candidates who are representative of the population served, including individuals with lived experience, are strongly encouraged to apply

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates who hold current NYS OASAS or NYSED-recognized certifications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of 25 participants
• Deliver ongoing, individualized and group vocational counseling to help participants navigate employment pathways.
• Assist individuals in identifying, developing, and pursuing person-centered employment goals.
• Conduct employment readiness assessments, guiding clients through skill-building career planning, and job placement activities.
• Develop individualized action plans and treatment recommendations using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches
• Provide 1:1 employment counseling to establish clear employment benchmarks, including: Work-related activities, Work readiness evaluation, Employment status tracking, Community referrals for pre-employment skill development, resume building, job search assistance, and interview preparation.
• Facilitate job placement services, including referral coordination within the community.
• Maintain ongoing follow-up to support clients in securing and sustaining employment.
• Work in partnership with the OASAS SUD Job Developer to enhance job opportunities.
• Build relationships with local businesses and workforce programs within the economic development zone to expand employment pathways.
• Assist employers in understanding business engagement strategies related to workforce development.
• Stay updated on labor market trends to guide clients toward viable employment opportunities
• Offer in-person and virtual employment counseling for individuals and groups.
• Utilize social networking and internet research techniques for job placement.
• Ensure consistent, structured communication between employment counselors, job developers, and placement providers.
• Meet with the NYS OASAS job development and technical assistance liaison at least monthly
• Attend all trainings identified by the NYS OASAS’ job development and technical assistance liaison and CHASI
• Collaboratively work with the NYS OASAS job development and technical assistance liaison on job development and relevant exchange of information.
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values
• Other duties as requested or at the needs of the program and/or agency

Benefits

• generous paid time off (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, and sick time)
• medical
• dental
• vision
• supplemental benefits including employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs
• tuition reimbursement
• fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment
• a retirement plan that includes employer matching

What This Job Offers

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