Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

March of Dimes Canada•Victoria, BC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist provides support to people with disabilities who face employment barriers. They accept referrals from various sources and oversee assessment and vocational exploration to help service users identify multiple viable career goals. This role involves evaluating service user’s motivation and disability-related employment challenges, offering supportive measures to promote their success. The specialist creates detailed employment plans outlining the steps needed to achieve vocational goals and manages the selection and purchase of necessary services. Additionally, they case manage and monitor client progress, address issues, and develop solutions to prevent setbacks or failure.

Requirements

Diploma in a related field with demonstrated experience working with service users who are seeking employment
Two years in job placement and vocational rehabilitation is preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Windows; database skills are a plus.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Effective negotiation skills.
Sensitivity to barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.
Ability to complete internal training (e.g., case management).
In-depth knowledge of local labor markets.

Nice To Haves

Registered Rehabilitation Professional, or equivalent certification is an asset
Bilingualism in both official languages is an asset.

Responsibilities

Confirm referral details, objectives, and eligibility criteria.
Communicate guidelines and expectations clearly, orient new users to the program, conduct intake interviews and complete required forms.
Perform a comprehensive evaluation covering: Physical and psychomotor capacities, Intellectual abilities, Emotional stability, Interests and aptitudes, Personal, work, and social history, Work skills and tolerance, Transferable skills, Work habits and barriers, Job-seeking skills, Potential for other services and needed adaptive aids.
Use various assessment methods, including interviews, questionnaires, self-assessments, and work trials to assess and to gauge motivation.
Conduct labour market research to assess job availability and target wages.
Build relationships with service users to assess their motivation and eagerness to enter the workforce.
Discuss goals, target labour markets, and other relevant factors.
Interpret and communicate assessment results and vocational options to service users.
Develop the employment plan collaboratively with the service user and referral source, ensuring timely completion.
Develop employment plans with Service Users, meeting referral source requirements and deadlines.
Purchase services for service users and ensure external services are effective and cost-efficient.
Monitor progress, document evidence, and address barriers.
Provide or coordinate counseling and professional support as needed.
Complete reports as per MODC and referral source requirements.
Communicate effectively with service users and referral sources.
Integrate feedback into service delivery with guidance from the Employment Services Manager.
Address complaints promptly and maintain comprehensive, confidential service user records.
Adhere to MODC and contract data requirements.
Foster effective communication and teamwork while following MODC policies and professional standards.
Manage programs, workload, and work area safely and constructively handle change.
Follow Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) laws, regulations, and MODC policies.
Complete required mandatory training and stay updated on vocational rehabilitation developments and/or continuing education credits as required.
Adhere to Occupational Health & Safety laws, March of Dimes Canada policies, funder mandates, and government regulations.
Work safely, report hazards and injuries to a supervisor.