Job Summary:

Counsel and assist individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from various disabilities. Assist in coordinating activities with clients based on an individualized employment plan.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training and job placement.
• Plan and conduct training classes, personal and social adjustment training, job readiness and pre-employment skills analysis and services as assigned using the proper training materials and curriculums both in house and in the community.
• Develop and implement lesson plans for each class or session.
• Function as a member of the Vocational Services team and provide input into the individual planning process. Assist with the development and revision of training curriculum and materials to insure that services meet the needs of clients served.
• Develop an Individualized Employment Plan (IEP) for each client and complete all intake documents.
• Identify and incorporate different resources and training methods to meet client needs.
• Provide individualized instruction for tasks to insure client understanding of job expectations.
• Educate employer and coworkers on job modifications and/or accommodations.
• Responsible for forming a client support team of family, counselor, teacher, employer and coworkers to help client minimize barriers to employment such as transportation, inappropriate behaviors, task behavior, use of break times, communication skills and work schedules.
• Assist with placing clients in competitive employment.
• Provide hands on instruction, supervision and support at various job sites.
• Identify and incorporate different resources and training methods to meet client needs.
• Insure all necessary documents (referral forms, plans, progress reports, case notes etc.) are maintained in case files in a timely manner.
• Insure all clients receive information related to compliance with all applicable standards and regulations, client rights, and grievance procedures.
• Insure electronic client records are accurate and accessible to staff.
• Monitor and ensure client health, safety, development and quality of service.
• Review client goal tracking to ensure that all services are provided and documented in accordance with client’s IEP.
• Counsel individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavior problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.
• Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
• Design, plan organize, or direct orientation and training programs for clients and/or employers.
• Complete monthly training reports and submit to Vocational Services Director by the 5thday of the month.
• Insure all clients receive care that is in compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
• Insure all client rights are appropriately respected and honored as well as report any violations.
• Work with Support Coordinators and staff to develop person-centered goals.
• Insure electronic client records are accurate and accessible to staff.
• Maintain contact with client’s families as needed and required.
• Monitor and insure client health, safety, development and quality of services.
• Complete Critical incident Reports and Staff (client) Injury Reports as necessary and submit within established guidelines.
• Maintain current client records on-site including notes for concerns, goals and improvement.
• Review client goal tracking to ensure that all services are provided and documented in accordance with client IEP.
• Insure submission of required documents to various departments as scheduled.
• Manage all client admission documentation and records.
• Insure client ISP goals are appropriate according to client abilities.
• Complete Critical Incident Reports as necessary and submit within established guidelines.
• Review Client satisfaction surveys & implement changes when feasible.
• Maintain cleanliness and functional operation of local satellite office.
• Complete continuing education as required for growth and development.
• Follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rule to insure client protected health information is secure.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of Easter Seals Southern Georgia policies and procedures.
• Insure that all required certifications remain current including CPR, First Aid, Defensive Driving, Professional Certification and Licensing, TB clearance and Crisis Prevention Intervention.
• All other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Travel to multiple ESSG properties and community locations for client management, meetings and events.
• Ability to network within the community to create and maintain relationships for vocational evaluations and transition.
• Ability to work client shifts should an absence occur, including different job sites and varying shifts.
• Ability to lift, push and pull a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop and physically maneuver to properly secure clients and wheelchairs in vans for transport.
• Ability to speak publicly for various groups to advocate for ESSG mission, vision, values and clients.
• Use of technology and office equipment including: laptop, email, Smartphone, Microsoft Office Suite, scanner, fax, printer, PolicyStat system, THERAP system, Client Information System (CIS), Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) and other client records management systems.

Job Specifications (Characteristics to perform successfully):

• Exhibit a high standard of client care to effectively manage client case load.
• Ability to effectively multi-task and execute expectations from different departments.
• Maintain objectivity in position in order to set appropriate limits while working with clients.
• Work cooperatively and responsively with ESSG Leadership to ensure optimal care of clients.
• Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with Clients, Families, Co-Workers and Community Members.
• Ability to manage time effectively and exhibit organizational skills.
• Support clients in personal growth and development while respecting differences.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Vocational Specialist I – Associate’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work or related field of study.
• Vocational Specialist II – Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work or related field of study.
• Vocational Specialist III – Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work or related field of study.
• 2 years professional work experience in Vocational or disability services.