The Bowery Mission (TBM) exists to promote the flourishing of New Yorkers overcoming homelessness and marginalization. The Make Progress residential program provides a caring and safe environment for clients to achieve goals for life and work, heal from past trauma, overcome barriers to independent living, and grow in their relationship to Christ and others.

As a key member of the Make Progress team, theVocational Counselorwill provide integrated, Christ-centered clinical services that equip residential clients to make progress on their Individual Action Plan (IAP).

TheVocational Counselorwill provide the following services:

• Carry a caseload and coordinate care with interdisciplinary team, assisting clients in relational, vocational, housing, spiritual, and life skill development.
• Lead classes/groups independently and follow approved curriculum to support vocational and career development.
• Meet with clients one-to-one to provide encouragement, accountability, and coaching.
• Support clients in attending to their weekly activity schedule.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Create linkages and coordinate care with TBM team (Community Life, Clinical, Vocational and Housing Services, Spiritual Formation, etc.) and external partners to strengthen client outcomes.

Reports to:  Supervisor, Clinical Services - Make Progress

Key Responsibilities include:

• Assess clients for vocational skills, job marketability, housing history, and barriers
• Support clients in updating resumes, searching for employment, preparing for interviews
• Identify and provide referrals for vocational training, internships, and certifications
• Evaluate and identify permanent housing options
• Identify new vocational and housing resources via linkages
• Meet with clients individually and lead classes/groups
• Support clients in building skills to grow professionally, follow a budget, and maintain employment and housing
• Regularly provide team members with updates regarding client employment, income and housing needs
• Coordinate and support team of volunteer and partner (community and corporate) instructors, representatives, and mentors
• Maintain adequate records to meet internal and external requirements

Required:

• Embraces the organization's Statement of Faith

• 2-3 years’ professional experience in a client support setting, including vocational support, direct case-management, and record-keeping responsibilities
• Bachelor’s degree in social services field or another relevant field
• Strong understanding of NYC area job and housing market
• Client advocacy and understanding of client-provider relational boundaries
• Demonstrates knowledge and cultural competency for the population served
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Fluent in-office computer technology

Preferred:

• Experience working in residential or shelter settings
• 3 years experience in career development with relevant population, case management, social work, housing, vocational or other relevant experience
• Master’s Degree in Social Services or related field.
• Certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid/CPR
• Formal education or training in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care

Salary commensurate with relevant education & experience: $50,000 - $60,000 annually 

The Bowery Mission takes the health & safety of our staff, guests, clients, and volunteers very seriously. In partnership with the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, we have modified our services to stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety guidelines that continuously evolve based upon new information and research. We greatly value the contributions of essential workers in roles like this one and have designed protocols around personal protective equipment, social distancing, cleaning and sanitation, and building capacity in order to protect our staff and those we serve.