Vocational Counselor

The Child Center of NY is launching a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) to provide comprehensive, person-centered mental health and substance use treatment services. The CCBHC model emphasizes integrated care, ensuring that clients receive a full range of behavioral health, physical health, and social support services in a coordinated and accessible manner.

The Vocational Counselor plays a key role in supporting clients by helping them identify and achieve their employment goals as part of their behavioral health recovery. This position provides career counseling, job readiness training, and job placement support to clients experiencing behavioral health challenges. The Vocational Counselor collaborates with clients, treatment teams, and external employment resources to ensure successful job placement and retention.

Essential Functions:

Career Counseling and Job Readiness

• Assess clients’ vocational interests, skills, strengths, and barriers to employment.
• Develop individualized employment plans based on clients’ career goals and behavioral health needs.
• Provide career counseling, resume development, and interview coaching to enhance job readiness.
• Conduct job readiness workshops focusing on workplace expectations, communication skills, and professional behavior.
  
  
  

Job Development and Placement

• Establish relationships with employers to create job opportunities for clients.
• Assist clients in job search activities, including applications, referrals, and interview preparation.
• Coordinate job placement efforts with external employment agencies, vocational training programs, and workforce development initiatives.
• Advocate for workplace accommodations when necessary to support client success.
  
  
  

Case Management and Collaboration

• Maintain regular contact with clients to track progress, provide support, and address challenges in the workplace.
• Work closely with therapists, case managers, and other behavioral health staff to integrate vocational services into clients’ treatment plans.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to provide employment updates and contribute to comprehensive care planning.
  
  
  

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, progress, and employment outcomes in accordance with agency policies.
• Prepare reports on client progress and program outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and agency regulations regarding vocational rehabilitation and employment services.
  
  
  

Community Outreach and Training

• Develop partnerships with local businesses, training programs, and workforce development organizations.
• Provide education to employers regarding hiring individuals with behavioral health challenges and best practices for workplace inclusion.
• Represent CCBHC at community events and workforce development initiatives to promote vocational services.
  
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• 1 years’ experience in vocational counseling, workforce development, or a related field.
• Understanding of vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, and employment challenges for individuals with behavioral health needs.
• Strong counseling, communication, and case management skills. Proficiency in career assessment tools and job coaching strategies.
• Ability to develop individualized employment plans, engage with community partners, and support clients in navigating employment barriers.
• Empathy, patience, and a strengths-based approach to working with clients.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP).
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health challenges or in a behavioral health setting.
• Previous experience in a nonprofit or community-based organization.