Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

NIVRP Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I

The North Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program (NIVRP) Counselor helps Native American and Alaska Native individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to employment. This role involves conducting interviews, assessing eligibility, and developing individualized employment plans (IPEs) to support participants in achieving meaningful work. The counselor coordinates medical, psychological, educational, and financial resources, provides case management, and collaborates with businesses, employers, and training institutes to secure job placements.

Additionally, the counselor engages in outreach, disability education, and community collaboration to promote program awareness and build trust. Responsibilities also include leading workshops, assisting with job searches, securing additional funding resources, and working with other tribal and state programs to ensure comprehensive support for participants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts initial interview and informs applicants of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services they may be eligible for.
• Determines program eligibility and completes vocational assessment with participant; develops an individualized employment plan (IPE) with the participant which outlines the removal of the participants’ barriers to employment.
• Coordinates and synthesizes necessary medical, psychological, social, educational, vocational and financial information to use for eligibility determination and vocational rehabilitation counseling.
• Comprehends medical reports and communicates with medical community.
• Provides case record management and monitoring VR services during VR process.
• Works with tribal enterprises, administrations, tribal programs and off-reservation employers to complete placement of participants in suitable employment.
• Performs outreach and disability education activities within NIVRP tribal communities to: develop community trust; provide information and acceptance of Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and; to develop an understanding of the relationship with the tribal communities to be served.
• Collaborates with training institutes to provide educational resources to program participants as part of their vocational rehabilitation plan, when necessary.
• Transports program participant to appointments, meetings or interviews using private vehicle, when necessary.
• Meets with other tribal and State programs to secure other funding resources for comparable benefits to meet the vocational rehabilitation needs of program participants.
• Leads individual/group workshops/trainings and related activities for customers for job search and/or preparation for employment.
• Attends job related training and educational opportunities to increase understanding and skills around disabilities, and employment issues.
• Collaborates with local businesses to ensure advocacy, appropriate placements and training opportunities for participants.
• Meet with local high school or education centers to offer information about NIVRP program and Transition services, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities

Required Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Awareness of Native American Culture – Understanding of Native American culture, traditions, and values, with the ability to respect and include culture in vocational rehabilitation services.
• Understanding of Disabilities and Support Services – Know about different disability and how they can affect people’s daily lives. Have an understanding of programs and services that can help people with disabilities find and keep jobs
• Strong Communication Skills – You must be able to speak clearly and write well so that others can understand important information.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making - Help participants set career goals, create plan, overcome employment challenges, and find creative solutions to support their success.
• Computer Skills- Know how to use Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and Outlook. Be comfortable learning new computer programs and using the internet for email, research and online training.
• Travel Ability - Ability to use…