Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

All positions with the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians are Indian Preference in Hiring, in accordance with the Tribe’s hiring policies.

• Position Title: NIVRP Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I
• Department: NIVRP
• Status: Non-Exempt
• Grade: $27.64 HR
• Reports to: NIVRP Director

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.

• Conduct initial interview and inform applicants of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services they may be eligible for.
• Determine program eligibility and complete vocational assessment with participant; develop an individualized employment plan (IPE) with the participant which outlines the removal of the participant’s barriers to employment.
• Coordinate and synthesize necessary medical, psychological, social, educational, vocational and financial information to use for eligibility determination and vocational rehabilitation counseling.
• Comprehend medical reports and communicate with medical community.
• Provide case record management and monitor VR services during VR process.
• Work with tribal enterprises, administrations, tribal programs and off-reservation employers to complete placement of participants in suitable employment.
• Perform outreach and disability education activities within NIVRP tribal communities to develop community trust, provide information and acceptance of Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and develop an understanding of the relationship with the tribal communities to be served.
• Collaborate with training institutes to provide educational resources to program participants as part of their vocational rehabilitation plan, when necessary.
• Transport program participant to appointments, meetings or interviews using private vehicle, when necessary.
• Meet with other tribal and State programs to secure other funding resources for comparable benefits to meet the vocational rehabilitation needs of program participants.
• Lead individual/group workshops/trainings and related activities for customers for job search and/or preparation for employment.
• Attend job-related training and educational opportunities to increase understanding and skills around disabilities and employment issues.
• Collaborate 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

No supervisory responsibilities

• 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 disabilities 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 – 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 –…