Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Great Lakes Inter‑Tribal Council

Great Lakes Inter‑Tribal Council is a non‑profit organization formed by the Native American Tribes of Wisconsin. We serve all WI tribes by providing administration of grant‑funded programs either directly or with sub grants. Programs serve a range of functions from Children to Elders. Our Mission is:
To Enhance the quality of life for all Native People.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provides a full range of vocational rehabilitation services to eligible Native Americans with disabilities to achieve successful employment outcomes. Pursue and maintain cooperative relationships with other agencies. Daily attendance is an essential function of this position. This position is in our Spooner, Wisconsin office, supporting the St. Croix Reservation lands.

• Determine eligibility of Native Americans to participate in vocational rehabilitation. Communicate eligibility to prospective clients.
• Provide ineligible individual with alternative resource suggestions. Complete necessary documentation.
• Develop and manage caseload in the provision of vocational and rehabilitation services to eligible Native Americans with disabilities including, but not limited to vocational counseling and planning, arranging for vocational evaluation and training, developing and managing a caseload, documenting casework, and providing job placement and follow‑up to job ready individuals.
• Gather, review and analyze client’s medical, psychological, and vocational background information. Arranges for and purchases of additional vocational evaluation and/or psychological assessments as necessary.
• Review current job market information and evaluation data with clients to increase understanding of opportunities available and identify employment options that are most practical to pursue.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in cooperation with clients. Provide and/or coordinate services with other agencies necessary to implement the IPE. Contact employers for client placement opportunities.
• Provide ongoing vocational and personal counseling and support to assist clients in completing the rehabilitation plan. Counsel clients on the job search process. Contact employed clients and identified other support needed to ensure continued employment success.
• Develop and maintain ongoing working relationships with other public and private agencies that may have responsibilities and/or the ability to provide services to individuals with disabilities.
• Contact employers within assigned geographical area for the purpose of promoting the job placement of disabled individuals and for the development of on‑the‑job training programs. Explore current employment opportunities for the disabled.
• Complete necessary documentation for all casework activities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures and a complete and accurate client file. Communicate with other agencies as necessary on case progress.

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, Human Services, Social Work or related field required or a combination of relevant education and equivalent work experience. Minimum of two years’ experience in human services is to be considered. Experience with a Native American Tribal organization and/or not‑for‑profit agency desirable.

Individuals must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; professional demeanor and appearance; problem solving skills; ability to manage time effectively; self‑motivation skills; work effectively under pressure; ability to build positive work relationships with internal and external customers; ability to interact professionally with a wide variety of people. Individuals must be able to apply advanced reasoning skills to problem solving, apply logic in the solving of various computer related issues, and follow routine instructions.

Must be able to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide). Must possess valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation with adequate insurance and ability to travel. Frequent local travel is required.