Counselor, Community Health, Social Work

Job Summary

The Employment Counselor helps people with learning disabilities live fuller, more independent lives by assisting them in securing gainful employment. The role provides advice, coaching, exploring interests, values, aptitudes, and abilities. They also oversee administrative activities within their department to ensure accuracy across all areas.

• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time‑management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong creative skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Individual Assessment:

• Completes a thorough assessment of employment strengths and weaknesses of residents at entrance.
• Contributes goals/objectives to the annual Individualized Service Plan and semi‑annual progress reviews for all residents.
• Coordinates situational / experiential assessment activities as needed to determine appropriate placement.
• Conducts and reports on vocational assessment activities that are part of the application review process for new applicants.

Job Development:

• Regularly researches available jobs through newspapers, personal contacts, DET listings, current employment sites, etc., for potential opportunities.
• Investigates specific job sites for suitability for targeted residents.
• Educates employers regarding the unique needs of each client in the workplace.
• Works with the Employment Team on Employment Workshop curriculum and agenda.

Job Seeking:

• Reviews, updates, and tailors current resumes with residents as needed.
• Teaches job‑seeking skills through Work Readiness Class and individual instruction.
• Oversees submission of properly completed employment applications and resumes.

Job Maintenance:

• Serves as, or arranges for, a job coach for residents at the job site, as needed.
• Maintains regular contact with residents’ employers to monitor performance and discuss input from employer with residents.
• Acts as advocate and liaison with employers to resolve work‑performance problems.
• Ensures needed transportation is arranged on a regular basis.

Other Career/Employment Service Functions:

• Acts as liaison with state and community agencies to assist with securing and coordinating employment placements, job training, and/or job coaching (e.g., CBDS, MRC, DDS).
• Drafts professional reports as requested by supervisors, other professionals, or agencies to coordinate vocational services for residents.
• Ensures quality, clean case notes, and billables by oneself and any job coaches.
• Intervenes verbally with individuals during behavioral incidents.
• Performs additional duties or substitutes for others as required, including clearing snow and ice from walkways, vehicles, parking lots, and roads using equipment such as shovels, snow blowers, while applying de‑icing agents to ensure safety.

• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities or vulnerable populations is preferred.
• Two or more years of related experience.

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and compute for varying periods of time. Lifting ability of 10 pounds.

• Able to pass all required LIFE pre‑employment screening requirements.
• Acceptable reference checks from previous employers.
• Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) cleared.
• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) clearance.
• Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Fingerprint‑Based Criminal Background Check.
• Motor Vehicle Driving History acceptable to LIFE’s insurance carrier.
• Able and willing to complete all in‑person and online training assigned by LIFE.