Counselor - Brunswick, NJ

Employment Counselor

#107546

Multiple Locations

Full-Time

1st Shift - with week-ends

40

• Bachelor's degree in human services, education, psychology preferred
• High School diploma plus 2 years' experience in human services or education, required
• Valid Driver's license
• Bilingual or Spanish is a plus!
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30lbs
• Must be able to stand for a period of time
• Must have a flexible schedule to work nights and weekends if needed

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put our heart and soul into everything we do.

We are seeking an Employment Counselor to join our team in Middlesex County, NJ
.

Earn: $22.12/Hour + Benefits

Hours: Flexibility Needed 7 days (40 hours per week)

The Employment Counselor provides individualized vocational support to adults with disabilities referred through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). This position is responsible for assisting individuals in exploring career interests, developing job readiness skills, securing competitive integrated employment, and maintaining long-term job success.

The Employment Specialist works closely with consumers, families, employers, and community partners to identify opportunities, advocate for workplace inclusion, and provide on-the-job training and supports.

• Conducting vocational assessments
• Developing employment plans
• Job coaching
• Monitoring progress
• Maintaining all required documentation in compliance with DVRS and DDD guidelines

The Employment Counselor promotes independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful community participation, supporting individuals to achieve their employment goals.

• Conduct vocational intake assessments for DVRS/DDD consumers.
• Collaborate with DVRS counselors and DDD Support Coordinators to develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE).
• Identify employment barriers and develop remediation strategies.

• Research and cultivate relationships with potential employers.
• Match consumer skills/abilities with appropriate job opportunities.
• Educate employers about DVRS/DDD programs and incentives.

• Provide intensive on-site training during new hire transition period.
• Provide Follow-Along services to consumers once they are stable on the job.
• Implement workplace accommodations and natural supports.
• Teach job tasks, workplace etiquette, and problem-solving strategies.

• Maintain quality, accurate daily case notes in SETWORKS system.
• Submit necessary reports for voucher closing as per timeline protocols.
• Provide strong problem-solving skills for workplace barrier remediation.
  
  Complete all required billing and service documentation.
• Work with families and natural supports in order to increase positive outcomes.

• Train consumers in using public transportation when needed.
• Assist with travel route planning and mobility training.
• Support community navigation for work-related activities.

• Communicate regularly with DVRS counselors, families, and employers.
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings as required.
• Provide transition updates and service recommendations.

• Submit weekly calendars and timecards by deadlines.
• Track and report mileage for consumer services.
• Meet weekly billable hour requirements.
• Attend all mandatory trainings and supervision meetings.

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• Daily Pay -- access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access  for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and…