Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor NSRRC

Position Summary

The Next Step Resource and Recovery Center offers people in all stages and forms of recovery the opportunity to engage in individual and group support activities, outreach, and events celebrating recovery and reducing stigma associated with substance use.

The Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides services including peer‑driven individual and group recovery services, counseling and case management, overdose prevention, harm reduction, community outreach, education, and a Training Institute at CHASI.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is a key member of the Next Step team, providing comprehensive vocational rehabilitation support to individuals in SUD treatment or recovery. The role ensures clients obtain and retain employment aligned with their documented, person‑centered goals through employment assessments, counseling, vocational planning, job‑search assistance, job development within the community, outreach and presentations to local businesses, and recovery‑support services.

The Counselor collaborates with the Peer Training Institute, Workforce Development, and community partners to support participant engagement and continuity of care.

• Maintain a caseload of 10 participants.
• Supervise the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Workforce Development.
• Deliver ongoing individualized and group vocational counseling to help participants navigate employment pathways.
• Assist individuals in identifying, developing, and pursuing person‑centered employment goals.
• Conduct employment readiness assessments and guide clients through skill‑building career planning and job placement activities.
• Develop individualized action plans and treatment recommendations using trauma‑informed and person‑centered approaches.
• Provide 1:1 employment counseling to establish clear benchmarks, including work‑related activities, readiness evaluation, status tracking, community referrals for pre‑employment skill development, resume building, job‑search assistance, and interview preparation.
• Facilitate job placement services and coordinate referrals within the community.
• Maintain ongoing follow‑up to support clients in securing and sustaining employment.
• Collaborate with the OASAS SUD Job Developer to enhance job opportunities.
• Build relationships with local businesses and workforce programs in the economic development zone to expand employment pathways.
• Assist employers in understanding business engagement strategies related to workforce development.
• Stay updated on labor market trends to guide clients toward viable employment opportunities.
• Offer in‑person and virtual employment counseling for individuals and groups.
• Utilize social networking and internet research techniques for job placement.
• Ensure consistent, structured communication between employment counselors, job developers, and placement providers.
• Meet with the NYS OASAS job development and technical assistance liaison at least monthly.
• Attend all trainings identified by the NYS OASAS job development and technical assistance liaison and CHASI.
• Collaborate with the NYS OASAS job development and technical assistance liaison on job development and exchange of information.
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Other duties as requested or as needed by the program and/or agency.

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of the job; it is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all the job functions.

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential; a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling;
  Access‑VR Certified Counselor status; CASAC; LMSW; LMHC; LCSW; or a master’s degree in a related human services field. Preference for current NYS OASAS or NYSED‑recognized certifications.
• Four years of experience providing vocational or employment services for individuals in recovery.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, and motivational interviewing practices.
• Strong written, verbal, and…