Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

We have three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on your priorities and budget. Housing Works covers most of the plan; you pay a portion, based on your salary. Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year. We offer employees an educational benefit. This money is available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and text books.

The SUD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor helps individuals in treatment for or recovery from substance use disorders achieve competitive employment and long-term career success. Through vocational counseling, career planning, job readiness training, employer engagement, job placement, and retention support, the counselor promotes recovery, economic self-sufficiency, and workforce participation. This role collaborates with treatment providers, employers, workforce agencies, community partners, and OASAS to deliver person-centered employment services.

• Conduct vocational assessments and provide individual and group career counseling.
• Develop and monitor individualized employment plans aligned with recovery goals.
• Deliver job readiness services, including resume development, interview preparation, job search assistance, and career coaching.
• Coordinate referrals to training, education, certification, and workforce development programs.
• Facilitate job placement and provide retention and advancement support.
• Build relationships with employers and community partners to expand employment opportunities.
• Educate employers on recovery-friendly workplace practices and available workforce resources.
• Collaborate with treatment teams and service providers to integrate employment into recovery planning.
• Maintain accurate documentation, track outcomes, and ensure compliance with OASAS, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational requirements.
• Participate in program evaluation, quality improvement, and staff development activities.

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling Access-VR Certified Counselor CASAC, LMSW, LMHC, or LCSW Master's degree in a related human services field
• OASAS or NYSED recognized certification
• Equivalent competencies consistent with certified vocational rehabilitation professionals

• Two or more years in vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, behavioral health, or SUD treatment.
• Experience working with individuals in recovery.
• Group facilitation.
• Knowledge of OASAS, Access-VR, and workforce systems

This position is included in a bargaining unit of Housing Works' New York City employees represented by a labor union known as the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union ("RWDSU"). Accordingly, the RWDSU has the exclusive right to bargain over the terms and conditions of the employment related to this position and this position may become covered by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement (a "CBA") between Housing Works and the RWDSU.

Housing Works was founded in 1990 with a long-term commitment to AIDS advocacy. Housing Works established New York State's first harm reduction-based, OASAS-licensed outpatient drug treatment program. Other services include Health Home care management, behavioral health, and syringe exchange programs.

A pioneer in the social entrepreneurship movement, Housing Works operates 10 high-end thrift shops in Manhattan and Brooklyn and a much-loved Bookstore Cafe in Soho. Housing Works fights for funding and legislation to ensure that all people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality housing, healthcare, HIV prevention, and treatment, among other lifesaving services. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:

Housing Works requires employees working in our Health Services division to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for a legal accommodation. If you need an accommodation for any reason, including related to this job requirement, please contact Human Resources.

We have three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on your priorities and budget. Housing Works covers most of the plan; you pay a portion, based on your salary.

Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year.

We offer employees an educational benefit. This money is available for…