Job Summary:
The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) is responsible for providing work readiness skills across a variety of times and settings for the support of employment for individuals with disabilities. The VRS works one-on-one as a job support coach in a variety of settings and work environments. The VRS works to provide individualized opportunities in a chosen field through community partnerships. The VRS will coach, train and provide a choice of employment opportunities to individuals served while evaluating performance to prepare for independence.
Essential Functions:
In conjunction with the Therapeutic Program Administrator(s), the Vocational Rehab Specialist assists with coordinating and implementing employment activities for program recipients in competitive and integrated community-based settings.
• Provides oversight, training, programming and support with program participants as needed to include transportation, advocacy, skill building and general activities.
• Monitors and documents productivity, engagement, and support needed to address goals outlined in the individual’s specific person-centered plan.
• Ensures that all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and provided with ample opportunities to meet their individualized goals.
Developmental Skills:
• Participates in ongoing training, webinars, and meetings assigned to ensure professional growth and adherence to changing regulatory standards as applicable to service lines in their specified area.
• Remains informed of local community opportunities and supports to enhance individuals served within their community through services or referral.
• Meets Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Supervisory Competencies.
• Participates in regulatory review teams to ensure licensing and accreditation standards are met.
Service Delivery:
• Promotes self-advocacy and provides ongoing direct supervision of all individuals in the program, including their concerns and needs which will be handled in a timely, orderly, caring and safe manner with an emphasis on quality. Management will be made aware of problems and issues in a timely manner.
• Develops task-analysis for employment sites, performs job development activities such as resume building and mock interviewing, and promotes an Employment First atmosphere.
• Participates in relevant and required training as assigned to meet licensing and accreditation mandates.
• Observes individuals for changes in behavior and health to ensure therapeutic care is provided and the treatment team is notified.
• Responsible for being knowledgeable and familiar with basic instructional techniques, special accommodations such as rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology as well as individualized procedures in order to maximize an individual's success.
Reporting:
• Assists with Person Centered Planning, Employment plans, Employer Feedback Rating Forms, Report and Billing Forms, and Quarterly and Annual Planning.
• Maintains accurate time records and related daily documentation for individuals served
• Ensures that all-time records are signed and submitted per NW Works’ documentation procedure.
• Ensures that client documentation aligns with regulatory guidelines and is completed following NW Works documentation procedure timeline.
• Documents and reports incidents and observations pertaining to behavioral or health changes of individuals to supervisor in appropriate time-frames.
• Tracks and reports data supporting Individual skill building that pertain to outcomes and objectives in a person-centered plan.
• Acts as a professional representative of NW Works in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Strong organizational skills.
• Thorough documentation skills
• Effectively communicates with people in potentially stressful situations.
• Strong quantitative skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Meets all of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Direct Support Professional Competencies as observed and documented by the Lead Direct Support Professional.
• Knowledge of Medicaid Waiver Services, Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act, and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Technical Skills:
• Effective use of Microsoft Office & Google Suite
• Ability to navigate mobile applications
• Effective and timely Vertex documentation entry (case notes)
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, phones, and photocopiers.
Minimum Education, Certifications and Experience:
• A valid driver’s license and ability to provide a copy of a clean driving record
• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a Human Services field
• Applicable experience working with adults with Developmental Disabilities in community-based settings.
Work Environment:
• Ability to work in a production and/or public business or retail environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend shifts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with business partners within the community
• General Working Conditions:
• Environment - Indoors and Outdoors
• Approximate Temperature - 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Fumes/Dust/Gases - Minimal
• Noise Levels - Minimal (<80 Decibels)
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Disability Specifications:
NW Works will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Equal Employment Statement:
NW Works, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a non-discrimination policy prohibiting discrimination in employment and the provision of services on the basis of the fact or perception of race, color or creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status or status with regard to public assistance.
NWW strictly follows the guidelines of Executive Order 11246 and our affirmative action plan is available for your review upon request.
NW Works is proud to offer competitive wages and a number of benefits, including a 401K with employer match; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; health savings accounts; and a comprehensive employee assistance program. We also offer referral bonuses for current employees, so be sure to mention the name of the person who referred you in your application.
DBHDS Regulations 12VAC35-106.270 & 12VAC35-106.280
