Vocational Counselor
6 days ago
Middletown
Job DescriptionDescription: POSITION SUMMARY RECAP is seeking a skilled and compassionate Vocational Counselor to support clients on their recovery journey. The Vocational Counselor plays an important role in assessing, planning, and coordinating employment, educational, vocational training, and volunteer opportunities for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. This position helps clients develop or regain the skills, confidence, and resources necessary to pursue sustainable employment, improve their quality of life, and promote long-term stability in recovery. The Vocational Counselor collaborates with the treatment team, community organizations, employers, and vocational training providers to address employment-related barriers and support each client's individualized recovery goals. Treatment Team Collaboration • Collaborate with counselors, case managers, clinical staff, and other treatment team members to coordinate vocational services with each client's overall recovery plan., • Communicate relevant vocational progress and service needs to appropriate team members while maintaining client confidentiality., • Identify barriers that may affect employment or vocational participation and coordinate appropriate support or referrals., • Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations as required., • Support an integrated approach to recovery by coordinating vocational services with relevant mental health, substance use treatment, and social service needs. Client Progress Monitoring and Documentation • Monitor and document client progress toward established vocational goals., • Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records of assessments, vocational plans, services provided, referrals, and outcomes., • Track employment, educational, training, and other vocational outcomes as required., • Collect and report program data and performance metrics to support program monitoring and evaluation., • Ensure documentation complies with RECAP policies, program requirements, applicable regulations, and confidentiality standards., • Report significant barriers, service concerns, or changes in client needs to the appropriate supervisor or treatment team member. Professional Development and General Responsibilities • Maintain current knowledge of vocational rehabilitation practices, employment resources, and relevant recovery support services., • Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development activities., • Comply with applicable OASAS requirements, RECAP policies, procedures, and program standards., • Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Program Director, Clinical Director, or Senior Director. CORE COMPETENCIES Client-Centered Support – Demonstrates compassion, respect, and a commitment to helping clients identify and achieve meaningful vocational goals. Assessment and Planning – Ability to evaluate vocational needs, identify barriers, and develop individualized plans that support recovery and employment outcomes. Communication Skills – Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, treatment team members, employers, and community partners. Organization and Documentation – Maintains accurate records, manages multiple client needs, and completes required documentation within established timelines. Collaboration – Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to coordinate services and support client progress. Problem Solving – Identifies barriers to vocational success and helps clients explore practical strategies and resources. Professional Boundaries and Confidentiality – Maintains appropriate professional relationships and protects confidential client information. Accountability – Demonstrates reliability, sound judgment, and responsibility for assigned duties and client service documentation. Adaptability – Responds appropriately to changing client needs, vocational opportunities, and program priorities. COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES • Comply with RECAP policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations., • Follow applicable OASAS requirements and program standards., • Maintain client confidentiality and follow applicable privacy requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as applicable to the program and information involved., • Maintain accurate and complete client records, service documentation, referrals, and outcome reports., • Follow established procedures for client services, treatment team collaboration, referrals, and case documentation., • Maintain required professional credentials and qualifications in good standing., • Complete required agency, program, clinical, and compliance training., • Report safety concerns, incidents, and compliance issues through established procedures., • Maintain proficiency with required agency systems and documentation tools. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS Employees in this position are expected to: • Demonstrate professionalism, empathy, integrity, and respect when working with clients and colleagues., • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect confidential information., • Communicate effectively with clients, treatment team members, employers, and community partners., • Promote client dignity, self-determination, and recovery-oriented support., • Demonstrate cultural awareness and work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds., • Maintain accurate documentation and complete assigned work within established deadlines., • Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a supportive and professional work environment., • Follow RECAP policies, procedures, and applicable program requirements., • Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality. WORK ENVIRONMENT This is an outpatient position involving regular interaction with clients, community partners, employers, and treatment team members. The role is primarily based at the TRUST Center at 40 Smith Street in Middletown, New York, and may require local travel for vocational services, referrals, and community engagement. Working conditions may include exposure to noise, inclement weather, traffic, and other conditions associated with community-based activities. The position may require use of computers, printers, copiers, and other standard office equipment. Employees must follow applicable safety procedures and traffic laws when traveling for work. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY RECAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. RECAP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. RECAP is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment and periodic drug testing in accordance with applicable policies and laws. DISCLAIMER This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. RECAP reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as organizational needs require. Requirements: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Must hold either a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential or meet the definition of a Qualified Health Professional (QHP) recognized by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)., • Minimum of one year of experience and/or training providing vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation, or related services., • Experience providing individual and group counseling., • Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills., • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying vocational, recovery, and support needs., • Understanding of vocational challenges that may affect individuals with substance use histories., • Effective oral and written communication skills., • Basic keyboarding and computer proficiency, including Windows and Microsoft Office applications., • Valid New York State driver's license and an acceptable driving record., • Familiarity with substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and local employment opportunities., • Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate client records. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position requires the ability to: • Sit and work at a computer for extended periods., • Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners in person, by telephone, and electronically., • Read, prepare, and maintain client records and program documentation., • Move throughout the office and community settings as needed to provide services., • Travel locally for client-related activities, employer engagement, community partnerships, or other work-related responsibilities., • Maintain regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location. ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS • Complete required pre-employment background screening with satisfactory results., • Complete required pre-employment drug screening with satisfactory results., • Maintain the required CRC credential or meet applicable OASAS QHP qualifications, as appropriate to the position., • Maintain a valid New York State driver's license and acceptable driving record., • Maintain reliable and punctual attendance., • Complete required RECAP, TRUST, OASAS-related, clinical, and compliance training., • Comply with RECAP policies, procedures, program requirements, and applicable laws and regulations., • Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling client, employee, and organizational information., • Maintain proficiency with required agency systems, electronic records, and documentation tools., • Participate in required meetings, supervision, trainings, and professional development., • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.