Employment Counselor - Washington County Mental Health Services

For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment of individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”

POSITION: We are seeking a dedicated Employment Counselor to provide supported employment and modified case management services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using person-centered planning and self-determination models, you will assist individuals in accessing, engaging, and maintaining successful careers and competitive employment. Key responsibilities include building relationships with businesses and training representatives to promote job placements, conducting interest and skill assessments, job carving, and job matching. You will also assist individuals in job searching, resume building, interviewing, and skills development, while offering follow-up services like employer check-ins, benefits counseling, and job accommodations. The Employment Counselor will develop individualized employment plans, provide job placement training, and offer full case management services for individuals not assigned a case manager. Additionally, you will collect data, track job placement outcomes, and prepare reports to meet state and agency requirements. Day-to-day supervision of employment specialists and coordination of employment services with case managers and community partners are also part of this role. The ideal candidate will stay current with industry trends, participate in team and employment meetings, design coaching approaches for staff, and contribute to marketing and instructional materials. If you’re passionate about supporting individuals in achieving meaningful employment and advancing their independence, we invite you to apply!

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA preferred, combination of education and experience will be considered. 
• HS Diploma or equivalent required.
• Candidates must have a clean driving record and access to a safe, insured vehicle as transportation of clients is possible. 
• Some work outside of the normal work schedule will be required such as evenings and weekends.
• Access to reliable internet and phone service is essential.
• Individuals with supported employment experience, and or experience in the business community are encouraged to apply. 
• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs.

Additional requirements for this position include:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Creativity and excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to elicit trust and listen effectively.
• Ability to work with a diverse population of job seekers and staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to understand personnel policies, e.g. workplace harassment, conflicts of interest.
• Knowledge of issues confronting the employment of people with disabilities and other diverse and vulnerable populations.
• Open, direct, honest, and clear communication style with ability to exercise discretion and tact.
• Flexibility with openness to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variations in work environments.
• Take initiative and work autonomously.
• Ability to deal with conflict.
• Proponent of continuous improvement and strategic thinking.
• Values include holistic orientation, excellent customer service, strengths-based outlook and results oriented.
• Ability to accept and deliver constructive feedback.
• Availability and flexibility to work based on consumer and program needs and schedules.

Duties are performed in an office setting, local communities, job sites, individual’s homes where services are provided. Appropriate attire for the work environment is required. Ability to navigate these work locations is essential. Extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking may be required. Reliable transportation needed to perform essential functions of the position.  Travel required for employer outreach, attend meetings and to respond to individual needs.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: This full-time position offers an hourly rate of 19.66/hr and excellent benefits, including tuition reimbursement/student loan assistance; generous paid time off; employer-sponsored health, dental, life, and disability insurances; and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.

TO APPLY: We encourage applicants to apply via the WCMHS website Careers page. Applications (resume and cover letter, preferred) may also be emailed torecruitment@wcmhs.orgor mailed via USPS mail to WCMHS Human Resources, PO Box 647, Montpelier, VT 05601. Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. WCMHS strives to make our application process accessible to all. If you need language assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us at recruitment@wcmhs.org or 802-229-1399.

Washington County Mental Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. Grounded in our understanding that diversity makes our organization stronger, we are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace and services. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health care coverage status, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local

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