Mental Health Vocational and Career Counselor - Framingham

State of Massachusetts - Framingham, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Framingham, MA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

MassAbility and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) are seeking to improve competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are shared consumers of DMH and MassAbility through the development of a robust vocational rehabilitation network of services, supports, counseling and guidance. The purpose of this program is for MassAbility to provide appropriate, individualized, vocational rehabilitation services and supports for DMH consumers enrolled in DMH's Adult Clinical Community Service (ACCS), with the ultimate goal of competitive, integrated employment. Mental Health Vocational and Career Counselor will work with job seekers to explore their interests, assess their needs, and determine the best pathway to ensure successful integrated competitive employment. MassAbility will provide an array of comprehensive and coordinated employment supports, including procuring services from the provider community to assist job seekers with achieving their employment goals as part of an overall career pathway.

Responsibilities

• Fosters an 'informed choice' model of professional vocational counseling for individuals with persistent mental health/behavioral health conditions and/or co-occurring disorders who are receiving services from DMH.
• Incorporates ongoing engagement strategies within the VR system while providing on-going supports to facilitate completion of activities outlined in the Individualized Plan for Employment.
• Determines eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014.
• Administers functional capacity assessments, interest tests, aptitude tests, transferable skills analysis and other vocational assessments and shares information with job seeker and others as authorized by the job seeker.
• Reviews and analyzes diagnostic information through tests, records, interviews, and observations.
• Leads and facilities the collaborated team to develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Plans for Employment in a manner that allows eligible job seekers the opportunity to exercise informed choice in employment outcomes.
• Recommends the purchase of services, equipment, and materials including Assistive Technology.
• Facilitates services and skills training in individual and group settings.
• Provides opportunities for job seekers to select service providers or MassAbility placement team to deliver job development, placement, and retention assistance.
• Partners with public and private organizations including, but not limited to, other agency staff, employers, community rehabilitation providers, state agencies, workforce partners, and schools to promote and market agency programs, collaborate, and coordinate in the delivery of consumer supports and services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Psychology, Sociology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Education, or other related human services degrees.
• Four (4) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in vocational counselling, job placement, career counselling and guidance, assessment and vocational evaluation, job development and services for employers.
• Relevant internship experience may be considered for the required experience.
• A current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of counseling and job placement of persons with vocational/occupational barriers, including physical, emotional, psychological, and intellectual disabilities.
• Familiarity with utilizing psychological tests and other evaluative techniques.
• Commitment to lifelong learning in relationship to their own professional development.
• Outstanding organizational, written, and oral communications skills; attention to detail.
• Capacity to gather, analyze, and evaluate significant case information pertinent to rehabilitation of an individual.
• Ability to serve as a mentor and provide guidance to others.
• Responsible for learning and staying up to date on MassAbility diversity, equity, inclusion and racial equity skills, results, and expectations specific to Vocational Rehabilitation programs.
• Experience working in a team culture that values inclusivity, performance, transparency, and authenticity.
• Knowledge of and experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial equity and effective engagement across differences.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook as well as technologies supporting a remote workplace (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.