Vocational and Career Counselor-Malden

MassAbility is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals who desire a rewarding career making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. The Vocational and Career Counselor will coordinate vocational rehabilitation services from intake through plan development and placement as mandated by federal statutes and guidelines.  The ideal candidate will administer functional skills analysis, review, analyze assessment tests, interview, and conduct observations, develop plans, partner with service providers, and provide access to successful job placement.

At MassAbility, we are driven by a fundamental belief that we are all different but connected – individuals who share a common purpose and who bring our own talents, ingenuity, and perspective to achieve our vision. That belief puts diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of everything we do. We are keenly aware of the barriers that many of us face as we strive to live life on our own terms. That’s why, as a community, we are committed to always being part of the solution. This work is essential to who we are as an organization. Together, we are making a better state possible for everyone.  As a team member, you’ll join an agency that values a learning and participatory performance culture with an emphasis on high-performance teams, individual contribution/impact, and engagement in activities to promote and support programs, divisions, and the overall agency vision and mission. 

 * Candidates with a Masters Degrees in designated relevant areas may be eligible for a higher grade entry-level QVRC position

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide professional vocational counseling within a continuum of services to help clients achieve success and to remove barriers by identifying unique strengths, resources, and abilities related to planning and achieving employment outcomes.
• Administer residual functional capacities assessments, interest tests, aptitude tests, transferable skills analysis, and other vocational assessment tools.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) through onsite visits, job fairs and career seminars.
• Engage clients in activities of employment preparedness, job seeking and development; Facilitate appropriate concepts, individually or in group settings, to improve skills necessary for all stages of vocational development.
• Monitor, evaluate, and track client progress with respect to relevant goals in an accurate and timely manner.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor close and cooperative relationships with providers and employers in carrying out supportive services.
• Monitor on-site job coaching and recommend assistive devices for program and/or service use; Partner with agency regional/district staff, vendor organizations and other constituents in the role and scope of service delivery.
• Participate in training experiences designed to enhance professional competency in vocational rehabilitation.

Required Qualifications:

·       Knowledge of evaluation methods and techniques to determine inaptitude skills and occupational preferences.

·       Knowledge of the principles and practices of assisting people in coping with physical and/or mental disabilities to meet their vocational, social and independent living needs.

·       Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents to assess consumer needs.

·       Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases and produce written documents.

·       Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand; ability to appropriately document case activities and represent the agency in a professional manner.

·       Ability to interact effectively and establish rapport with diverse teams and groups of people.

·       Ability to maintain a calm manner and interact appropriately with others in emotionally charged or stressful situations.

·       Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

·       Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
• Responsible for learning and staying up to date on MassAbility’s 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.
• Experience working in a team culture that values inclusivity, performance, transparency, and authenticity.
• 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).
• Solid written and oral communication skills and proficiency establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of diverse consumers, families, staff, and organizations. 

About MassAbility 

MassAbility provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life on their own terms. Our programs focus on vocational rehabilitation, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do.  We envision a Commonwealth that is open to all, where everyone can seize their true potential and contribute fully to our communities and the world.  Together with stakeholders, partners, and allies, MassAbility collaborates, problem-solves, and innovates to bring about a better Massachusetts for everyone—one that is truly equitable, accessible, and inclusive.

For more information about our agency and programs, visit: MassAbility | Mass.gov

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. 

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. 

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: 

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option 4.

Applicants should upload a cover letter and resume for the Vocational and Career Counselor requisition.