LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NEW YORK

POSITION: Vocational Coordinator/Job Developer/Case Manager, Community House

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Social Services

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time

EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Non-Exempt Salaried

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Vocational Coordinator/Job Developer/Case Manager seeks to improve the quality of life of his/her clients by identifying aptitudes, developing occupational skills, and assisting clients in realizing their educational goals. The Vocational Coordinator/Job Developer/Case Manager provides supported employment services.

The Vocational Coordinator/Job Developer/Case Manager promotes client wellness and autonomy through advocacy, assessment, planning, communication, education, resource management, and service facilitation.

The Vocational Coordinator/Job Developer/Case Manager is classified as an essential worker, and as such, accepts responsibility for the completion of their critical services to clients on site, even during times of emergency. These include, but are not limited to, emergencies caused by: weather, nationwide pandemics, civil unrest, and domestic threat.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Represents Lutheran Social Service of New York’s mission, values, ethics, and upholds agency Code of Conduct at all times.

• Researches and enrolls clients in courses and seminars pertaining to computers, literacy, GED, continuing education, trade work and other certifications and licensure.

• Conducts workshops and one-on-one sessions with clients on topics including, but not limited to: employment applications, resume writing, proper dress and behavior for employment interviews and work situations, interview skills and techniques, and teamwork and conflict resolution.

• Provides one-on-one employment counseling, mentoring, and support to clients.

• Assists tenants with job searches, assessing client readiness, job interview skills, testing, and eligibility proceedings related to specific job opportunities.

• Conducts ongoing outreach to community employers, develops a list of prospective employers appropriate for clients, facilitates routine gatherings with employers for follow up.

• Responds to employer concerns with constructive and helpful approach.

• Obtains knowledge of employer incentives that may encourage employment for low-income or disabled clients, including tax and other government incentives, and relates to prospective employers.

• Oversees a stipend training program.

• Conducts benefits planning to ensure that clients have accurate information about the effects of earned income upon their benefits.

• Seeks out stipend jobs for the partially employable.

• Utilizes community resources and governmental agencies to job search for clients.

• Provides weekend risk/support for the clients and participates in/facilitates groups, outings and events.

• Carry caseload (total # to be determined).

• Link clients with appropriate providers and resources throughout the continuum of health and human services and care settings based on the needs and values of the client. Escort clients to scheduled and unscheduled psychiatric/medical care.

• Organize, facilitate, and escort as needed for on/off-site activities in addition to managing a minimum of two ongoing groups. Track client participation in the client record.

• Conduct unit inspections and ensure proper follow-up to findings, assisting clients as needed.

• Maintain client records as “audit-ready” at all times, as required by program funding sources. This includes, but is not limited to, recording progress notes, constructing service plans, updating medical and mental health information, and completing psychosocial assessments.

• Ensure that clients receive safe, effective, client-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care. Maintains a non-judgmental and unbiased approach.

SUPERVISES:

• Volunteers as needed

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2-years within the Human Service Field

• Working knowledge of issues related to homelessness, HIV, substance abuse, mental illness, and entitlements

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Good oral and written expressive capabilities.

• Enthusiastic, client-centered, creative, and well-versed in employment possibilities.

• Good time management skills, able to handle multiple tasks and assignments at once.

• Able to establish therapeutic relationships with clients and positive working relationships within the Organization and with external agencies.

• Proficiency in internet navigation, E-mail, and Microsoft Word.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Possesses Crisis Intervention skills and engages in crisis management, as needed.

• Able to establish appropriate boundaries with clients and other staff.

• Willing to participate in continuing education.

• Available to work some holidays and weekends.