Vocational Program Specialist
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Community Living Corporation
New York, NY, US
Summary
The Vocational Program Specialist provides direct vocational rehabilitation counseling and employment services while managing a caseload across multiple programs. They are responsible for developing the service pipeline, maintaining employer relationships, and ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.
Job Description
The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) / Vocational Program Specialist provides vocational rehabilitation and employment services across EFMNY’s Article 16, ACCES-VR, and OPWDD programs. This is a direct-service and program-development role. The position maintains an appropriate caseload while supporting job development, referral coordination, participant engagement, and census growth. A core responsibility is actively managing the service pipeline:
Referral → Eligibility → Authorization → Enrollment → Service Delivery → Employment/Outcome
Core Responsibilities
Vocational & Clinical Services
- Provide individual and group vocational rehabilitation counseling, including Article 16 vocational counseling services.
- Facilitate vocational groups and provide individual counseling based on participant needs and program schedules.
- Participate in Day Habilitation programming as appropriate to support vocational goals and identify participants who may benefit from additional services.
- Provide career exploration, work-readiness training, resume/interview preparation, job development, placement, and retention support.
- Maintain an appropriate ACCES-VR and OPWDD vocational caseload.
ACCES-VR & OPWDD Coordination
- Deliver services in accordance with ACCES-VR and OPWDD authorizations and requirements.
- Complete required monthly progress reports and monitor authorizations, units, service periods, and participant progress.
- Assist individuals and families with navigating ACCES-VR and the OPWDD Front Door process.
- Maintain relationships with ACCES-VR counselors, Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs), care managers, families, employers, and referral sources.
- Coordinate referrals to Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Supported Employment, and other appropriate EFMNY services.
Census, Referral & Job Development
- Actively develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective participants.
- Follow referrals through eligibility, authorization, enrollment, service initiation, and outcome, rather than waiting for participants to be assigned.
- Re-engage individuals whose applications, referrals, or services have stalled.
- Develop employer relationships and identify employment opportunities for participants.
- Build relationships with schools, healthcare providers, CCOs, community organizations, and other referral partners.
- Help grow census and utilization across EFMNY’s ACCES-VR, Article 16 vocational, and OPWDD programs.
Documentation & Compliance
- Document Article 16 services timely and accurately in EFMNY’s EHR.
- Complete required ACCES-VR and OPWDD documentation, monthly reports, and progress updates within established deadlines.
- Maintain accurate records of referrals, authorizations, units, caseloads, and outcomes.
- Participate in supervision, program reviews, and quality/compliance activities as required.
Performance Expectations
Performance will include both direct-service productivity and program growth, including:
- Maintaining an appropriate active caseload.
- Timely completion of services, documentation, and monthly reports.
- Converting appropriate referrals into active services.
- Increasing program census and utilization.
- Developing employer and referral-source relationships.
- Demonstrating consistent follow-through from referral through service/outcome.
- Supporting successful employment placement and retention outcomes.
*This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.*
