Vocational Rehabilitation & Benefits Counselor Position Available In New York, New York

Job Title:

Vocational Rehabilitation & Benefits Counselor

Department:

Vocational Rehabilitation Center

Employee Status:

Full-Time
Reports to: VRC Engagement Coordinator

Primary Location:

VISIONS Center on Blindness, 111 Summit Park Rd, Spring Valley, NY 10977

Salary Range:

$68,000-$75,000 per year
Summary
The Vocational Rehabilitation & Benefits Counselor is a key team member supporting legally blind or visually impaired participants enrolled in the Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) residential programs at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB). This role integrates social work and vocational services, helping participants build essential job readiness skills while addressing psychosocial barriers to employment and independent living.
Under the supervision of the VRC Engagement Coordinator, the Assistant provides group and one-on-one support, delivers the Pre-ETS curriculum, and coordinates individualized instruction aligned with each participant’s vocational rehabilitation plan. The role also includes counseling, support group facilitation, benefits navigation, and adjustment-to-blindness assistance as needed to help participants overcome challenges and achieve employment success.
Key Responsibilities
Employment & Vocational Training for all Residential Programs
Implement individualized support plans based on assessments and guidance from the Vocational Rehab Counselor.
Deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) curriculum and other curriculums in both individual and group settings.
Assist participants in developing resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interview skills.
Track and document participant progress with detailed case notes.
Facilitate group career-readiness projects and graduation presentations.
Ensure participants complete their program with comprehensive employment portfolios.
Support the development and maintenance of internship, work experience, and job shadowing opportunities.
Provide on-site or remote job coaching to support performance and retention.
Submit progress reports and final evaluations to program leadership as required.
Social Work and Participant Support
Provide individual and group counseling to help participants cope with emotional, psychological, and situational barriers to employment and independence, including disability adjustment, workplace anxiety, family conflict, housing insecurity, and benefits issues.
Lead adjustment to blindness support groups and workshops that foster emotional resilience and independence.
Deliver benefits counseling and connect participants with appropriate support services and external agencies.
Maintain a strengths-based, participant-centered, and trauma-informed approach in all support services.
Program Support and Campus Duties
Maintain organized systems for documenting services and outcomes.
Independently complete written reports and submit them to the VRC Program Coordinator in accordance with VISIONS standards.
Assist in the development and improvement of curricula and lesson plans for vocational training.
Coordinate and supervise evening recreational activities for all residential program participants.
Collaborate with workforce development and clinical staff to ensure continuity of care and vocational support.
Participate in additional campus-based programs or administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Education, or a related human services field required.
Master of Social Work (MSW) is highly preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth and/or adults, particularly those with disabilities.

Qualifications:

Skills & Competencies
Understanding of barriers to employment and independence faced by people with visual impairments.
Knowledge of assistive technology commonly used by individuals with vision loss (screen readers, magnifiers, braille devices, etc.).
Strong counseling, advocacy, and crisis intervention skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication and documentation skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, team environment.
Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations.
Spanish fluency is a plus.
Must be available for evening and weekend shifts as required by program schedule.
Salary Range
$68,000-$75,000 Commensurate with education and experience. Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance, retirement plan, paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday time per VISIONS policies.