Employment Consultant - DBVI

Company Overview The Vermont Association of Business, Industry & Rehabilitation (VABIR) is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to helping Vermonters facing barriers to employment find meaningful, gainful work opportunities. Since 1979, VABIR has served as a vital link between the private sector and individuals with disabilities or other life challenges, fostering inclusive workforce development across the state. Job Summary We are seeking a passionate and energetic Employment Consultant to support our Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) participants as part of our team. Employment Consultant Job Description Reports to: VABIR Program Manager Summary/Objective The VABIR Employment Consultant (EC) is responsible for job search activities, employer outreach, and services to job seekers with disability, social, economic and/or other barriers to employment. The EC performs work in offices and communities where VABIR employment services are provided. The position collaborates and works locally as a team with other VABIR EC's and staff from partner organizations. The position informs and consults with the Supervisory EC and/or Program Manager related to customer, partner, job seeker and business needs or concerns as necessary. Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement VABIR's vision and mission
• Maintain a caseload to provide job search and preparation activities to job seekers including retention and follow up services
• Outreach to employers to understand labor market needs, job openings and employer hiring practices
• Provide appropriate education, marketing materials, resource, and connections to employers
• Understand the needs of employers and job seekers for effective job match
• Effectively utilizes job search and placement tools and resources to assist job seekers with their employment goals (progressive employment, community service placements, group activities, etc.)
• Assist in development of job seeker resumes, interviewing and job seeking skills
• Collaborate with referral source to coordinate job placement supports (job coaches, interpreters, readers, etc.) as needed
• Collaborate with local EC and HireAbility team members related to job search activities
• Serves as liaison with State of Vermont and/or other organizations
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with team members, partners, job seekers and employers
• Maintains a professional appearance as a representative of VABIR with partners, businesses and as a model to job seekers
• Maintain accessibility and effective communication with partners, job seekers and employers
• Maintain accountability to local office teams and job seekers related to work activities, schedules and work assignments
• Documents job seeker work activities and provides timely case notes to referral sources
• Meets with referral source to review shared cases a minimum of 1 time per month
• Implements best practices in caseload management and service delivery
• Timely data entry in AWARE and Salesforce
• Accountable for EC performance measures and outcomes
• Participates in continuous improvement activities in local office and VABIR
• Participate in staff, HireAbility and other meetings as appropriate
• Maintain proper etiquette while participating in virtual video meetings (ZOOM, Team's, etc.…)
• May attend business functions and meetings sponsored by local business organizations
• Other duties as required Work Environment Duties are performed in an office setting and local communities where contracted services are provided.

Reliable transportation needed to perform essential functions of the position. Travel required for employer outreach, attend meetings and to respond to customer needs. Some work outside of the normal work schedule may be required. Qualifications/Competencies Associates degree or certification with 2 years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Creativity and excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to elicit trust and listen effectively
• Ability to work with a diverse population of job seekers and staff
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to understand personnel policies, e.g., workplace harassment, conflict of interest.
• Knowledge of issues confronting the employment of people with disabilities and other diverse and vulnerable populations. Ability to develop an empathic understanding of individuals who have undergone visual impairments. Knowledge or experience with individuals who have blind or visual impairments
• Working knowledge of ADA
• Open, direct, honest and clear communication style with ability to exercise discretion and tact.
• Flexibility with openness to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variations in work environments
• Take initiative and work autonomously
• Ability to deal with conflict
• Proponent of continuous improvement and strategic thinking
• Values include holistic orientation, excellent customer service, strengths-based outlook and results oriented
• Ability to accept and deliver constructive feedback
• Works effectively as a team

Pay:

$20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Tuition reimbursement People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Montpelier, VT 05602