Cover Letter Required Summary/Objective The VABIR Employment Consultant (OREP EC) provides individualized employment services to individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are recovering from opioid use disorder and may experience social, economic, health, or other barriers to employment. The OREP EC supports participants in identifying and pursuing meaningful employment while recognizing that employment goals and support needs may change as individuals navigate recovery, health, housing, transportation, legal, family, and other life circumstances. The OREP EC is responsible for job search and preparation activities, employer outreach, job development, placement, and employment retention and follow-up services. Services are provided in VABIR offices, community settings, employer locations, and other environments where participants live, work, and access services. The position requires flexibility and comfort working in a variety of environments and with individuals whose circumstances and support needs may change over time. The OREP EC develops trusting, professional relationships with participants and works collaboratively with individuals to identify strengths, interests, skills, and employment goals. The OREP EC helps job seekers address barriers to employment, develop strategies for overcoming challenges, and connect with appropriate community resources and support. The position requires the ability to provide services to individuals who may be experiencing significant life circumstances. The position collaborates locally with other VABIR ECs, the Business Account Manager and staff from partner organizations, including workforce partners, recovery, and other community service providers. The OREP EC communicates and coordinates with referral sources and partners to support the participants' employment goals while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries. The OREP EC informs and consults with the Supervisory EC and/or Program Manager regarding job seeker, employer, partner, and program needs or concerns, as necessary. Duties and Responsibilities Employment Services Implement VABIR's vision, mission, and employment service philosophy. Maintain a caseload and provide individualized employment services, including job exploration, preparation, development, placement, retention, and follow-up. Work collaboratively with participants to identify strengths, interests, skills, employment goals, and potential employment opportunities. Support participants in developing realistic and achievable employment plans while encouraging informed choice and self-determination. Assist participants in developing resumes, completing applications, preparing for interviews, developing job-seeking skills, and preparing for the workplace. Utilize progressive employment strategies and other job search and placement tools, including community-based activities, work experiences, job shadows, informational interviews, and other opportunities to help job seekers explore employment. Provide ongoing support as appropriate when participants experience barriers or challenges that affect their employment goals or retention. Help participants identify and utilize strategies, accommodations, resources, and supports that can increase their success in employment. Coordinate employment supports with referral sources and other providers, including job coaches, interpreters, recovery support, and other appropriate services. Opioid Recovery Employment Services Develop an understanding of the employment-related needs and experiences of individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder. Recognize that individuals may be at different stages of recovery and may have changing needs, circumstances, and levels of support. Provide employment services using a strengths-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental approach. Support participants in identifying employment opportunities that align with their skills, interests, goals, and current circumstances. Help participants navigate employment-related challenges that may intersect with recovery, including transportation, scheduling, treatment or recovery commitments, gaps in employment, limited work history, or other barriers. Connect participants with appropriate community resources and service providers when additional support is needed, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality. Work collaboratively with recovery and community partners to coordinate services and promote employment success. Support job seekers in developing strategies for maintaining employment while balancing work with recovery and other responsibilities. Recognize potential changes in participants' circumstances and communicate with the appropriate team members when additional support, consultation, or coordination is needed. Maintain a clear distinction between employment support and clinical or treatment services and refer individuals to HireAbility counselors when needs fall outside the EC's role. Employer Engagement and Job Development Conduct employer outreach to understand labor market needs, job openings, hiring practices, workplace expectations, and opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Develop and maintain relationships with employers and identify opportunities that may be appropriate for participants. Educate employers, when appropriate, about the benefits of hiring a diverse workforce and available employment supports. Provide appropriate education, marketing materials, resources, and connections to employers. Developing effective job matches by considering both employer needs and the participant's skills, interests, strengths, and employment goals. Support participants and employers in identifying reasonable accommodation and other strategies that may promote successful employment. Follow up with employers and participants to support successful placement and retention. Collaboration, Communication, and Documentation Collaborate with local ECs and Workforce Partner team members regarding job development, job search activities, and employment support. Serve as a liaison with the State of Vermont and other organizations, as appropriate. Develop and maintain professional relationships with team members, partners, participants, and employers. Maintain accessibility and effective communication with partners, participants, employers, and referral sources. Participate in regular case consultation with referral sources and meet with referral sources to review shared cases at least monthly. Document participant contacts, services, progress, barriers, outcomes, and follow-up activities accurately and in a timely manner. Complete timely data entry in AWARE, Salesforce, and other required systems. Maintain accountability to local office teams and participants regarding work activities, schedules, and assignments. Maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate professional judgment when handling sensitive information. Consult with the Supervisory EC and/or Program Manager regarding complex situations, safety concerns, service delivery issues, or other circumstances requiring additional guidance. Professional Responsibilities Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor as a representative of VABIR with partners, businesses, and participants. Demonstrate professionalism, appropriate boundaries, sound judgment, and cultural humility when working with individuals and community partners. Maintain flexibility and adaptability when working in environments and circumstances that may change throughout the day. Participate in staff, HireAbility, Workforce Partner, community partner, and other meetings as appropriate. Participate in continuous improvement activities within the local office and VABIR. Participate in business functions and meetings sponsored by local business organizations, as appropriate. Maintain appropriate etiquette while participating in virtual meetings (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Meet established EC performance measures and outcomes. Other duties as required. Work Environment Duties are performed in VABIR offices, employer worksites, community settings, and other locations where contracted services are provided. The position requires regular interaction with individuals who may be experiencing significant employment, social, economic, health, recovery, housing, transportation, or other life challenges. The work environment may vary considerably from day to day. The OREP EC must be comfortable providing services in community settings and adapting to changing circumstances, priorities, and participants' needs. The position may involve working with individuals who are experiencing stress, instability, or other challenges and requires the ability to remain calm, professional, respectful, and nonjudgmental. Reliable transportation is required to perform essential functions of the position. Travel is required for employer outreach, meetings, community-based services, and responding to job seeker needs. Qualifications/Competencies Bachelor's degree in a human service, business-related, rehabilitation, or related field preferred. Associate degree or certification with two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Creativity and strong problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trust and listen effectively. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of employment and support needs. Ability to maintain professional boundaries while developing supportive and trusting relationships. Ability to work effectively with individuals who may be experiencing significant or changing life circumstances. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and sound professional judgment. Knowledge of issues affecting employment for people with disabilities and other diverse and underserved populations. Knowledge or willingness to develop knowledge of opioid use disorder, recovery, and the intersection of recovery and employment. Understanding of trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches. Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Open, direct, honest, and clear communication style, with the ability to exercise tact and discretion. Flexibility and openness to change and to considerable variation in work environments and participant needs. Ability to take initiative and work independently. Ability to recognize when consultation or additional support is needed and seek assistance appropriately. Ability to manage challenging conversations and situations professionally. Ability to deal effectively with conflict. Commitment to continuous improvement and strategic thinking. Strong commitment to holistic, person-centered, strengths-based, and results-oriented services. Ability to accept and provide constructive feedback. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Other Duties This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$41,600.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-the-job training Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Burlington, VT 05401