Vocational Aide

About the Role

The purpose of this position is to provide assistance in preparing residents to apply and interview for jobs, as well as to support them with on-the-job training and supervision. The role involves collaborating with other departments to ensure residents are working to their full capacity and addressing any issues promptly. Additionally, the position includes evaluating residents' work performance to assess progress toward their vocational goals as outlined in their treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents in preparing for job applications and interviews.
• Provide on-the-job training and supervision to residents.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure residents are working effectively.
• Address any issues related to residents' work performance promptly.
• Evaluate and document residents' progress toward vocational goals.
• Co-facilitate groups and one-to-one interventions related to employment skills, life skills, and vocational training.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries in the aide-resident relationship within a vocational setting.
• Monitor residents and provide guidance on vocational work tasks.
• Document resident interactions and progress appropriately.
• Provide feedback on individual vocational readiness goals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with treatment team members.
• Ability to work under supervision, guidance, and direction.
• Demonstrated ability to document clinical information accurately.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Positive resident interaction skills.
• Ability to multitask, be resourceful, and work under pressure.
• Familiarity with life skills training, employment skills, consumer skills, community resources, and health/safety skills.
• Basic knowledge of vocational programs and their purpose.

Additional Considerations

• Preferred: Experience in a forensic mental health or comparable setting.
• Preferred: Experience working with sex offenders.
• Preferred: Experience in vocational programming.
• Strongly Preferred: Experience working in an institutional (forensic and secured) environment.

Benefits

• Choice of health plan.
• Paid life insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Discounts and employee referral programs.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Annual, family personal, and sick leave.

Pay

Hiring Range: $47,439.00 - $65,466.00

Special Instructions

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, and verification of education. Under Virginia Code, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services is prohibited from employing individuals convicted of specific barrier crimes or those with pending barrier charges. Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities during the application and interview processes.

Contact Information

Name: Jessica Aliff
Phone: 804-766-3326
Email: jessica.aliff@dbhds.virginia.gov