Vocational Counselor

About Us

For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond. We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

About the Role

The Vocational Counselor is critical to supporting reintegration within the community for program clients. They will provide low-threshold educational and job readiness services including assessment, training, and referrals to relevant programs. They will also identify job opportunities for clients and match qualified clients with these employment opportunities. The Vocational Counselor will develop relationships with employers, successfully place clients into jobs, and provide ongoing retention services and supports to both the employer and the consumers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct education and vocational assessments, and work with clients to develop detailed and individualized service plans.
• Provide low-threshold job readiness services.
• Provide individual and group vocational counseling and assist in the development of realistic short and long-term vocational goals.
• Facilitate job readiness training including resume and interviewing skills, time management skills, employee-employer communications, etc.
• Provide referrals to educational and/or vocational training opportunities and maintain engagement with consumers to support their retention in such programs.
• Write and maintain progress notes and vocational treatment plans in accordance with agency, state, and funder regulations.
• Develop and maintain employer relationships that can be incorporated into a job bank.
• Provide career coaching and job search strategies to all program clients.
• Ensure that clients are linked to sustainable employment opportunities when they are ready to do so.
• Educate clients on the current job market via counseling, workshops, outings, etc., and match client job skills with potential job qualifications.
• Participate in case reviews, case conferences, and departmental meetings, as needed.
• Provide individual job retention support.
• May assist with organizing client career and employment events.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree with two years of experience in career and educational counseling, required; or Bachelor’s degree with one year of experience in career and educational counseling, preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of previous relevant experience in a setting providing vocational or employment services.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays.

We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.