Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation | Select Medial 

300 Market Street, Saddle Brook, NJ

Acute Care Medical Rehabilitation Hospital 

 Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000

Benefits of being a Rehab Vocational Counselor:

• You are a valued member of our team
• The ability to grow and learn
• Advancement opportunities 
• Competitive rates 
• Team-oriented culture 
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees (including medical, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance, short and long term disability, and tuition assistance)

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor serves as the key staff member to work with ABI (Acquired Brain Injuries including TBI and stroke) to develop a network of medical center and community vocational services. During inpatient stay, the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will participate in team meetings to promote greater visibility and increased contact with treating clinicians. Throughout the inpatient phase the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will assess vocational interests, skills and aptitudes to highlight each patient’s strengths and career potential and assist Kessler Institute treatment teams and their research affiliate, Kessler Foundation, to integrate employment goals with rehabilitation therapy goals. After discharge, the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will maintain supportive contact for up to two years with former patients as vocational plans/recommendations made during the inpatient phase are implemented.           

• Serves as a clinical resource for all practice staff to align patient employment goals with treatment goals. Attends team conferences, meets with patients soon after admission, conducts intakes and regularly schedules individual vocational counseling sessions.
• Identifies, facilitates, and procures resources to assist patient in achievement of optional levels of independence at work and in the community. Collects resources about local agencies and programs, seeks out and works with community agencies and partners to develop opportunities for patients.
• Communicates vocational information and facilitates coordination of treatment with the interdisciplinary team in order to achieve realistic vocational goals. Participates in meetings and serves as the communication linkage, as necessary, between patient/family, DVR counselor, Project Steering Committee, internal and external providers, and other related relationships.
• Builds relationships with and provides consultation services to employers and education programs to establish a return to work/education plan, brainstorms reasonable accommodations, and coordinate services to support retention. Educates employers and school programs about other disciplines involved in care. Possess knowledge and understanding of disability laws and legislation.
• Utilizes appropriate clinical decision making during course of treatment and appropriately modifies and progresses planning based on patient goals, needs, and barriers to vocational achievement. Organizes work simulation activities and co-treatments to evaluate performance of essential job functions.
• Selects evidence-based practices to ensure patients receive the most effective service(s). Maintains a person-centered philosophy during all aspects of care.
• Carries a full-time caseload. Effectively performs caseload management to maximize patient outcomes. Initiates communication with outpatients at least once a month to support continuum of care and progress towards goals.
• Writes informative, concise, and timely reports, plans, assessments, notes, etc. that meet funding sources and department standards
• Collects data to support program evaluation including vocational participation, outcomes and data, satisfaction surveys, etc. Works in collaboration with the Kessler Foundation on various projects and initiatives
• Facilitates continuity of care by consulting with medical treatment team and other community providers to communicate and obtain pertinent information related to patient goals, needs, and service coordination.
• Independently seeks guidance regarding processes. Demonstrates ability to communicate with supervisor and senior staff. Meets with and provides information to program Steering Committee regularly. Facilitates problem-solving strategies that are within the best interest of patient goals and to improve department operational issues.
• Performs other duties as requested.

• Minimum requirements:

  • Graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field and knowledge/experience with resources to support community participation and employment of people with BI 

  Preferred qualifications:

  • Prior experience with resources to support community participation and employment of people with ABI preferred
  • Must obtain CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) certification and complete A1Social Security Administration Community Partner Training within one year of employment. 

Select Medical is an equal opportunity employer committed to dealing with employees in a nondiscriminatory manner and based on job-related qualifications and abilities. The Company will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, veteran status, age (40 and over), marital status, disability or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational qualification) or any other protected status.