Coordinator of Vocational Services

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as the Coordinator of Vocational Services.  The Coordinator of Vocational Services is responsible for performing supervisory responsibilities with the HKNC Vocational evaluator and Employment Training Specialists (ETS). Performs job development in collaboration with consumers and the transdisciplinary team.  Develops HKNC Employer Network in the metropolitan and Long Island area to assess employer needs, broaden employment training options and secure work experiences on behalf of consumers participating in training. 

This is an in-person position based out of Sands Point, NY. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Ensures the consumer’s involvement in decision making process with team throughout evaluation and training. Specific responsibilities are but are not limited to ensuring vocational evaluation services provided to consumers are person-centered and are representative of consumers’ strengths, abilities and aspirations for future employment and match potential job opportunities back home. 
•  Actively collaborate with team (including consumer) to design vocational training. 
• Leads and actively participates in Community of Practice (COP) for Vocational training to support learning of department staff, peers, contribute articles, success stories, experiences and challenges. 
• Empowers staff to grow as professionals in their ability, engagement and contribution to the TD approach using an adult learning collaborative model and trends within the vocational rehabilitation field.  Designs training opportunities for voc. staff.  Uses the vocational tracking form to ensure on-site collaboration at the job from necessary training areas.   
• Supervises and evaluates work performance of Vocational Evaluator and the ETS’s.  Provides on-site coaching to support the staff with incorporating tactile techniques with performing the job, identifying accommodations, obtaining the job descriptions to perform the complete job, increasing job responsibilities and partnering with the full team for job development.  Mentors staff with facilitating peer learning groups.  
• Provides leadership and growth opportunities representing HKNC on task forces, CoP’s, internal and external teams.  Regularly seeks innovative strategies by researching and identifying trends, new employment opportunities, best practices and incorporates into building new curriculum, program development and partnerships.  Ensures HKNC is the national leader of employment opportunities and training for consumers who are DeafBlind.    
• Provides in-service training information to staff members and others including family members and professionals regarding rehabilitation training for individuals who are DeafBlind. 
• Contributes to the annual report for the department reflecting vocational services and accomplishments and outcomes provided within a given fiscal year.  Identifies appropriate trans-disciplinary outcomes, team goals and growth trends.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related degree. 
•  Minimum of three years’ experience working with individuals who are DeafBlind in the area of rehabilitation counseling. Two years supervisory experience required.
•  Proficiency in ASL required; Knowledge of Braille and other methods of communication used by persons who are DeafBlind required or must be developed within one year. Knowledge of Deaf and DeafBlind culture required.
• PC Skills – Knowledge of MS Office including MS Word and Outlook. Report Writing.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees.  We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• 4 weeks PTO
• 12 Days Paid Sick Time
• 2 Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance 
• Short Term Disability/ Life Insurance
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits 
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Career Advancement Opportunities