PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE, INC.
Programs For People, Inc. (www.programsforpeople.org) is a small, private nonprofit agency which offers a Mental Health Day Treatment program and a Vocational Services program (Project Advance) for low-income adults with serious mental health challenges in the MetroWest region. Programs For People, Inc. was founded to help those recovering to engage more successfully in all aspects of life. Our citizen Board of Directors, multidisciplinary professional staff and volunteers are dedicated to dispelling stigma about mental health challenges and empowering those served to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life and make a contribution to their community. Our services are designed to help those served develop coping strategies, build healthy relationships, manage activities of daily living, and obtain and maintain employment. Programs For People, Inc. is committed to providing services of the highest quality, at the lowest possible cost, to those in greatest need.
PROJECT ADVANCE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Programs For People, Inc. offers a range of therapeutic services to people who live with serious mental health challenges. Project Advance provides comprehensive vocational and placement services at no cost to individuals who are eligible for Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) services. Our mission is to help people find and retain the right job.
This position is an opportunity to be part of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team supporting the employment goals of program members.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor assumes primary responsibility for providing Project Advance employment services to agency clients under the supervision of the Employment Services Manager. Duties are as follows:
Qualifications:
A Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or comparable degree required.
Key Skills and Competencies
Counseling Techniques: Proficiency in various counseling approaches to support clients' mental and emotional well-being.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and empathy to build trust and effectively interact with clients.
Assessment and Evaluation: Ability to conduct thorough assessments of clients’ needs, abilities, and goals.
Case Management: Skills in planning, coordinating, and monitoring services and resources for clients.
Problem-Solving: Creative and critical thinking to develop effective rehabilitation plans.
Technology: Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook as well as technologies supporting a remote workplace (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Teamwork: Ability to work in a team culture that values inclusivity, performance, and transparency.
Advocacy: Strong ability to advocate for clients’ rights and access to resources.
Cultural Competence: Sensitivity and understanding of diverse backgrounds and needs.
Ethical Judgment: Adherence to ethical standards and confidentiality guidelines.
Additional Skills
Knowledge of Disabilities: Understanding various physical, mental, and emotional disabilities and their impact on clients' lives.
Career Counseling: Skills in helping clients develop job skills, search for employment, and adapt to workplace environments.
Job Responsibilities:
Provides individual and group vocational counseling, including seminars,support groups, benefits counseling.
Assists clients with job applications, resumes, cover letters, interviewing, networking, and contacting employers to facilitate client’s job goal.
Develops and assists client in job search plans and securing paid employment.
Engages in job development activities for volunteer and paid employment and maintains active relationships with employers to promote successful placement.
Provides active on-site and off-site support to clients who have achieved employment.
Participates in Project Advance staff meetings.
Participates in weekly Clinical Review meeting with Day Treatment and other service providers to review client use of services and make recommendations.
Carries out recruitment, eligibility determination and enrollment of clients in Employment Services; makes marketing presentations as needed.
Maintains active liaison with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission local offices and the Statewide Employment Services Department.
Tracks client utilization of services, maintains program statistics, completes required documentation for billing.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Relocate:
- Framingham, MA 01702: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Framingham, MA 01702