The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) / Vocational Program Specialist provides vocational rehabilitation and employment services across EFMNY’s Article 16, ACCES-VR, and OPWDD programs. This is a direct-service and program-development role. The position maintains an appropriate caseload while supporting job development, referral coordination, participant engagement, and census growth. A core responsibility is actively managing the service pipeline:
Referral → Eligibility → Authorization → Enrollment → Service Delivery → Employment/Outcome

Core Responsibilities
Vocational & Clinical Services

Provide individual and group vocational rehabilitation counseling, including Article 16 vocational counseling services.
Facilitate vocational groups and provide individual counseling based on participant needs and program schedules.
Participate in Day Habilitation programming as appropriate to support vocational goals and identify participants who may benefit from additional services.
Provide career exploration, work-readiness training, resume/interview preparation, job development, placement, and retention support.
Maintain an appropriate ACCES-VR and OPWDD vocational caseload.

ACCES-VR & OPWDD Coordination

Deliver services in accordance with ACCES-VR and OPWDD authorizations and requirements.
Complete required monthly progress reports and monitor authorizations, units, service periods, and participant progress.
Assist individuals and families with navigating ACCES-VR and the OPWDD Front Door process.
Maintain relationships with ACCES-VR counselors, Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs), care managers, families, employers, and referral sources.
Coordinate referrals to Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Supported Employment, and other appropriate EFMNY services.

Census, Referral & Job Development

Actively develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective participants.
Follow referrals through eligibility, authorization, enrollment, service initiation, and outcome, rather than waiting for participants to be assigned.
Re-engage individuals whose applications, referrals, or services have stalled.
Develop employer relationships and identify employment opportunities for participants.
Build relationships with schools, healthcare providers, CCOs, community organizations, and other referral partners.
Help grow census and utilization across EFMNY’s ACCES-VR, Article 16 vocational, and OPWDD programs.

Documentation & Compliance

Document Article 16 services timely and accurately in EFMNY’s EHR.
Complete required ACCES-VR and OPWDD documentation, monthly reports, and progress updates within established deadlines.
Maintain accurate records of referrals, authorizations, units, caseloads, and outcomes.
Participate in supervision, program reviews, and quality/compliance activities as required.

Performance Expectations
Performance will include both direct-service productivity and program growth, including:

Maintaining an appropriate active caseload.
Timely completion of services, documentation, and monthly reports.
Converting appropriate referrals into active services.
Increasing program census and utilization.
Developing employer and referral-source relationships.
Demonstrating consistent follow-through from referral through service/outcome.
Supporting successful employment placement and retention outcomes.

*This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.*

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Vocational Program Specialist

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