Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Training Specialist

The Metro Boston Mental Health Units of the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital are seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime position of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor/Vocational Training Specialist. The Rehabilitation Counselor works as a member of the Rehab Services Department as well as collaboratively with assigned unit team to design, plan, facilitate, and evaluate rehabilitation groups and treatment opportunities that promote recovery and independent living skills for patients living with severe and persistent mental illness. As a vocational training specialist, perform duties related to provision of vocational training opportunities for patients such as job coaching and oversight of identified vocational training worksites including recovery education, which is designed to address patients with high volume self injurious and aggressive behaviors. Participate in Rehab Department meetings and supervision to ensure that programming is appropriate and available. Implement vocational skills assessment and participate in treatment planning process with regard to vocational skills. Perform role of rehab counselor on assigned MBMHU unit, overseeing individual treatment plans, and acting as rehab advocate to assigned patients. Facilitate groups, trips, activities, events and complete assigned documentation.

Shift Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Days off are Saturday and Sunday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Designs and facilitates, in collaboration with the rehab department, a group program that includes skill building, psychoeducational, leisure and vocational activities, considering the relevancy to patients as related to age and skill level. Facilitates groups on unit and at Rehab Center.

• Evaluates each patient's needs for rehabilitation interventions through direct observations, review of record, one-on-one interviews with patient and discussions with caregivers.

• Informs staff and patients verbally and through written schedules and notices of all activities both on and off the unit; coordinates with Rehab Department staff and nursing staff to ensure that groups are organized, attended, and consistently held.

• Assists with all aspects of rehabilitation including teaching, leading and co-leading groups to assist patients with improving functional abilities, completing projects, developing independent living skills, and exploring vocational interests.

• Works independently to plan, organize, supervise, and review special events and activities in the community to encourage growth and motivation for inpatients.

• As needed and approved, attends rounds, team meetings and other relevant meetings to give and hear progress, to discuss referrals and to review problems and relevant issues.

• Completes all documentation related to patient care and department protocol; makes recommendations for rehab treatment and referrals.

• Provides direct care vocational rehabilitation services by assessing, training, and demonstrating to clients the proper completion of vocational activities, such as through specific groups like retail training and job coaching in paid vocational opportunities for patients.

• Participates in oversight of vocational training sights; oversee inventory and budget, maintain records, maintain clean and safe work environment.

• Provides coverage for rehab services during evening, weekend and holiday hours as assigned.

• Evaluates need for and requests materials and supplies.

• Drives van for leisure/recreational activities and for community field trips.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Rehab Services.

Required Qualifications:

• Understanding of the principles and practices of vocational rehabilitation.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of counseling for vocational rehabilitation.

• Comprehension of the types and uses of reference sources for occupational information.

• Knowledge of the types and uses to determine individual interests, aptitudes, skills and occupational preferences.

• Grasp of the principles and practices of general psychology relating to individuals with physical, mental and emotional impairments.

• Understanding of the types and symptoms of mental and/or emotional disorders.

• Awareness of the methods and techniques of vocational education for vocational rehabilitation.

• Knowledge of motivation and reinforcement techniques.

• Power to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as deal tactfully with others and establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

• Ability to interact with people who are under physical or emotional stress.

• Capacity to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.

• Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

• Power to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

• Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful or emergency situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with and enthusiasm for working with adults living with severe and persistent mental health conditions.

• Prefer candidates who have completed academic requirements for and can be certified as Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, Expressive Therapist, Music Therapist or other professional Rehabilitation Counseling degree/licensure.

• Excellent organizational and writing skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrated effective communication skills.

• Valid Massachusetts driver's license and ability to drive 15 passenger van.

Hospital Mission:

At the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, we take pride in helping people recover from illnesses and conditions that are often

underserved or difficult to manager in other healthcare settings. The DMH units within the Hospital provide inpatient psychiatric services to adults with serious mental illness with the goal of enhancing autonomy, safety and return to the community.

Patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team, led by attending psychiatrists which also includes psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health workers, peer specialists, occupational therapists and rehabilitative staff specializing in vocational, recreational and expressive therapies. A variety of treatment modalities are used, including psychopharmacologic, psychotherapeutic (individual, group and family), psycho-educational, behavioral, cognitive and milieu therapies.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website, http://www.mass.gov

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.

• Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.

• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.