Overview
Residential program for adult residents which are state inmates classified to a work release/substance abuse/special needs program. The Vocational Specialist assesses a client\'s abilities and interests to develop an individualized plan for finding and maintaining suitable employment. Key duties include providing career counseling, facilitating job training and placement, collaborating with employers and community resources, and offering ongoing support and case management to help clients achieve educational and employment goals while following established protocols and procedures approved by NJAC and the NJ Department of Corrections.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Develop vocational and employment opportunities for program participants.
Serve as primary liaison between employers and program participants; establish linkages with potential employers.
Schedule and oversee community service events and supervise clients.
Monitor client\'s community service and employment time logs and review performance on a regular basis.
Ensure that each client is properly served and treatment is rendered in accordance with industry standards.
Develop and implement: client records, comprehensive assessments and treatment plans, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and conflict resolution, monthly behavioral evaluations, interventions, lectures and didactic presentations; participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and treatment plan reviews; develop aftercare treatment plans and required documentation; other areas of focus may include Alumni Services, Family Services Smoke Cessation, Orientation and HIV Services.
Maintain client and staff confidentiality in compliance with policies and procedures.
Assist participants in obtaining treatment, vocational training, job training or employment; meet with families when appropriate and provide referrals.
Provide advocacy and referrals for housing, legal advice, etc., while encouraging and facilitating client independence.
Report and address contract violations promptly.
Review medication log for compliance.
Perform Accountability Duties: accounting for each resident in the facility and community in real time, ensure safety and security of staff and residents, supervise residents, staff and visitors, inspect the facility perimeter, prevent contraband, conduct facility searches, conduct urine monitoring, and monitor entry and egress of all residents and visitors.
Organizational activities
Complete required annual training in due dates.
Participate in daily shift-change meetings, monthly staff meetings, house meetings, weekly treatment team/case conference meetings, and semiannual trainings.
Organize and represent
Ensure program activities operate within organizational and funder policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with professional and accreditation standards and licensure (ACA, PREA, DHMAS Licensure).
Meet all internal and external standards and policies.
Reporting
Write reports on the program for management and funders as required.
Communicate with management and funders as outlined in funding agreements and prepare supporting documentation.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Experience
Supervision responsibilities include Residential clients.
Education
Bachelor\'s degree from a four-year college or university in Human Services or Social Work field; or six years related experience and/or training in Human Services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Clearances
Successfully pass Criminal, Education, Substance Use Testing and Driver Background checks conducted by the Organization and Funder.
Maintain background free of infractions which may result in termination of employment.
Have access to an insured, registered vehicle.
Possess a valid Driver\'s License.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of client groups and/or issues related to the program area.
Working knowledge of social learning theory, cognitive-behavioral intervention and approaches, assessment and evaluation; demonstrated competencies in training, group interaction, and mentoring.
Experience with addictive personalities; basic understanding of human behavior; use of group dynamics to address special needs populations.
Proficiency
Word processing, simple accounting, databases, spreadsheets, email, Internet, and Client Tracking Software.
Personal characteristics
Demonstrate competence in ethical behavior, relationship building, effective communication, creativity/innovation, focus on client needs, teamwork, leadership, decision making, organization, planning and problem solving.
Working Conditions
Typically in an office and residential program environment; some nonstandard workplaces may occur.
A standard work week but may require evenings and weekends to monitor program activities.
Be on-call for after-hours emergencies; on-call services are rotated through case managers.
Physical requirements: lift up to 25 lbs, stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, use fingers, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; vision requirements include close vision.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range $43,000 – $50,000.
Comprehensive health insurance.
Paid time off and holidays.
Retirement plan with employer match.
Association Philosophy
All Association employees must be committed to NJAC\u2019s philosophy: To promote social justice and human dignity in the policies and institutions which govern offenders and victims of crime through educational, legislative and rehabilitative programs.
NJAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation or group membership, physical handicap, age, marital status, sexual orientation, prior involvement in the criminal justice system, off the job lawful activities or physical appearance.