Vocational Program Specialist

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.*