Vocational Evaluator – Employment Support Specialist

Ready to join our 4,000+ employees in a career at YAI?

About the Position:

Under the direction of the Senior Program Supervisor, regularly travels across the Hudson Valley region to facilitate psycho-educational testing and assessments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and writes comprehensive, individualized summaries of results. Scores assessments and interprets findings, making recommendations for appropriate accommodations and/or employment or educational goals, and presents at case conferences. Ensures services are scheduled and provided in accordance with contract requirements, completing required documentation and reports on a timely basis. Performs job development and job coaching services, as needed. 

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Under supervision, schedules and administers psycho-educational testing/assessments to assess cognitive and other abilities and achievement levels of individuals with disabilities referred for evaluation and services across the Rockland to mid-Hudson Valley region, including Orange and potentially Dutchess counties.
• Scores tests following appropriate guidelines and compiles ratings for assessments administered to each person we support (PWS).
• Writes comprehensive, individualized reports for each PWS (9 – 14 pages) summarizing test results.
• Interprets results of assessments and makes appropriate recommendations for accommodations and employment/educational goals based on strengths, weaknesses, achievement level and personal goals of PWS.
• Presents the findings of the report and recommendations for PWS at a case conference including the PWS, referring ACCES-VR counselor and other relevant individuals (e.g. parents, school staff, etc.)
• Supports employment services program needs and additional services by performing job development and job coaching services, as needed including:
• Post-Secondary and Job Exploration Counseling
• Career Exploration Assessments
• Community-based workplace assessments
• Instructing individuals in Self-Advocacy
• Providing Work Readiness training to groups in-person and remotely.
• Facilitating services in alignment with state authorizations and timelines and requesting extensions as needed.
• Conducts all work in accordance with agency policies/procedures and ensures confidentiality of records.
• Completes all mandatory OPWDD/ACCES-VR/YAI trainings.
• Builds and maintains Positive Relationships and rapport with people supported and circle of support.
• Ensures billing and case notes are completed accurately and timely.
• Completes monthly progress reports.
• Performs all related work, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: Including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Master’s Degree in vocational rehab counseling or related area, approved by ACCES-VR; and
• One year experience in vocational rehabilitation or other suitable fields (e.g. counseling, testing, working with the I/DD community, etc.); or
• Satisfactory combination of education, experience and/or training approved by ACCES-VR; however, all candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree in an approved area.
• Familiarity with standardized testing/assessments
• Routinely travel within the Rockland to mid-Hudson Valley region, including Orange and potentially Dutchess counties.
• Basic knowledge and awareness of ID/DD and other disability groups
• Basic knowledge of employment laws and regulations
• Emotional Intelligence
• Counseling skills
• Advanced written and verbal communications
• Basic computer knowledge

Preferred Qualification Requirements: (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• In-depth understanding of and experience conducting standardized assessments

Compensation Range:

• $20.67/hour - $26.45/hour