Opioid Recovery Employment Consultant

Vermont Association of Business, Industry & Rehabilitation (VABIR)

Opioid Recovery Employment Program - Employment Consultant

Full Time/Hybrid

Summary/Objective

The VABIR Opioid Recovery Employment Consultant (EC) is responsible for job search activities, employer outreach, and services to job seekers with disability, social, economic and/or other barriers to employment. This position requires an understanding of the specific barriers, stigma and struggles someone in all stages of recovery is navigating while maintaining an empowering non-judgmental participant led employment goals supports. The EC will work to better equip and provide support to local businesses and reduce the stigma of our participants with opioid use disorder to start contributing and feeling like a valued member of their community. 

The position collaborates and works locally as a team with other VABIR EC’s and staff from partner organizations. The position informs and consults with the Supervisory EC and/or Program Manager related to customer, partner, job seeker and business needs or concerns, as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Implement VABIR’s vision and mission.

· Maintain a caseload to provide job search and preparation activities to job seekers including retention and follow-up services.

· Outreach to employers to understand labor market needs, job openings and employer hiring practices.

· Provide appropriate education, marketing materials, resources, and connections to employers.

· Understand the needs of employers and job seekers for effective job match.

· Effectively utilizes job search and placement tools and resources to assist job seekers with their employment goals (progressive employment, community service placements, group activities, etc.)

· Assist in development of job seeker resumes, interviewing and job seeking skills.

· Collaborate with referral source to coordinate job placement supports (job coaches, interpreters, readers, etc.) as needed.

· Collaborate with local EC and Workforce Partner team members related to job search activities

· Support and advocate with the workforce partners and employers that are navigating the struggles of the opioid epidemic and ensure they know there is no stigma or judgement for their business, supporting employees with substance use in their background

· Serves as liaison with State of Vermont and/or other organizations.

· Develop and maintain professional relationships with team members, partners, job seekers and employers.

· Maintains a professional appearance as a representative of VABIR with partners, businesses and as a model to job seekers.

· Maintain accessibility and effective communication with partners, job seekers and employers.

· Direct outreach to local employers. Help guide an employer to recruit, obtain and maintain quality qualified individuals for their workforce, and to feel confident not to look over and miss out on the untapped potential and loyalty of someone in recovery

· Maintain accountability to local office teams and job seekers related to work activities, schedules, and work assignments.

· Documents job seeker work activities and provide timely case notes to referral sources.

· Meets with referral source to review shared cases at a minimum of one time per month.

· Implements best practices in caseload management and service delivery.

· Timely data entry in AWARE and Salesforce

· Accountable for EC performance measures and outcomes

· Participates in continuous improvement activities in local office and VABIR.

· Participate in staff, HireAbility, Workforce Partner, and other meetings as appropriate.

· Maintain proper etiquette while participating in virtual video meetings (ZOOM, Team’s, etc.…)

· May attend business functions and meetings sponsored by local business organizations.

· Other duties as required.

Work Environment

Duties are performed in an office setting and local communities where contracted services are provided. Reliable transportation is needed to perform essential functions of the position. Travel required for employer outreach, attend meetings and to respond to customer needs. Some work outside of the normal work schedule may be required.

Qualifications/Competencies

Bachelor’s degree in a human service or business-related field preferred. Associates degree or certification with 2 years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

· Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

· Strong organizational and time management skills

· Creativity and excellent problem-solving skills

· Ability to multi-task

· Strong interpersonal skills with ability to elicit trust and listen effectively.

· Ability to work with a diverse population of job seekers and staff.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and to understand personnel policies, e.g., workplace harassment, conflict of interest.

· Knowledge of issues confronting the employment of people with disabilities and other diverse and vulnerable populations.

· Working knowledge of ADA

· Open, direct, honest, and clear communication style with ability to exercise discretion and tact.

· Flexibility with openness to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variations in work environments.

· Take initiative and work autonomously.

· Ability to deal with conflict.

· Proponent of continuous improvement and strategic thinking

· Values include holistic orientation, excellent customer service, strengths-based outlook and results oriented.

· Ability to accept and deliver constructive feedback.

· Works effectively as a team.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.