Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team?  At Merakey, we put our heart and soul into everything we do.

We are seeking an Employment Counselor to join our team in Ocean County, NJ!

Earn: $22.12/Hour + Benefits! 

The Employment Counselor provides individualized vocational support to adults with disabilities referred through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). This position is responsible for assisting individuals in exploring career interests, developing job readiness skills, securing competitive integrated employment, and maintaining long-term job success.

The Employment Specialist works closely with consumers, families, employers, and community partners to identify opportunities, advocate for workplace inclusion, and provide on-the-job training and supports.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting vocational assessments
• Developing employment plans
• Job coaching
• Monitoring progress
• Maintaining all required documentation in compliance with DVRS and DDD guidelines

The Employment Counselor promotes independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful community participation, supporting individuals to achieve their employment goals.

1. Consumer Assessment & Employment Planning
• Conduct vocational intake assessments for DVRS/DDD consumers.
• Collaborate with DVRS counselors and DDD Support Coordinators to develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE).
• Identify employment barriers and develop remediation strategies.

2. Job Development & Employer Engagement
• Research and cultivate relationships with potential employers.
• Match consumer skills/abilities with appropriate job opportunities.
• Educate employers about DVRS/DDD programs and incentives.

3. Direct Job Coaching & Support
• Provide intensive on-site training during new hire transition period.
• Provide Follow-Along services to consumers once they are stable on the job.
• Implement workplace accommodations and natural supports.
• Teach job tasks, workplace etiquette, and problem-solving strategies.

4. Case Management & Documentation
• Maintain quality, accurate daily case notes in SETWORKS system.
• Submit necessary reports for voucher closing as per timeline protocols.

• Provide strong problem-solving skills for workplace barrier remediation.
• Complete all required billing and service documentation.
• Work with families and natural supports in order to increase positive outcomes.

5. Transportation & Community Integration
• Train consumers in using public transportation when needed
• Assist with travel route planning and mobility training
• Support community navigation for work-related activities

6. Stakeholder Collaboration
• Communicate regularly with DVRS counselors, families, and employers.
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings as required.
• Provide transition updates and service recommendations.

7. Administrative Duties
• Submit weekly calendars and timecards by deadlines.
• Track and report mileage for consumer services.
• Meet weekly billable hour requirements.
• Attend all mandatory trainings and supervision meetings.

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, psychology preferred
• High School diploma plus 2 years' experience in human services or education, required
• Valid Driver's license
• Bilingual or Spanish is a plus!