The Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor utilizes considerable knowledge of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of disability, formal training in counseling and advocacy techniques, and knowledge of community resources to address barriers to employment, increase independence, and increase self-sufficiency.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Works with groups and individuals to communicate and promote an understanding of vocational rehabilitation services available, including eligibility requirements and client rights, in a respectful, courteous, and culturally-appropriate manner.
2. Conducts initial intake interviews with applicants for the purpose of establishing a positive working relationship and collects information such as medical history, education, work history, vocational interests, social history, and financial status needed to determine eligibility for services based on federal legislation.
3. Evaluates functional and vocational capacities of client; with the client, develops an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that establishes a suitable vocational goal compatible with the client’s disability, needs, and interests and provides job counseling and placement.
4. Administers evidence-based clinical and functional tools to assess for barriers to employment including depression, substance use disorders, and functional impairment assessments.
5. Arranges for medical, psychological, or vocational evaluations or treatment needed to support the participant to address barriers to employment and increase self-sufficiency.
6. Works with employers to develop employment opportunities; arranges for job coaches, if necessary, places clients and conducts post-employment follow-up.
7. Assists the client in becoming an active participant in his/her rehabilitation program and aids the client in making meaningful and informed choices about the selection of a vocational goal and other rehabilitation services needed to increase independence and self-sufficiency.
8. Utilizes and connects clients to wraparound community resources to assist clients in achieving their vocational goals including housing, education, peer support, etc. Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and fosters communication between resource providers to support the client to address barriers to employment, increase independence, and increase self-sufficiency.
9. Conducts in-person visits and accompanies clients to appointments, as needed, to provide advocacy and ensure continuity of care.
10. With the client’s active participation, designs and implements and IPE based upon an evaluation of diagnostic information, labor market data, and the needs and wishes of the client; this plan may include physical or mental restoration, personal assistance services, training in an academic, vocational, technical, or on the job setting; maintenance, transportation, placement assistance, tools, equipment, occupational licenses, job modification, telecommunications and sensory devices.
11. Using professional counseling skills, develops a working alliance with the client, which allows for an open and free discussion of all issues (social, economic, educational, personal) relevant to the success of the vocational rehabilitation process.
12. Applies information and knowledge of assistive technology and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) to recommend modification in work sites or equipment that will allow the client to perform work tasks.
13. Facilitates group educational classes to assist participants to develop skills in resume writing, cover letter development, appropriate work behavior, financial literacy, and other skills related to increasing independence and self-sufficiency.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
    

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree with classes related to human services, disability rights, vocational rehabilitation, social services, or behavioral science. A combination of equivalent years of education or experience working in a closely related field that involves client services, case management, or care coordination may be substituted year-for-year for a four year college degree.
2. Two years of experience working with individuals with physical or mental disabilities in vocational rehabilitation, case management, care coordination, counseling, job development, analysis, and placement, etc.
3. Must possess the ability to detect, assess, and understand the physical, psychosocial, and vocational effects of mental and physical disabilities.
4. Demonstrated ability to assist, persuade, and motivate clients, using formal counseling techniques, to make appropriate vocational choices and to take an active role in the attainment of their vocational goals.
5. Must possess the ability to manage a full caseload of clients independently; make accurate and empathetic decisions concerning rehabilitation plan development and implementation.
6. Familiarity with community resources and systems, including DSHS, Social Security Administration, etc.
7. Must be familiar with Microsoft Office and e-file management.
8. Must have excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to provide high-quality customer service.
9. Must possess working knowledge of Native American issues and culture.
10. Must possess a working knowledge of barriers to employment related to disabilities.
11. Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and be able to meet the minimum insurance requirements regarding driving record in order to utilize GSA vehicles.

 Preferred Qualifications:

1. A Master’s Degree in counseling, vocational rehabilitation, social services, behavioral science or a related degree and at least one year of experience of professional level counseling experience.
2. Formal training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, de-escalation, medical aspects of disabilities, or substance use disorder counseling.
   

**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting, including driving (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone. Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at a desk for the majority of shift. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Frequent vehicular travel; work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.