Employment Counselor

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

We are seeking an Employment Counselor to join our team!

We have openings in Monmouth, Middlesex OR Tom's River, NJ!

Earn: $22.12/Hour + Benefits + Mileage Reimbursement

About the Role:

The Employment Counselor provides individualized vocational support to adults referred through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). You'll help individuals discover their strengths, prepare for work, secure competitive employment, and maintain success on the job.

You'll collaborate closely with consumers, families, employers, and community partners to create opportunities, promote workplace inclusion, and provide hands‑on job coaching.

What You'll Do:

1. Consumer Assessment & Employment Planning

• Conduct vocational intake assessments

• Develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) with DVRS/DDD partners

• Identify employment barriers and create strategies to overcome them

2. Job Development & Employer Engagement

• Build relationships with local employers

• Match individuals to appropriate job opportunities

• Educate employers on DVRS/DDD programs and hiring incentives

3. Job Coaching & On‑Site Support

• Provide on‑the‑job training during the new hire period

• Offer Follow‑Along support once individuals are stable in their roles

• Teach job tasks, workplace expectations, and problem‑solving skills

• Implement accommodations and natural supports

4. Case Management & Documentation

• Maintain accurate daily case notes in SETWORKS

• Complete billing, reports, and documentation in compliance with DVRS/DDD

• Collaborate with families and natural supports to promote success

5. Transportation & Community Integration

• Provide travel training and route planning

• Support individuals in navigating the community for work‑related needs

6. Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate regularly with DVRS counselors, families, and employers

• Attend team meetings and provide service updates

7. Administrative Responsibilities

• Submit weekly calendars, timecards, and mileage

• Meet weekly billable hour requirements

• Attend required 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.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Requirements:

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!
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30lbs
• Must be able to stand for a period of time
• Must have a flexible schedule to work nights and weekends if needed