Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

**Job Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist**

**Reports To**: Chief Executive Officer and/or Designate

**Professional Designation**: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist or equivalent (e.g., Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Professional - CVRP)

**Term**: Up to Two Year Contract (Full-Time)

**Job Purpose and Overview**
- **Life After Impact: Rebuilding Lives after Gender-Based Violence and Concussion**_ is a unique, interdisciplinary program designed to support individuals who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and sustained a concussion or brain injury. These invisible injuries can severely affect an individual’s ability to maintain employment, manage daily responsibilities, and live independently. This program provides wrap-around, individualized support to help participants regain autonomy, rebuild economic security, and improve quality of life.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist will be a key member of the interdisciplinary team, working alongside an Occupational Therapist and a Registered Social Worker. This role focuses on providing vocational guidance, employment preparation, and individualized strategies to support individuals in achieving economic stability and sustainable employment.

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**

**1. Program Development and Implementation**
- Collaborate with the project team to research, develop, and implement an accessible, evidence-informed support program exploring topics including financial literacy, vocational skills, health literacy, mental health and coping strategies, relationships and communication for individuals with GBV-related concussion/brain injury.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of resources.
- Hosts educational webinars about the program to increase awareness about the program and recruit participants with GBV-related concussions/brain injuries.
- Assist in designing and delivering training for community organizations and service providers on GBV-related concussion/brain injury.

**2. Vocational Assessment and Planning**
- Conduct virtual assessments to evaluate participants' employment history, skill sets, vocational interests, and challenges related to brain injury and trauma.
- Collaborate with participants to create individualized vocational plans that reflect their goals and strengths while accounting for cognitive, emotional, and physical limitations.
- Provide support and coaching for job exploration, resume building, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.

**3. Training and Skill Development**
- Facilitate virtual workshops or one-on-one sessions focused on building vocational and life skills, including communication, problem-solving, time management, and job search strategies.
- Support participants in accessing government or community-based employment and retraining programs.
- Assist in identifying opportunities for education, upskilling, or alternative career pathways suitable for the individual's current capabilities and goals.

**4. Workplace Support and Reintegration**
- Collaborate with the Occupational Therapist to identify and implement appropriate workplace accommodations for participants preparing to re-enter the workforce.
- Offer guidance on navigating return-to-work processes and advocate with employers (where appropriate) to support inclusive hiring and retention practices.

**5. Evaluation**
- Contribute to the development and ongoing improvement of virtual training modules and employment resources for participants.
- Track participant progress and outcomes; provide feedback to improve overall program delivery.
- Engage in outreach to expand employment and training opportunities available to participants.

**6. Other**
- Assume such other duties as assigned by the CEO and/or designate.

**Qualifications**
- Relevant post-secondary degree or diploma in vocational rehabilitation, counselling, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, or related field
- Certification as a Vocational Rehabilitation Professional (CVRP) or equivalent preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, brain injuries, or trauma in employment or rehabilitation settings
- Experience working with women survivors of GBV, IPV, or marginalized populations is an asset

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**
- Understanding of the impact of brain injury on employment, cognition, and functional capacity.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and barriers to employment for survivors of gender-based violence.
- Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated competence in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
- Experience in employment planning, workplace accommodation, and vocational coaching.
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and motivate clients.
- Familiarity with Ontario employment programs, funding opportunities, and community resources.
- Able to work i