Employment Counselor - Jackson, NJ

Merakey; Toms River (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Retirement plan

DailyPay

Well-being platform

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

Waters & Sims, a member of the Merakey family of companies, seeks a full-time Employment Counselor to support adults with disabilities in lower Monmouth County, NJ. Travel across the region and occasional additional travel may be required to provide on-site job coaching and supports.

The role emphasizes individualized vocational planning, employer outreach, and collaboration with DVRS/DDD teams to secure competitive employment and long-term success.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct vocational assessments and develop individualized employment plans for DVRS/DDD consumers.
• Identify employment barriers and create strategies to address them.
• Build relationships with employers, match consumers to suitable jobs, and educate businesses on DVRS/DDD programs.
• Provide onsite job coaching, teach workplace skills, implement accommodations, and offer followalong support.
• Maintain accurate documentation and billing records, and coordinate with families.

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

High School diploma + 2 years experience

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to grow your career while helping others do the same? At Waters & Sims, a member of the Merakey family of companies, we empower people living with disabilities to live, work, and integrate successfully into the community. We are seeking a full-timeEmployment Counselor to join our Supported Employment Services teamin lower Monmouth County, NJ.

This community-based role requires travel throughout lower Monmouth County, with potential travel in Ocean County as needed.

Contract & Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30pm
• Occasional evenings and weekends required
• Earn: $22.12/Hour + Benefits

Position Details

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:

• Conduct vocational assessments and develop individualized employment plans for DVRS/DDD consumers
• Identify employment barriers and create strategies to address them
• Build relationships with employers, match consumers to suitable jobs, and educate businesses on DVRS/DDD programs
• Provide onsite job coaching, teach workplace skills, implement accommodations, and offer followalong support
• Maintain accurate documentation in SETWORKS, complete billing and reports, and collaborate with families and natural supports
• Provide travel training, assist with route planning, and support community navigation
• Communicate regularly with DVRS counselors, employers, families, and attend required team meetings
• Complete administrative tasks including submitting calendars/timecards, tracking mileage, meeting billable hour requirements, and attending mandatory trainings

Benefits

Waters & Sims employees have access to benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth contribution options.
• DailyPay, providing access to your pay when you need it.
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Care.com access for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling and legal and financial resources through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle services.
• Free personal and professional development courses through Pryor Online Learning.

About Waters & Sims

Waters & Sims helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. Through personalized coaching, skill development, employer partnerships, and ongoing workplace support, our team helps the people we serve build greater confidence and independence.

Waters & Sims is a member of the Merakey family of companies. Merakey is a nonprofit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees support nearly 40,000 individuals and families across 12 states each year.

Learn more about careers with Waters & Sims.

Merakey and its family of companies strictly follow a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Waters & Sims and Merakey are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to building teams that reflect the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

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