Rehabilitation Specialist

About Company:

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization providing pre-vocational and vocational training opportunities to adults with disabilities. PTI was founded in 1978, as a sheltered workshop, by a group of concerned community members who recognized the need in the West Hudson, South Bergen areas for vocational training and employment for persons with disabilities. Since then, the agency has continued to expand its spectrum of services to include assisting people with various disabilities in pertinent employment settings. 

Our commitment is to provide the best quality services possible to consumers we serve. Through the training programs PTI offers, it is our intent that each individual will develop the skills necessary to create his or her own future, filled with promise of dreams realized. 

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is approved for service by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and New Jersey Transit. Among our many programs, the following have received state certification and national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Division of Developmental Disabilities:

• Community Services: Community Integration 
• Employment Services: Trial Work Experience.
• Employment Services: Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
• Employment Services: Employee Development Services
• Employment Services: Organizational Employment Services
• Community Employment Services: Pre-Placement. Placement
• Community Employment Services: Job Development (Intensive Services).

About the Role:

The Rehabilitation Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals recovering from physical, emotional, or cognitive impairments to regain independence and improve their quality of life. This position involves assessing client needs, developing personalized rehabilitation plans, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to implement effective treatment strategies. The specialist will work closely with clients, families, and healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust interventions as necessary. A key outcome of this role is to empower clients to achieve their maximum functional potential and successfully reintegrate into their communities. The Rehabilitation Specialist also contributes to documentation, reporting, and continuous improvement of rehabilitation services to ensure high standards of care.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities or psychiatric involvement. 
• Strong understanding of rehabilitation principles, client assessment, and treatment planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Valid NJ Drivers license or ability to obtain one within 1 month of start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and rehabilitation management software.
• Additional certifications such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Training in motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral techniques, or other therapeutic modalities.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities to identify rehabilitation needs.
• Develop and implement individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each client's goals and medical conditions.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists, and social workers, to coordinate care and optimize treatment outcomes.
• Provide direct support and education to clients and their families regarding rehabilitation processes and strategies for daily living.
• Monitor client progress regularly, adjusting rehabilitation plans as needed and documenting outcomes accurately.
• Facilitate access to community resources and support services to aid client reintegration and ongoing recovery.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of rehabilitation techniques, best practices, and relevant regulations.
• To participate and attend consumer/agency related activities and events when scheduled.

Skills:

The Rehabilitation Specialist utilizes strong assessment and analytical skills daily to evaluate client needs and develop effective rehabilitation plans. Communication skills are essential for educating clients and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure coordinated care. Problem-solving abilities help in adapting interventions to meet evolving client conditions and overcoming barriers to recovery. Organizational skills are critical for managing case documentation, scheduling, and follow-up activities efficiently. Additionally, empathy and cultural competence enable the specialist to build trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds, fostering a supportive rehabilitation environment.