Member of the clinical care team facilitating return-to-work planning for working age adults. Is a liaison with the patient, the patient's employer, and the patient's health care provider. Responsible for engaging the patient and their employer in developing opportunities for early return-to-work during recovery. Works with the health care provider to construct functionally based recommendations for the patient and employer; assists the patient and employer to define a return-to-work plan by identifying tasks within medical recommendations, and monitors progress in the plan by direct contact with the patient and employer. Maintains regular contact with the patient and employer to identify return-to-work barriers, any need for further medical evaluation or adjustment of restrictions for work and engages a variety of resources to aid in the transition to work. Provides formal and ad hoc training to participating stakeholder groups including health care providers, members of the clinical practice team, employers, insurers, and the business community. Liaises with regional workforce development centers for retraining and job search services to support the goal of return-to-work. Provides medical and vocational management, counseling, and guidance for employees with illness and injury. Delivers orientation and education concerning return to work concepts, disability compliance and workplace accommodations.

Conduct multifaceted assessment of an individual’s disabilities in terms of resulting vocational barriers through intake interview, communication with interdisciplinary team, and review of medical and psychological records. Analyze functioning and determine serious limitations in seven categories: mobility, self-direction, self-care, interpersonal skills, communication, work tolerance, and work skills. Provide guidance and counseling. Analyze the information gathered identifying resulting vocational barriers from the disability and all other factors. Analyze potential Vocational Rehabilitation services, community, and work place supports necessary to help reduce barriers to employment and identify accommodations that will assist in achieving success. Establish a confidential, trusting relationship with the person and encourage them to participate in the assessment and rehabilitation planning process. Provide counseling and guidance to facilitate employment planning that is consistent with interests, assets, and disability related barriers. Monitor goal progress and amend plan in consultation with individual and/or guardian as needed. Maintain current knowledge of employer needs, local and regional labor market conditions and employment trends, and occupational information. Encourage a collaborative approach to address a person's needs by influencing, motivating, and leading the individual and other stakeholders involved in the person’s plans to make decisions, and arrange for services in collaboration with the individuals, organizations, or agencies involved. Provide specialized consultation and support to referral sources working in collaboration with VRS to assist individuals in reaching employment goals.

Vocational counseling for CARF accredited rehabilitation program serving job seekers with mental and/or chemical health barriers to employment. Providing individualized job placement services and job-seeking skills training support to individuals referred by Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services or Hennepin County Behavioral Health Case Management. After successful job matches, extended employment services are provided to assist with job retention and career growth. Job seekers can also participate in various other program areas as needed, including: work readiness and work evaluation programs, group and individual services to help address barriers to employment, career exploration, benefits management, computer skills training, community resources training.

Supervise Placement Specialists providing direct service to job seekers with disabilities in a Supported Employment setting, oversee compliance with company and program regulations in accordance with 245D licensure requirements; conduct ID Team meetings and informational meetings with job seekers, county and contracted Case Managers, other licensed services providers and ID Team members; train assigned program staff in accordance with established policies, procedures and professional standards; collaborate in program development and implementation; maintain job seeker records and ensure compliance with all data privacy regulations.

Provided Supported Employment Services directly to job seekers with disabilities, including: case management, career counseling, job development, job seeking skills training, on-site coaching and monitoring services at community-based work sites, advocacy, and benefits counseling.

Taught the English language to Korean children, ages 4-15. Duties included lesson planning, classroom instruction, parent/teacher conferences, and collaboration with co-teachers and peers.