PSCH-New Jersey is a growing not-for-profit organization providing services to people with disabilities in Northern New Jersey area and expanding our services statewide. We are currently seeking innovative and energetic people for the following positions:

Housing Services Coordinators
Employment Services Coordinators
Residential Habilitation Counselors

Housing Services Coordinator will assist individuals with developmental disabilities who are utilizing Real Life Choices in the community, with the process of finding and securing affordable and accessible supportive housing ensuring that the lease or mortgage be in the person’s (consumer’s) name in accordance with the consumer’s Essential Life Plan. Duties will include:

• Provide direct assistance to the customer through the entire process or a portion of the process of obtaining home ownership or rental housing based on the individual’s preference.
• Research and contact affordable/accessible housing resources such as Section 8 housing vouchers, HMFA and New Jersey’s rental assistance programs.
  
• Understand and access flexible loan products offered by various lending institutions.
  
• Be familiar with and able to access the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) process as well as lender products created by banks to meet CRA requirements on a local and state level.
  
• Find and secure suitable housing based on the individual’s choice using person centered planning techniques and strategies.
  
• Provide counseling regarding various housing options.
  
• Provide the housing and funding options/information so the individual can make informed decisions/choices.
  
• Assist with securing a lease or mortgage in the individual’s name.
• Assist with closing on the purchase of a home, as applicable.
  
• Assist with affordable rental housing through contact with landlords, developers, community outreach efforts and websites.
  
• Upon securing suitable housing, ensure the residence is accessible and meets the needs of the individual.
  
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding local, state, and federal regulations concerning opportunities and/or changes in the state and local housing market.
  
• Maintain knowledge of current literature and research relevant to affordable housing.
  
• Assist client in understanding and obtaining eligible programs and products such as food stamps, energy assistance, low cost phones and the like, which make housing more affordable.
  
  

Employment Service Coordinator will assist the individuals with developmental disabilities, who are not eligible for DVR services, to develop employment, self-employment, micro-enterprises and/or volunteer opportunities in accordance with the consumer’s Essential Life Plan. Duties will include:

• Assist individual with exploring employment possibilities, job search, completion of job applications and contact with potential employers.
  
• Develop volunteer opportunities where applicable.
  
• Facilitate development of natural supports at work site or volunteer setting.
  
• Identify appropriate workplace supports where applicable.
  
• Provide job training when necessary.
  
• Provide record keeping and documentation.
  
• Explore the possibilities of individuals setting up their own companies i.e. micro-enterprises.
  
• Write and develop resumes.
  
• Attend ADA training and technical support.
  
• Utilizing person centered tools, facilitate meetings with potential employees and their “career planning teams” to develop outcomes unique individuals emphasizing what is important to them while acknowledging what is important for them.
  
• Complete Employment Training at both the Introductory and Advanced levels conducted by agencies approved by the Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide this training.
  
• Complete Person Centered Thinking training conducted by agencies approved by the Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide this training.
  
• Maintain a knowledge base of fiscal work incentives for employers and coordinate those incentives.
  
• Provide consumers with assistance in budgeting, financial planning and benefits counseling and be able to demonstrate an ability to be creative and think “outside the box”.
  

Residential Habilitation Counselors (Direct Service Professional) will provide support through implementation in-home services and specialized programs for developmentally disabled persons based on the ELP for consumers who reside in their own home, or in other individual service environments. Duties will include:

• Assist in the individuals in the attainment of personal goals and the implementation of service plans as identified by the ELP. Implementation of teaching strategies designed to maximize each individual’s level of independence. Such training includes (as identified in the ELP), but is not limited to:
  
  • activities of daily living\self-care (hygiene, grooming, dressing, eating, toileting, showering, tooth brushing, shaving, etc.)
    
  • independent living (cooking, housekeeping, clothing care)
    
  • use of community resources (public transportation, stores, museums, libraries, parks, etc.)
    
  • language and communication
    
  • motor development/mobility
    
  • social and emotional development
    
  • functional academics (money usage, telling time, measurement, reading, writing, math)
    
• The Residential Habilitation Counselor may be called upon to perform activities of daily living for individuals who require total support.
  
• Monitor individuals’ progress by documenting performance in progress notes.
  
• Participate in and attend staff meetings and in-service trainings at various sites.
  
• Communicate information verbally and in writing to the individuals’ service coordinator, supervisor and to other staff as necessary.
  
• Case loads and work schedules are subject to change, based on consumer need/choice.
  
• Must be able to physically interact with the individuals, negotiate the environment independently including assisting in all positive approaches interventions, emergency CPR and or first aid techniques and fire drills, as required by the ELP.
  
• Strict adherence to HIPAA regulations
  
• Maintain confidentially at all times.
  
• Other duties as requested.
  

All positions minimally require* a:High School Diploma or GED*, a valid NJ Drivers license and fingerprinting with background check. PSCH-New Jersey is a equal opportunity employer offering competitive compensation packages for each full time position including:

Medical Benefits,Dental Benefits, Health Reimbursement Account
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holiday, Personal), Tax Annuity
No Cost Term Life Insurance, Profit Sharing

If you or someone you know are interested in being part of our team, please call, fax or email your resume to: Michelle Petrazzuolo, Human Resources Generalist
call (973) 478-5998 fax (973) 478-5944 email michelle.petrazzuolo@psch.org

*Some positions may require more qualifications.