Cowlitz Employment Support Services Case Manager

POSITION TITLE: CESS Case Manager (VR)
DEPARTMENT: Cowlitz Employment Support Services
LOCATION: Vancouver WA (Onsite)
REPORTS TO: Cowlitz Employment Support Services Manager
STATUS: Hourly Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $26.40 - $30.40 per hour

Closing Date: 10/23/25

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides eligible Native Americans and Alaska Natives with Vocational Rehabilitation services consistent with their individual strengths resources and abilities so they may prepare for or engage in gainful employment. Assists in plan development determining eligibility and networking with professional colleagues on available community resources. Honors and represents the mission vision values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) and Health & Human Services programs.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conducts initial overview of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program describes eligibility requirements and program benefits evaluates applicants with disabilities and confers with medical and professional personnel to determine type and degree of impairment eligibility for service and feasibility of vocational rehabilitation; accepts or recommends acceptance of suitable candidates and provides intake paperwork including obtaining required signatures.
• Assists in developing an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and portfolio for eligible clients.
• Collects information concerning potential job placements and determines compatibility between job and participant based on the individuals disability.
• Assists each person in becoming an active participant in the rehabilitation program by providing meaningful and informed choices about the selection of a vocational goal and other rehabilitation services.
• Works holistically towards empowering individuals with disabilities by maximizing their employment opportunities economic self-sufficiency independence inclusion and integration into society.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with other CIT agencies schools businesses hospitals and other government agencies to maximize the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services.
• Provides information and links to educational and employment opportunities as appropriate and in accordance with participants IPE.
• Conducts outreach to employers for collaboration on placement and work opportunities; promotes and develops job openings and places qualified applicant in employment.
• Develops knowledge of community resources including colleges and network assistance to assist participants and obtain comparable services.
• Maintains client record system and statistics; facilitates counseling sessions for individuals families and groups.
• Develops and presents community education and outreach to increase knowledge and understanding of Tribal programs problems and related issues and to identify potential applicants.
• Coordinates the delivery of programs with the WA State Department of Vocational and Rehabilitation services and other social service agencies to maximize the availability of services to consumers in an efficient professional and timely manner.
• Establishes maintains and updates files databases records and other documents.
• Purchases goods and services for participants as needed and in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Provides excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and presents a positive professional demeanor and image.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of tribal policy procedures and programs.
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies.
• Knowledge of applicable federal state county and local laws regulations and requirements governing Vocational Rehabilitation including ADA.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to tribal customs and beliefs.
• Skill in interviewing and counseling clients.
• Ability to operate various word-processing spreadsheet presentation and database software programs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to use good judgment analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to create compose and edit written materials.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to represent organization in a professional manner building respect and confidence in the community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work Counseling or related field
• Masters degree preferred.
• Two years social work or vocational rehabilitation experience.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• Valid drivers license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CITs established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks education and employment verification.
• Federal state and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of charged with received a deferred sentence received a conditional discharge of or entered a plea of not contest to or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence sexual assault molestation exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly is required to use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an indoor office/clinical setting and occasionally in an outdoor environment. Exposure to dust allergens and hostile individuals may occur. Evening work may be required.