Unit Coordinator – Advocacy & Vocations Unit at BRAIN INJURY SERVICES, INC. – Fairfax, Virginia

Under the general supervision of the Senior Manager of Day Programs, the Unit Coordinator is a full-time, in-person position responsible for the development, facilitation, and implementation of a work-ordered day program for persons with brain injuries, based on the Clubhouse model. The Unit Coordinator reports directly to the Senior Manager of Day Programs and works in close coordination with the Senior Unit Coordinator regarding daily unit operations. The Unit Coordinator plays a key role in maintaining a consistent physical presence within the assigned unit, actively modeling participation, collaboration, and skill development alongside members. This role requires consistent situational awareness and sound judgment, as staff may at times need to make immediate decisions with incomplete information that have significant safety, behavioral, or programmatic impact.

The Unit Coordinator works collaboratively with members to design, adapt, and implement meaningful unit tasks that support individual goals while maintaining safe, effective unit operations. This role prioritizes team-based work, consistent communication, and the use of practical, accessible learning strategies to support member engagement, skill-building, and community integration. All unit activities are aligned with member goals, Clubhouse standards, and the organizational mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with the purpose and mission of Brain Injury Services and the International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance standards, the Unit Coordinator shall carry out responsibilities across the following four core areas:

Unit Facilitation & Work-Ordered Day

• Maintain consistent, in-person presence within the assigned work-ordered day unit

• Facilitate daily unit operations and implement assigned facilitation plans

• Model Clubhouse participation by working side-by-side with members

• Collaborate with members to develop, adapt, and complete meaningful unit work

• Implement flexible learning strategies that support engagement, skill development, and independence

• Ensure unit activities are structured and align with member strengths, needs, and goals

• Facilitate and apply risk management strategies in real-time, including identifying emerging safety concerns, implementing immediate protective actions when necessary, and communicating incidents and patterns to the Senior Manager.

Member Support & Documentation

• Provide light case management for assigned members in accordance with BIS policies

Light case management responsibilities are limited in scope and are intended to support unit participation and goal engagement. This role does not replace formal case management services or clinical decision-making.

• Participate in intake, assessment, and eligibility activities as needed

• Maintain accurate, timely member documentation and support ISP development

• Train, support, and evaluate member participation and progress

• Implement positive behavioral support strategies and interventions as needed

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Work within a team-based environment that prioritizes collaboration and shared responsibility

• Provide cross-unit support by collaborating on shared projects, tasks that intersect across units, and assisting with covering other units to ensure continuity of operations and member engagement.

• Maintain consistent communication with the Senior Unit Coordinator regarding unit operations, coverage needs, and member participation

• Collaborate with task-related BIS departments to support coordinated services

• Report and document operational and member-related incidents per agency procedures

• Coordinate services with internal staff and external agencies

• Participate actively in staff meetings, planning sessions, and development activities

Unit Position: Advocacy & Vocational Skill Development

• Plan and facilitate Advocacy and Vocations unit activities

• Provide instruction and practice in communication, self-advocacy, and use of advocacy tools

• Support resume development, job readiness skills, and mock interview practice

• Model professional communication, workplace behaviors, and problem-solving skills

• Assist with Vocational Transition Program (VTP) and/or Employment Development Services (EDS) activities, as assigned

Program Operations, Evaluation & Administration

• Develop monthly unit activity plans

• Assist with service tracking, attendance, outcome measures, and feedback collection

• Review unit budget and purchasing needs with the Senior Unit Coordinator

• Support program evaluation, quality improvement, and accreditation standards

• Assist with fundraising and community partnership activities

Training & Certifications

• Maintain current CPR and AED certification

• Complete a minimum of Brain Injury Fundamentals Training

• Complete & maintain a minimum of ServSafe Food Handler Certification

A Bachelor’s Degree in special education, rehabilitation counseling, social work or a closely related field is preferred. Relevant professional experience providing community-based services to individuals with disabilities may be considered in lieu of a degree. A minimum of one year experience providing community-based services to persons with disabilities, preferably those with brain injuries, is highly desirable. Preference will be given to those applicants with experience in a Clubhouse program and with knowledge of person-centered practices.

Knowledge of:

· Medical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects of brain injury

· Inclusive, person-centered group facilitation practices

· ADA and other laws and regulations that protect the rights of persons with disabilities

· Community-based rehabilitation and participation-focused service models

Skills in:

· Applying project management to current and new clubhouse and unit-based offerings

· Managing multiple competing demands while maintaining attention to member safety, engagement, and program flow

· Documenting and maintaining timely and accurate individual service records and clubhouse forms

· Identifying and developing interagency relationships

· Identifying the relevant documentation necessary to support a brain injury diagnosis

· Operating productivity software: such as common Google and Microsoft based applications, (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Docs, Slides, etc.)

· Utilizing communication platforms, such as Microsoft Teams & Zoom

Ability to:

· Capacity to work in a fast-paced, immersive team setting requiring adaptability and sustained engagement

· Ability to make sound decisions and maintain composure in situations involving ambiguity, competing needs, or unexpected challenges

· Engage and manage group and individual clubhouse unit-focused activities in an immersive group environment

· Engage members using respectful, strengths-based, and person-centered communication, while maintaining effective collaboration with support personnel

· Engage in moderate physical activity as needed

· Ability to maintain focus, situational awareness, and professional judgment in environments with frequent interruptions and high sensory input

JUDGMENT, SAFETY, AND DECISION-MAKING

· Demonstrates sound professional judgment in dynamic, group-based environments by quickly and accurately assessing situations, weighing member needs, environmental factors, and potential risks to determine appropriate responses that protect member safety, dignity, and program integrity.

· Recognizes when independent action is appropriate and when consultation or escalation is required, particularly in situations involving safety concerns, behavioral escalation, boundary issues, or environmental risk.

· Maintains composure during unexpected situations, using de-escalation strategies, proactive problem-solving, and accepting accountability for decisions made in the moment.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm unless otherwise arranged by Senior Manager of Day Programs. Additional evenings and weekend hours may be required

ADA SPECIFICATIONS This job operates in a professional office environment and at various community sites. Per clubhouse model guidelines, staff workspaces are primarily integrated into member spaces, requiring an ability to process consistent & high sensory input and potential interruptions. Separate work areas are not always available. This role requires routinely using and adjusting office furniture & equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, tables, chairs, cooking appliances and equipment. This job requires an ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs and the following related activities: bending, kneeling, and using small to large hand tools. Frequent travel within the service area is required.