Independent Living Counselor

State of North Carolina•Wake County, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor provides individualized rehabilitation services to people who are visually impaired, blind, or deafblind, primarily adults age 55 and older. The role helps clients adapt to sensory loss and live more independently at home and in the community through assessment, counseling, skills training, case management, and service coordination. The counselor evaluates functional limitations, service needs, and barriers; reviews eye reports; determines eligibility; and develops individualized service plans with clients. The role delivers instruction in daily living skills, manages program resources, and coordinates referrals and supports. It also conducts community outreach, builds partnerships with organizations and service providers, and coordinates training programs and workshops to promote client independence, community engagement, and quality of life. This position is funded in part through federal funds and is eligible for a hybrid work option. The posting recruits for two positions serving specified North Carolina counties.

Requirements

Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an appropriately accredited institution, or a master's degree in a related human services field from an appropriately accredited institution, or current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Nice To Haves

Documented experience providing case management, including assessments, service plans, resource coordination, progress monitoring, and outcome documentation.
Experience supporting people with disabilities in rehabilitation, independent living, healthcare, education, social services, or related human-services programs.
Demonstrated success collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, service providers, family members, and community partners on coordinated client plans.
Experience assessing client needs, identifying appropriate services and resources, and facilitating referrals to internal programs and external community organizations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills demonstrated through counseling, service coordination, case documentation, and stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

Conduct community outreach to identify people who may benefit from independent living rehabilitation services.
Complete comprehensive assessments of functional limitations, service needs, and barriers to independent living.
Review and interpret eye reports to assess visual impairment and inform service recommendations.
Determine eligibility for independent living services in accordance with program policies and requirements.
Develop individualized service plans with clients, establishing goals and objectives for independence at home and in the community.
Provide guidance, counseling, and ongoing case management throughout service delivery.
Coordinate referrals to agency programs, specialized providers, community resources, and external organizations.
Provide individual and group instruction in daily living skills, including adaptive technology, communication techniques, personal care, and cooking.
Manage program funds and monitor expenditures for compliance with budgetary and policy requirements.
Recruit, train, and monitor vendors providing daily living instruction and other contracted services.
Coordinate virtual and in-person training programs, workshops, and group learning opportunities.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, service providers, and advocacy organizations.