Independent Living Counselor

State of North Carolina

5d

About The Position

The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor (ILRC) serves individuals who are visually impaired, blind or deaf blind who are in need of individualized services to maintain independence in the home and/or community. A majority of individuals requiring services are over the age of 55. Services provide by this program assist individuals with adapting to sensory loss in order to reduce a sense of isolation, increase the ability to engage in meaningful activities and reduce the risk of injuries, depression and nursing home placement. Job duties include but are not limited to:
Conduct outreach in the community to identify individuals in need of program services. Complete a comprehensive assessment on each applicant for services. Interpret eye reports to determine the level of visual impairment and to assist with planning appropriate services. Determine eligibility for services In collaboration with the client, develop a service plan which includes specific independent living objectives. Provide guidance and counseling throughout the case management process. Make referrals to agency internal staff for specialized services, to other agency programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation, and to external resources needed for the achievement of planned goals. Provide instruction on basic daily living skills tasks both one-on-one and in group settings. Instruction areas include but are not limited to basic adaptive technology, cooking, personal care and communications. Manage a budget and ensure expenditures meet policy guidelines. Hire and train vendors to serve as Daily Living Skills Instructors. Coordinate in-person or virtual group trainings. Develop and maintain relationships with community partners in order to best serve clients. This position covers Lee, Harnett, Durham and Johnston County

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 certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of or experience in case management
• Knowledge of or experience working with people with disabilities
• Knowledge of or experience working with a team of professionals to help a client meet a goal

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach in the community to identify individuals in need of program services.
• Complete a comprehensive assessment on each applicant for services.
• Interpret eye reports to determine the level of visual impairment and to assist with planning appropriate services.
• Determine eligibility for services
• In collaboration with the client, develop a service plan which includes specific independent living objectives.
• Provide guidance and counseling throughout the case management process.
• Make referrals to agency internal staff for specialized services, to other agency programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation, and to external resources needed for the achievement of planned goals.
• Provide instruction on basic daily living skills tasks both one-on-one and in group settings. Instruction areas include but are not limited to basic adaptive technology, cooking, personal care and communications.
• Manage a budget and ensure expenditures meet policy guidelines.
• Hire and train vendors to serve as Daily Living Skills Instructors.
• Coordinate in-person or virtual group trainings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners in order to best serve clients.

Benefits

• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level