Rehab Counselor II

State of Maine • Bangor, ME

8d • $25 - $32 • Hybrid

About The Position

Provides vocational rehabilitation services to people who are blind and visually impaired (who may have additional disabilities) primarily in Penobscot, Hancock, Piscataquis, and Washington Counties. Work includes counseling individuals in selecting, preparing for and participating in a rehabilitation plan. Typical duties include determining eligibility for rehabilitation services and supporting individuals in an employment plan. Activities may include career development, pre-ETS's programming and supporting other types of work experiences. The RCII works closely with blindness rehabilitation professionals, community providers, families, employers, schools and requires strong interpersonal, organizational and collaborative skills to serve youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a field related to vocational rehabilitation
• 2 years of experience demonstrating knowledges and abilities in assisting individuals with disabilities, employers and other stakeholders with their employment and workforce needs.
• Ability to exercise discretion and make independent decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Counsel clients in the rehabilitation process, develop a supportive relationship, and elicit client feedback and participation in order to provide rehabilitation services to clients.
• Evaluates and interprets clients’ medical and physical information, interviews and determines initial and continuing eligibility for services, and assesses client needs and available resources in order to develop and implement a comprehensive and individualized plan for employment.
• Contacts business and industry groups to promote, advocate for clients, and assistance to place clients in jobs.
• Consults with representatives of schools, public and private agencies and employers.
• Develops and manages a budget plan to ensure effective delivery of client services.
• Coordinates training, treatment, counseling, job coaching, and related rehabilitation programs in order to assist clients.
• Explains rights of fair hearings and appeals and negotiates solutions and agreements with clients in order to meet client needs, agency goals, and minimize appeals.
• Works closely with Case Managers, Rehabilitation Counselors, Job Developers, and Job Coaches to promote employment and ensure the needs of the individual clients are met based on Federal and State mandated guidelines, and timeframes.
• Utilizes technical expertise in the area of adaptive equipment and access technology order to assist clients.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.91% for Confidential employees.

What This Job Offers

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