REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

State of careers Rhode Island

3d • $65,836 - $76,598 • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves performing responsible counseling duties in connection with a statewide program of vocational rehabilitation for individuals who are physically and/or mentally handicapped. Additionally, the role includes performing disability determinations related to the preservation of old age and survivors insurance benefits. The work is performed under the close supervision of a superior, with reviews conducted during and upon completion of tasks to ensure adequacy and compliance with laws, rules, and regulations. The position typically involves no supervisory duties. The role is the front line position at RIDDS, handling all aspects of the case decision-making process and interacting directly with applicants to gather necessary information for accurate determinations. This requires extensive training in programmatic policies and specialized education related to medical and vocational documentation for the Social Security Administration's (SSA) disability program. Successful candidates may be eligible for both cash and medical coverage if they meet the disability criteria.

Requirements

• A familiarity with the approved methods and procedures used in vocational or disability examination.
• A familiarity with educational and vocational training opportunities, facilities for medical, psychiatric, and related treatment or diagnosis, and other social agencies in the community.
• The ability to analyze occupations as to physical requirements and suitability as employment for handicapped persons.
• The ability to conduct personal fact-finding interviews.
• The ability to prepare reports.
• Graduation from a college of recognized standing with specialization in Sociology, or Psychology, or Vocational Guidance, or Education.
• Employment experience in the fields of Education, Employment Placement, Public Welfare, Public Health, or in a placement or vocational adjustment problems.
• Any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
• Ability to process a workload in an electronic environment.
• Extensive training in programmatic policies as well as specialized education related to medical and vocational documentation requirements of the Social Security administration (SSA) disability program.

Nice To Haves

• Determines medical eligibility of children and adults applying for cash benefits under SSI/SSDI based on Federal regulations; obtains/analyzes medical records.

Responsibilities

• Perform responsible counseling duties in connection with a statewide program of vocational rehabilitation of the physically and/or mentally handicapped.
• Perform disability determinations in connection with the preservation of old age and survivors insurance benefits.
• Interview applicants to obtain complete social, educational, medical, and occupational history and to do follow-up on cases as required.
• Evaluate all case information obtained to determine the applicability of rehabilitation services to clients, or to adjudicate disability insurance claims.
• Arrange for medical diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment, and physical, therapeutic, and psychiatric treatment as needed.
• Make decisions on eligibility of disability insurance claims based on medical information and federal guidelines.
• Arrange courses of vocational training and programs of financial aid.
• Maintain close contact with employers and employment services to locate employment possibilities for handicapped persons.
• Periodically check on cases during the rehabilitation program with administrators and staffs of public and private agencies, academic institutions, hospitals, physicians, and other cooperating agencies and individuals.
• Keep case records and prepare detailed written reports.
• Do related work as required.

Benefits

• Information regarding benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees can be found on the Office of Employee Benefits' website.
• Direct deposit for all employees is required for new hires after September 30, 2014.

What This Job Offers

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