Rehabilitation Counselor

Helen Keller Services (HKS)•Sands Point, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), part of Helen Keller Services, seeks a full-time Rehabilitation Counselor for its Case Management Department. The position is based in person at the Training Building in Sands Point, New York. The counselor advises participants throughout their program, advocating for and coaching them to maximize their input and responsibility in training toward vocational and independent-living outcomes and personal futures plans. The counselor is the primary liaison between participants and state vocational rehabilitation counselors, ensuring HKNC services align with each participant’s abilities, talents, opportunities, and aspirations. The role works collaboratively with participants and a trans-disciplinary team to assess training priorities, develop and implement individualized programs, monitor progress, coordinate services, and support participant decision-making. The counselor also coordinates with sponsoring agencies, families, guardians, regional representatives, affiliates, employers, residential programs, and community services. The regular schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., five days per week, for a 35-hour work week. Salary is $40.7204 per hour, or $74,111.1862 annualized.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field.
Two years of experience.
Knowledge of the deaf-blind community, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement.
PC skills, including Microsoft Office.
Organized and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills.
Ability to work and communicate effectively as a team member.
Flexibility, collaboration skills, and self-initiative.
Ability to appreciate diverse perspectives while working collaboratively toward a common goal.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.
Proficiency in American Sign Language and other communication methods used by individuals who are deaf-blind.

Responsibilities

Assess participants’ training priorities through dialogue with participants and the team.
Collaborate with participants and team members to design trans-disciplinary training activities, implement individualized programs, and evaluate progress through debriefing and follow-up dialogue.
Communicate participants’ training priorities and short- and long-term goals to all team members.
Lead team discussions connecting each training area to the participant’s vocational goal and help ensure training supports that goal.
Ensure participants are involved in decision-making throughout evaluation and training.
Develop and implement trans-disciplinary training programs in accordance with the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), participants’ desires and abilities, and intended outcomes for independence, employment, empowerment, and self-advocacy.
Serve as the primary liaison with sponsoring state agencies, HKNC regional representatives and affiliates, family members or guardians, and other outside services; work with participants to establish communication parameters.
Facilitate or participate in team, employment-planning, and transition meetings; coordinate goals and services, support participant inclusion and satisfaction, and compile reports.
Provide individual or group personal communication and vocational counseling, coordinate short- and long-term goals, and help address participants’ psychological, physical, educational, social-cultural, and rehabilitative needs.
Consult with the clinical social worker or team when determining whether additional consultative services are needed.
Maintain case notes, authorizations, student-account records, and records of purchased aids and devices; follow check-in policies addressing participant safety, satisfaction, and unmet needs.
Support participants and teams in preparing transition plans and coordinating resources, supports, and services for employment, independent living, and community access.
Collaborate with the trans-disciplinary team to develop employment and residential opportunities in participants’ home communities and identify other desired supports; contact and consult with potential employers or residential programs as needed.
Participate in the Case Management Community of Practice for shared learning and insight into clinical and vocational rehabilitation counseling issues.
When assigned, accompany participants and staff, guide them, or facilitate communication; support communication access in a variety of settings, potentially using voice-over, sign language (visual or tactile), text or typing, or augmentative communication systems.
Use a personal vehicle on occasion if required for assigned duties.
Perform other work-related duties as needed at the discretion of Administration or a supervisor.

Benefits

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Four weeks of paid vacation annually.
Two paid personal days annually.
Twelve paid sick days annually.
Twelve paid holidays.
Short-term disability coverage.
Life insurance.
403(b) program with employer match.
Relocation reimbursement.
Voluntary ancillary benefits.
Career advancement opportunities.
Tuition assistance program.
No-frills option providing a 10% premium on the hourly rate for eligible employees with alternative insurance; this option excludes participation in the Union Health Insurance Plan.