Transition Counselor

State of North Carolina

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. This position is responsible for identifying blind, visually impaired, or deafblind high-school–age students in Mecklenburg County who may benefit from vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to help enable them to obtain employment. This includes students attending public, charter and private schools, in addition to those who are home-schooled who reside in Mecklenburg County, whose disability creates a substantial impediment to employment and who can benefit from VR services. The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf- blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from an appropriately accredited institution
Master’s degree in a related human services field from an appropriately accredited institution
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 a team of professionals to help a client meet a goal
Experience with working with youth in transition

Responsibilities

Identifying blind, visually impaired or deafblind high school age students attending public, charter and private schools in Mecklenburg County, in addition to those who are home-schooled who reside in Mecklenburg County whose disability creates a substantial impediment to employment and who can benefit from vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to help enable them to obtain employment
Make eligibility determinations for VR services
Work with a team in developing/completing an assessment of the individual student
Develop and implement a comprehensive service plan
Collaborate with teachers and county officials in the provision of services
Provide pre-employment transition services
Work with employers in the development of work experiences and internships for students commensurate with students' skills, choice, interests and capabilities that will help build a foundation for a successful vocational outcome for the consumer