Vocational Rehab Counselor II

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired works to help blind and visually impaired Nebraskans achieve full and rewarding lives through independent living skills and assisting with finding employment in Nebraska and across the country. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II, you will serve Nebraska providing services to blind and visually impaired Nebraskans of all ages. Tasks performed vary greatly and are based on the needs of the individual client, families, guardians or consulting agency. Examples may include blindness skills training, job skills training, or assisting with securing or retaining employment. Successful candidates for employment must be able to satisfactorily pass an extensive criminal background check. Field assignments consist of travel within the assigned work region (Lincoln District including the Norfolk area).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, social work, counseling/guidance, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, human development, education or related area and two years’ experience; OR Master’s degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related area and one year of experience.
• Maintaining of the CVRCB Certification, once acquired on the job
• This position will require travel approximately 4 days per week, with occasional overnight stays for trainings/programs.
• The incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or request driver accommodations for those with disabilities.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Immersion training under a blindfold will take place in Lincoln at 4600 Valley Road, Suite 100, Lincoln NE, 68510.
• All new hires must complete 600 hours of immersion training at NCBVI expense to gain a Certification as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind (CVRCB).
• Knowledge and understanding of the agency's philosophy of working with the blind, various educational modalities as they pertain to the rehabilitation of blind individuals (i.e., Braille, cane travel, assistive technology, etc.)
• Understanding of problems arising from blindness, counseling techniques used in the rehabilitation of the blind and ability to apply techniques in proper situations.
• Skill in evaluating each client's needs and the subsequent preparation and implementation of instructional programs to answer these needs
• Ability to organize and coordinate various ongoing instructional programs, effectively evaluate the results of instructional programs, and revise such programs as warranted; and establish a strong working rapport with clients, general public and other service agencies
• Basic computer skills required

Responsibilities

• Describe the availability of services to new referrals and gather information as needed to complete applications for services.
• Refer blind consumers to services offered by other agencies or organizations as appropriate.
• Determine eligibility for services based on the applicant's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
• Gather medical information as needed for documentation of blindness or visual impairment.
• Develop an individualized plan for employment in conjunction with consumers designed to empower blind individuals to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and full participation in society.
• Develop an individualized plan for independent living in conjunction with consumers with independent living rather than vocational goals designed to maximize their ability to participate fully in their home communities.
• Counsel clients in their overall adjustment to blindness with particular emphasis on achieving a positive understanding of blindness based on the belief that blind people are capable of full participation in society using the alternative skills of blindness.
• Promote opportunities for blind consumers to network with and learn from positive blind role models.
• Coordinate training in the alternative skills of blindness provided by orientation counselors in the field or at the Training Center for the Blind.
• Coordinate vocational training or other services as needed in preparation for job placement or achievement of independent living goals.
• Provide career exploration, job readiness training, and job placement services
• Assist with special programs designed to provide concentrated training and socialization opportunities for blind consumers in a small group setting.
• Provide follow-up services for clients in all aspects of vocational adjustment including working with family members.
• Monitor progress towards the achievement of personal goals specified in individual service plans and maintain documentation of all activities and services provided in case service records in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Collaborate with public and private schools, institutions of higher education, health care providers, human service agencies, consumer groups and organizations, and other relevant community resources on behalf of blind consumers.
• Conduct presentations for the general public and interested groups designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.
• Participate in in-service training conferences, workshops, courses, and meetings related to rehabilitation of the blind, blind/visually impaired students, their parents/guardians, and their teachers.
• Help develop after school/work experience for blind/visually impaired students.
• Prepare and implement instructional programs for clients to address the necessary skills to deal effectively with blindness such as social skills, net-working, computer use (email, internet, social media, screen readers or low vision applications), cooking and other homemaking skills, Braille and cane travel.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

What This Job Offers

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