VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR I

State of careers Rhode Island

4d

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform routine assessment duties resulting in employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in connection with a statewide program of vocational rehabilitation; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under general supervision of a superior with some latitude for the exercise of independent judgement; work is reviewed in process for conformance to rules, regulations, and professional standards. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As required, may supervise the work of support staff. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: To perform routine assessment duties resulting in employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in connection with a statewide program of vocational rehabilitation. To conduct initial interviews to screen applicants, gather sufficient data, determine eligibility based upon the existence of a disability and make appropriate judgements. To obtain, analyze, and evaluate medical, psychological, social, vocational, and other pertinent data as part of an evaluation process. To provide counseling and guidance, and to assist clients in formulating suitable vocational objectives and in identifying barriers to employment. To determine the assets of the individual with a disability, the nature and scope of the rehabilitation services needed to implement the rehabilitation process, and to assist the individual reaching vocational goals and objectives and achieving employment. To provide direct and indirect placement services to clients and employers including job analysis, job modifications, and post-employment services. To maintain accurate and complete case records and detailed written reports. To do related work as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT: KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the principles and methods used in vocational rehabilitation; a working knowledge of various disabilities and their impact on individuals; working knowledge of labor market and labor related issues; the ability to gather information, conduct interviews, develop and implement employment plans; the ability to prepare reports and make studies; the ability to maintain close working relationships with clients, community agencies and employers; and related capacities and abilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; and Experience: Employment at a level of a Rehabilitation Counselor in a private or public rehabilitation agency. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience. Supplemental Information Specific responsibilities include regional coverage of adults in the Northern RI region and the Woonsocket Network RI. This position also provides services students and individuals referred from Pawtucket School Department (including William E. Tolman HS, Charles E. Shae HS, and the Pawtucket Transition Program), William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School, and Jaquline M. Walsh School for the Arts. VRC is responsible for providing Employment Services and Pre-Employment Transition Services to students. Responsible for maintaining collaborative relationship with schools/districts and personnel. Responsible for conducting monthly ORS orientations held at the Woonsocket Network RI Office. Obligated to travel to various client meetings, employer meetings, and agency meetings as required. May also be involved in various pilot projects or committees to help develop services for clients. Position is responsible for Business Engagement activities as needed. Additional duties include but are not limited to: provision of state wide case coverage and regional coverage, as needed, and other duties as assigned by Regional Supervisor. Must contribute to agency and region by meeting or exceeding all annual performance targets. Is responsible for caseload management activities, determining eligibility of applicants, developing Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) documenting contact with clients on caseload, providing for and authorizing payment of services in a timely manner and monitoring of any IPE driven services. The individual hired to fill this position is being hired into an E-Verify site which contains Federal tax Information (FTI), as defined in IRS Publication 1075. Although the individual may not have direct access to FTI, the individual is required to have their employment eligibility validated through E-Verify.

Requirements

• A working knowledge of the principles and methods used in vocational rehabilitation
• A working knowledge of various disabilities and their impact on individuals
• Working knowledge of labor market and labor related issues
• The ability to gather information, conduct interviews, develop and implement employment plans
• The ability to prepare reports and make studies
• The ability to maintain close working relationships with clients, community agencies and employers
• Graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
• Employment at a level of a Rehabilitation Counselor in a private or public rehabilitation agency.
• Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Responsibilities

• To perform routine assessment duties resulting in employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in connection with a statewide program of vocational rehabilitation.
• To conduct initial interviews to screen applicants, gather sufficient data, determine eligibility based upon the existence of a disability and make appropriate judgements.
• To obtain, analyze, and evaluate medical, psychological, social, vocational, and other pertinent data as part of an evaluation process.
• To provide counseling and guidance, and to assist clients in formulating suitable vocational objectives and in identifying barriers to employment.
• To determine the assets of the individual with a disability, the nature and scope of the rehabilitation services needed to implement the rehabilitation process, and to assist the individual reaching vocational goals and objectives and achieving employment.
• To provide direct and indirect placement services to clients and employers including job analysis, job modifications, and post-employment services.
• To maintain accurate and complete case records and detailed written reports.
• To do related work as required.
• Specific responsibilities include regional coverage of adults in the Northern RI region and the Woonsocket Network RI.
• This position also provides services students and individuals referred from Pawtucket School Department (including William E. Tolman HS, Charles E. Shae HS, and the Pawtucket Transition Program), William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School, and Jaquline M. Walsh School for the Arts.
• VRC is responsible for providing Employment Services and Pre-Employment Transition Services to students.
• Responsible for maintaining collaborative relationship with schools/districts and personnel.
• Responsible for conducting monthly ORS orientations held at the Woonsocket Network RI Office.
• Obligated to travel to various client meetings, employer meetings, and agency meetings as required.
• May also be involved in various pilot projects or committees to help develop services for clients.
• Position is responsible for Business Engagement activities as needed.
• Additional duties include but are not limited to: provision of state wide case coverage and regional coverage, as needed, and other duties as assigned by Regional Supervisor.
• Must contribute to agency and region by meeting or exceeding all annual performance targets.
• Is responsible for caseload management activities, determining eligibility of applicants, developing Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) documenting contact with clients on caseload, providing for and authorizing payment of services in a timely manner and monitoring of any IPE driven services.

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

What This Job Offers

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