VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Spokane Tribe•Wellpinit, WA

3d•$21 - $27

About The Position

The mission of the Spokane Tribe Vocational Rehabilitation Program (STVRP) is to provide culturally appropriate Vocational Rehabilitative services to Native Americans with disabilities living in our region (Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Kootenai counties) who have a functional limitation and need assistance maintaining, obtaining, or regaining em-ployment. We fulfill our mission by providing job training opportunities, assistive technology services, and job placement services to eligible people. An estimated 20% of Native Americans living in our region are eligible for our services. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) provides services to Native Americans living with disabilities and who are seeking employment. The VRC assesses clients’ eligibility; and for eligible clients, the VRC assists in building an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The VRC provides services as outlined in IPEs with the overall goal of assisting clients in be-coming fully self-sufficient. Through this process, VRCs create rapport with clients, prospec-tive employers, agency programs, and external partners. In addition to the usual routines of other VRCs, this position may require development of relationships with regional school sys-tems as well as the youth in transition. This position serves eligible people throughout the service area and is housed in two offices: one in Spokane and one in Wellpinit. All program staff are assigned hours in each office; hours per site are based on the program’s needs.

Requirements

Demonstrate the ability to guide and assist consumers in selecting employment goals that are well suited to their individual needs and circumstances, including options for self-employment
Knowledge of Spokane Tribe community and/or Native American cultures/traditions/languages
Demonstrate experience with and sensitivity to non-dominant cultures, including people with disabilities
Demonstrate creativity in applying multiple counseling techniques to meet the varied needs of clients
Demonstrate dependability, keeping confidential information secure, establishing firm boundaries, maintaining professionalism, keeping accurate and current records (both written and electronic)
Ability to effectively use technology including
learning specialized software
successfully complete a 7-class series of online courses offered through NW Indian College’s TVR Institute within a 4-year period
routine technology, such as printers, computers, internet, new software, etc.
Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to apply technical knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of disabling conditions, labor market information, transferable skills analysis, assistive technology, job modifications
Ability to understand VR laws, regulations and professional standards which include:
A) Federal Rehabilitation Act statutes and regulations
B) Spokane Tribe Vocational Rehabilitation Policies and Procedures
C) Washington State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Policies and Procedures
D) Washington State Administrative Code
E) Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Code of
Ethics.
Availability to occasionally travel to business meetings and trainings outside of the region for up to a week at a time
Demonstrate the ability to negotiate with vendors, and other rehabilitation professionals.
Ability to effectively network with employers, colleagues and other social service organizations
Must be able and willing to learn Salish language, expected to routinely use Salish salutations within one year of hire
Ability to assist consumers in exercising informed choice to make collaborative decisions that are consistent with appropriate vocational rehabilitation practice
Knowledge of community organizations and training/employment resources
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Manage multiple and competing priorities within prescribed timeframes.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in making decisions
Professional experience providing excellent customer service
Must be able to keep an organized calendar.
This position serves Native Americans with disabilities. Must have the ability to show compassion and sensitivity.
Undergraduate Degree (i.e. 4-year degree from an accredited college or university)
Two years of relevant experience, such as paid or volunteer experience with people living with disabilities, case management, etc.
Must be able to pass a drug test and background checks as required by the Spokane Tribe of Indians
Valid driver’s license and good driving record, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
Communicate effectively with all levels of team members, guests, and outside contacts.
Work effectively in a professional environment
Able to work periodically under conditions of urgency.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in any of the following fields: Helping fields such as social work, education, rehabilitation, or employment-related fields such as business, human services, or public administration
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Two years of continuous experience working in a tribal government or tribal social service program
Four years working in a vocational rehabilitation program as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Responsibilities

Efficiently manage a caseload of up to 50 clients, providing the following services:
Conduct intake interviews
Coordinate and synthesize necessary medical, psychological, social, educational, vocational, and financial information to determine eligibility
Effectively provide Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counseling, develop individualized plans for employment with each eligible client, monitor clients’ progress, and arrange VR services that may include VR guidance and counseling; vocational assessment; transition from high school to work; job training, placement and retention, medical restoration; assistive technology/independent living; benefits planning; supported employment; and any other VR services required to achieve and maintain the employment.
Maintains relationships with secondary school staff
Provides school-to-work transition services to eligible high school students
Responsibly assess impacts on clients’ other related services, such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Temporary Aid for Needy Families, General Assistance, etc. Assist customers in identifying and using comparable benefits that may be available to them for obtaining required VR services designed on the IPE.
Manages expenditures within an allotment of case service funds, and only authorizes funds necessary for diagnostic evaluation of the customer or required for the implementation of VR services identified on the IPE.
Efficiently keep electronic and hard-copy client records (up to 25% of this job includes routine data entry and routine reporting)
Other duties as assigned, which may include but is not limited to:
Public event coordination and participation
Lead group workshops and related activities for consumers to facilitate informed choice, job search and/or preparation for employment
Lead group trainings and discussions for coworkers to facilitate team members’ professional growth
Provide backup for other case managers as needed, including youth related services
Explore online information, advise leadership, or write reports.