[rehab] VR Counselor position opening in Nebraska

[Floyd, Fatos]

STATE OF NEBRASKA CLASS SPECIFICATION               EST:  08/70 - REV:  12/10

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR II
CLASS CODE:      C72512

Location:  Kearney Nebraska
Closing Date:  May 2, 2011

Apply online at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/nebraska/default.cfm?&promotionaljobs=0&transfer=0


DESCRIPTION:  Under general supervision, performs complex, specialized vocational counseling, guidance and placement for individuals with visual impairments and/or other disabilities; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  (A position is assigned to this class based on the scope and level of work performed as outlined below.)

This class is distinguished from the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I class by the scope and level of work performed and the amount of independence in which to perform the assigned tasks.  Positions allocated to the Vocational Rehabilitation Technician class are responsible to perform a variety of supportive functions in the rehabilitation of persons with visual impairment and/or other disability.  Positions allocated to the Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor class, on a regular and recurring basis, supervise a minimum of three rehabilitation and/or counseling staff.

Positions allocated to the Visually Impaired Orientation Counselor series perform counseling and provided teaching to assist clients in adjusting to blindness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do these examples include all the duties that may be assigned.)

Performs interviews, diagnostic services, testing, job training and job placement of eligible clients; confers with clients to discuss options and goals.

Provides follow-up services for clients in all aspects of vocational adjustment; monitors and records clients' progress and ensures goals and objectives are met.

Assists in coordinating training, re-socialization, remedial education and overall client programming.

Arranges for intelligence, psychological, vocational interest, aptitude testing and other tests and evaluations to obtain information in regards to assessing clients' needs and developing rehabilitation plans.

Assists district or unit supervisors with program needs and evaluation and may be involved in corollary administrative functions.

Serves as a resource person to the professional staff in vocational rehabilitation related matters.

Prepares and maintains required reports, correspondence, case files and records.
Develops and maintains relationships with originating agencies, schools, community organizations and public employers.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  (These are needed to perform the work assigned.)

Knowledge of:  vocational rehabilitation counseling methods and techniques; human behavior and performance; medical and mental disabilities and their effects on the rehabilitation process; adaptive equipment available for clients served; principles and procedures for training development and instruction; group behavior and dynamics; basic sign language.

Skill in:  interviewing others to collect essential information; communicating to convey information; monitoring and assessing performance and implementing actions; reviewing information to develop options and implement solutions.

Ability to: learn, interpret and apply provisions of the Rehabilitation Act; collect, analyze and evaluate data to apply to the development and implementation of a rehabilitation plan; maintain accurate records; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Applicants will be screened for possession of these qualifications.   Applicants who need accommodation in the selection process should request this in advance.)

Bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, social work, counseling/guidance, psychology, sociology, human development, education or related and three years experience.  OR Master's degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related area and one year experience.  Experience providing vocational rehabilitation counseling or related area may substitute for the educational requirements on a year-for-year basis.



SPECIAL NOTES:

Positions in this class may require an employee to possess a valid driver's license, or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation, and provide a passenger vehicle with adequate liability insurance in order to perform work-related travel.

Successful candidates for employment must be able to satisfactorily pass an extensive criminal background check and driver's license screening.  All new hires will complete 600 hours of immersion training in Lincoln, at NCBVI expense, at the Nebraska Center for the Blind to learn the alternative skills of blindness (cane travel, Braille, assistive technology, activities of daily living, etc.); those completing the training will be certified as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors for the blind.  Work is performed under the direct supervision of a district or unit supervisor.  Field assignments and travel are involved in varying degrees.



Fatos Floyd, CRC, CVRCB
Director, Nebraska Center for the Blind
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Our Mission:
Empowering blind individuals,
Promoting opportunities,
and building belief in the blind.
(402) 471-8120