[rehab] Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II - September 15 2011.docx

[Tami Kinney]

Yeah, I've heard really excellent things about Nebraska's agency..
Despite the general devolution of the VR agencies in so many states over
the last decade or so... No insult to any particular agency or any
individual rehab counselor for working in one of the states that has
lost ground. It does seem to have been an unfortunate trend...

I know some of the eastern states are still on the list of those with
working, effective agencies, some easier to get services from than
others, but it seems people get those services in the end. But I notice
Nebraska because It's just kinda out there all by itself being really
great that way.

So here's what I wonder... What is different about their state agency
that makes it stand out in terms of providing those services and tools
for their blind consumers efficiently and in a way that leaves the
consumer felling happy for having such a great experience?

I apologize if the question is beyond the scope of the list. I've been
looking at the overall system to better understand my own state system
from the point of view of a consumer, trying to figure out what the
secret key is that makes the difference between a great state agency and
a dysfunctional one. I mean, all the states operate under the same
general set of laws and rules and requirements... They're all facing
economic difficulties that are very similar in nature. So what is it
that makes the difference and why are the differences often so profound?

Just curious as heck. /smile/

Tami

On Mon, 2011-09-19 at 08:48 -0500, Dick Davis wrote: 
> From our state president in Nebraska. Excellent agency!
> Dick Davis
> ------------------------------
> 
> Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II
> 
> 
> 
> Closing Date: 11:59 p.m. September 30, 2011
> 
> Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Description:
> 
> 
> 
> Under general supervision, performs complex, specialized vocational
> counseling, guidance and placement for individuals with visual impairments
> and/or other disabilities.
> 
> Hours: 8-5, Monday - Friday.
> 
> 
> 
> Examples of Work:
> 
> 
> 
> 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.
> 
> 
> 
> Qualifications/Requirements:
> 
> 
> 
> REQUIREMENTS: Bachelors degree in social science, behavioral science, social
> work, counseling/guidance, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, sociology,
> human development, education or related and two years experience OR Masters
> degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related area. Candidates who
> possess the required degree, but do not meet the experience requirements,
> may be hired as a Rehabilitation Counselor I ($14.896/hour) until such
> experience qualifications are met.
> 
> OTHER: Successful candidates for employment must be able to satisfactorily
> pass an extensive criminal background check. 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. State agencies are responsible to evaluate each of their
> positions to determine their individual overtime eligibility status as
> required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
> 
> 
> 
> Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
> 
> 
> 
> 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.
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