[rehab] Three VR Counselor Vacancies in New Mexico

[Salas, James, CFB]

Greetings, 

We are recruiting for three Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor positions with the NM Commission for the Blind.  We had made an initial recruitment effort for two of these positions in March, but a number of applicants who met minimum qualifications were rated ineligible in error.  The problem has been resolved with our State Personnel Office and we are now readvertising the positions.  The positions are in the Las Vegas (yes, there is a Las Vegas in NM), Roswell, and Las Cruces field offices.  The Las Vegas office serves Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Taos, and Northeastern NM; the Roswell office serves Southeastern NM, and the Las Cruces office serves Southwestern NM.  

The caseloads include both transition students and adults and generally consist of approximately 50-65 cases.  The actual job posting is quite lengthy and written very broadly, but the most relevant portions are provided below.  The closing date is May 26.  Applicants will be able to select consideration for any or all three vacancies within this  single application. 
 
To reach the job posting, go to www.spo.state.nm.us, click the link to "Apply for state jobs online," and check the checkbox to review jobs within the Commission for the Blind.  

I recommend that screen reader users utilize Internet Explorer to access the online application. 

Please contact me if you would like to discuss the positions.  Also, please forward this announcement to anyone you believe might  be interested in a great job with our agency.  

Thanks.

Jim Salas
Deputy Director for VR Programs
NM Commission for the Blind
Phone 505.383.2251
James.Salas at state.nm.us
www.cfb.state.nm.us
---

New Mexico Commission for the Blind
Vacancy Announcement
- Job Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Regular - Permanent 
- Closing Date: May 26 , 2012 
- Pay Grade: 65
- Salary: The salary range for these positions is $30,552-$54,308 per year ($14.69-$26.11 per hour). Offered salary will be based on education and experience.  
- Benefits: Full State of New Mexico benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, retirement, sick leave, annual leave, and holidays.
- Purpose of Position: To help blind/visually impaired individuals obtain or maintain employment by providing vocational rehabilitation services such as adjustment counseling, career assessment, education/training, assistive technology, and job placement services.
- Preferred Education and Experience requirements: Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Vocational Rehabilitation, Sociology, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Social Work and/or Special Education with one year of experience. 
-- If selected, incumbent with only a Bachelor's Degree will be required to complete a Master's Degree program in Vocational Rehabilitation counseling within four years of hire at the employer's expense.
- Employment Requirements: 
-- Must obtain and maintain Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification (CRC) issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, or be eligible to sit for the CRC examination; 
-- Must obtain and maintain New Mexico rehabilitation counselor licensure as defined in the New Mexico Public Education Department Rules (6.63.11) NMAC. 
- Regular travel, usually ranging between three and five overnights per month is required.
-- If you have indicated in your application that you have an education higher than a high school diploma or GED, you must attach a copy of your unofficial transcript to the application. Your application WILL NOT be considered for further review if you have failed to provide this information.
- Statutory Requirements: 
-- Must hold or be eligible for state licensure requirements in Rehabilitation Counseling
as defined in the New Mexico Public Education Department Rules (6.63.11). 
(Note: To "hold or be eligible" for this license is not a requirement for selection.)
- Working Conditions: 
-- Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage.
-- Regularly works with individuals with secondary disabilities, some of whom exhibit challenging behaviors.
-- Occasionally exposed to service animals.
- Bargaining Unit: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
- Agency Contact Information: Kelly Quintana-Wagner, (505) 476.4456 
- There are also approximately ten questions addressing education, experience, specialized qualifications, geographic location, etc. 
-- end