[rehab] Rehab Counselor, Lincoln, Nebraska

[Andrews, David B (DEED)]

VISUALLY IMPAIRED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR II
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Work Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Hiring Rate: $ 17.952/hr.
Job # 08110108
Closing Date: September 6, 2013

DESCRIPTION:  Performs routine vocational counseling and guidance relevant to an individual's overall adjustment to blindness.  Provides job placement in the rehabilitation of blind/visually impaired individuals.  Performs related work as required.

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

Describe the availability of services to new referrals and gathers information as needed to complete applications for services.  Refers blind consumers to services offered by other agencies or organizations as appropriate.

Determine eligibility for services based on the applicant's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.  Gathers medical information as needed for documentation of blindness or visual impairment.

Develop an individualized plan for employment in conjunction with consumers designed to empower blind individuals to maximize employment, economic self‑sufficiency, independence, and full participation in society.  Develop an individualized plan for independent living in conjunction with consumers with independent living rather than vocational goals designed to maximize their ability to participate fully in their home communities.

Counsel clients in their overall adjustment to blindness with particular emphasis on achieving a positive understanding of blindness based on the belief that blind people are capable of full participation in society using the alternative skills of blindness.  Promotes opportunities for blind consumers to network with and learn from positive blind role models.

Coordinate training in the alternative skills of blindness provided by orientation counselors in the field or at the Training Center for the Blind.  Coordinate vocational training or other services as needed in preparation for job placement or achievement of independent living goals.

Provide career exploration, job readiness training, and job placement services

Build trusting relationship with employers and businesses in the community.

Assist with special programs designed to provide concentrated training and socialization opportunities for blind consumers in a small group setting.

Provide follow-up services for clients in all aspects of vocational adjustment including working with family members.

Monitor progress towards the achievement of personal goals specified in individual service plans and maintain documentation of all activities and services provided in case service records in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Collaborate with public and private schools, institutions of higher education, health care providers, human service agencies, consumer groups and organizations, and other relevant community resources on behalf of blind consumers.

Conduct presentations for the general public and interested groups designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.

Participate in in-service training conferences, workshops, courses, and meetings related to rehabilitation of the blind.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED (these may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned):

Knowledge and understanding of the agency's philosophy of working with the blind, various educational modalities as they pertain to the rehabilitation of blind individuals (i.e., Braille, cane travel, assistive technology, etc.);

Understanding of problems arising from blindness, counseling techniques used in the rehabilitation of the blind and ability to apply techniques in proper situations.

Skill in evaluating each client's needs and the subsequent preparation and implementation of instructional programs to answer these needs.

Ability to organize and coordinate various ongoing instructional programs, effectively evaluate the results of instructional programs, and revise such programs as warranted; and establish a strong working rapport with clients, general public and other service agencies.

Minimal computer skills required.

ENTRY KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED (These skills may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the following coursework/training and/or experience.):

Bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, social work, counseling/guidance, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, human development, education or related and two years experience; OR Master’s degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related area.

SPECIAL NOTE:  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.

Interested candidates will be required to fill out an online application with the State of Nebraska.

The following link will assist you:

http://statejobs.nebraska.gov/


Be sure to read the important instructions before you begin the application process.

If a candidate fails to follow the instructions and fill out the application completely, the application will not be forwarded for consideration and the candidate will not have another opportunity to edit their application or re-apply.

Should you have any questions, or need assistance with the application process, you can call Nebraska State Personnel at (402)-471-2075.