[rehab] Job Vacancy, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Iowa Department For The Blind

[Richard Sorey]

Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1



Location: Woodbury County, nearest cities are Seux City and Sergeant Bluff



Salary Range: $44,969 - $68,494



This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position.  Please follow instructions in the "To Apply" section for directions on how to apply for this position.



The Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1/ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. This position is responsible for assisting blind and visually impaired clients to obtain, retain, or maintain employment. The position provides counseling and guidance and ensures that clients receive training in the alternative techniques of blindness in order for an individual to make a positive adjustment to blindness and successfully pursue vocational goals.



Duties and responsibilities to include the following areas:



Case Management

*        Independently prioritize workload to maximize effective utilization of time, resources, and agency assets. This position covers a territory of approximately 20 counties in northwest Iowa and requires frequent travel.

*        Submit necessary reports, case recordings, authorizations, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.

*        Maintain client files and other records in an organized and specified format.



Application and Eligibility Determination

*        Interview applicant, consult with family, and contact other sources such as ophthalmologists, community partners, and employers to procure visual, medical, psychological, social and educational information.

*        Determines eligibility for services, assesses vocational, social and medical needs through appropriate testing and medical reports.



Plan Development/Counseling and Guidance/Plan Implementation

*        Provide guidance and counseling regarding client's personal and vocational adjustment throughout the rehabilitation process.

*        Assist clients through informed choice in determining appropriate vocational goals and serves as a resource for clients seeking information regarding employment and employment goals.

*        Maintains a working knowledge of assistive technology and reasonable accommodations.



Employer Development and related duties:

*        Assist clients to obtain an employment outcome using a variety of job development and job placement strategies including contacting employers, assessing employers' needs, and providing resources and education to employers and clients.

*        Counsel and guide clients in the establishment of self-employment goals.



Public Awareness and Education

*        Advocate, consult, advise, educate, mediate, and intercede with service providers, employers, and the general public.

*        Develop and maintain referral sources by providing information and resources through personal contacts, written communication and presentations.





It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.



For further information, contact VR Program Supervisor, Keri Osterhaus, 515-281-1281 or 800-362-2587.



Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a  degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work.



For additional ways to qualify, please click on this link to view the job description<http://das.hre.iowa.gov/html_documents/job_descriptions/JobSpecs/SeniorServicesSpecialistfortheBlind1-41151.htm> and minimum qualifications.





To Apply:



Courtesy Posting only



Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.  Applications to DAS-HRE only, will not be considered.



Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application to:



Keri Osterhaus

Iowa Department for the Blind

524 Fourth Street

Des Moines, IA 50309



OR email keri.osterhaus at blind.state.ia.us<mailto:keri.osterhaus at blind.state.ia.us>



All applicants need to apply by 5:00 pm, Monday, October 13, 2014.