[Rehab] Three VR Counselor Vacancies in New Mexico

[Salas, James, CFB]

Greetings,



We are recruiting to fill three Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor vacancies with the NM Commission for the Blind.  The positions are in our Farmington, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque offices. The Farmington position serves Northern/Northwestern New Mexico, the Las Vegas position serves Santa Fe and Northeastern New Mexico, and the Albuquerque position serves parts of the extended Albuquerque metropolitan area.



The Farmington and Las Vegas positions serve both adults and transition students, while the Albuquerque position serves adults. Caseloads generally consists of approximately 50-65 cases.  The most relevant portions of the job postings are provided below my signature block.  The positions are open until filled, but please apply as soon as you can.



To reach the job postings, go to the NM State Personnel Website at

www.spo.state.nm.us<http://www.spo.state.nm.us>, click the link for View Job Opportunities And Apply, enter "blind" in the search field, and look for the VR Counselor vacancies in Farmington, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque.



Applications are accepted through the New Mexico State Personnel Office online application system only!



Note to screen reader users: Recent updates to this online application utility have made it difficult to complete independently using screen reading technology.  Screen reader users who experience difficulty with the application utility should notify Ms. Andrea Rivera-Smith of the State Personnel Office at (505) 695-5606 for assistance.  She can also confirm that your application (including uploaded transcripts, licenses, etc.) has been successfully received for consideration.



Interested individuals can contact either Ms. Daphne Mitchell or me to discuss the position.  Ms. Mitchell manages the Rehab Counselor program on my VR team and can be reached at 505.383.2253 or at Daphne.Mitchell at state.nm.us<mailto:Daphne.Mitchell at state.nm.us>.



Thanks much.

Jim

James L. Salas
Deputy Director
NM Commission for the Blind
Phone 505.383.2251
www.cfb.state.nm.us<http://www.cfb.state.nm.us>
James.Salas at state.nm.us<mailto:James.Salas at state.nm.us>

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New Mexico Commission for the Blind
Vacancy Announcement
- Job Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

- Full/Part Time: Full-Time

- Regular/Temporary: Regular - Permanent

- Closing Date: Open Until Filled

- Pay Grade: 65

- Salary: The salary range for this position is $32,427 - $56,413 annually ($15.59 - $27.12 hourly). 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 ten holidays.

- Why does the job exist? To provide vocational rehabilitation services to persons who are blind or severely visually impaired in order that they may obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.

- How does it get done? Incumbent determines an applicant's eligibility for Commission services; identifies any and all disabilities and medical conditions that may represent impediments to employment; coordinates adjustment counseling; coordinates blindness skills training; conducts a career assessment to identify a vocational goal that is consistent with the client's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice; jointly develops an Individualized Plan for Employment that describes the services that are necessary to achieve the vocational goal; coordinates the delivery of the services described in the Individualized Plan for Employment; provides/coordinates job placement services as necessary; and coordinates post-employment services as necessary.

- Who are the customers? Persons with blindness or severe visual impairments, family members, school personnel, and employers.

- Ideal Candidate: Individual possessing a Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation counselor certification, and three years of related experience.


- Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Vocational Rehabilitation, Sociology, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Social Work and/or Special Education with no experience required.

-- 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.
-- You must attach a copy of your unofficial college transcript to the application. Your application WILL NOT be considered for further review if you have failed to provide this information.

- 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 is required within service territory, including occasional overnight travel (Albuquerque) and regular overnight travel (Farmington and Las Vegas). Agency vehicles are available to use for business travel.

- 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, (505) 476.4456

- There are also approximately ten questions addressing education, experience, and specialized qualifications.
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