CERTIFIED VOCATIONAL REHAB COUNSELOR

Position Summary

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will function as the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.  The position is responsible for assisting individuals with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities enter into competitive employment. The position works with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment. The position requires individuals to travel for itinerary points and community outreach. The position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a master's degree in education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education; plus, two years of experience in counseling or a related field.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations***

Must be a licensed counselor in accordance with ACA 17-27-301 or certified as a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in accordance with the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
• Possession of a certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
• Working experience with case management systems
• Working experience with individuals with disabilities
• Working experience with high school students with disabilities
• Working experience developing and conducting presentations for community outreach
• Experience with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Plan (WIOA) specifically pre-employment transition services.
• Active listening skill. Social awareness skills.
• Critical thinking skills. Problem solving skills. 
• Effective communication skills. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities                                                           

• Knowledge of vocational education, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, career opportunities, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of counseling and testing assessment.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
• Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate vocational programs for individual student needs and for the vocational unit.
• Ability to obtain and provide information, guidance, and counseling to students.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

1. Completes all appropriate forms and reporting information in the case management system.
2. Provides case narratives that explain the progression of the case.
3. Follows agency procedures regarding service delivery and authorization of payments.
4. Identifies, documents, and report the credentials achieved, skills gained/achieved while in a credential program, or employment achieved when applicable for the student.
5. Develops and maintain referral sources, demonstrates collaborative activities including but not limited to Juvenile Justice facilities, High Schools, and other community resources.
6. Administers or arrange for assessment tools to identify vocational interests and career goals
7. Provide career counseling to students regarding chosen vocation, by helping student in assessment interpretation and program selection and sharing information on financial aid, social agencies providing support, and other educational institutions, and counseling individuals on time management and goal setting.
8. Counsel special needs students, and at-risk students, individually or in group sessions, concerning social, civic, personal, and educational problems, and refers to alternate sources for assistance.
9. Work with instructors to develop an Individual Written Vocational Plan for special needs and disabled students and monitors program by observing student's progress.
10. Recruit students by developing and making presentations at juvenile justice facilities, school curriculum to regional junior and senior high classes, counselors, civic organizations, social service agencies, and various other interest groups.
11. Develop and maintain referral sources and community contacts.
12. Understand and remain compliant to policies and procedures.
13. Maintain adequate rate of production in their assigned area and required number of closures.
14. Evaluate job sites, obtain, and utilize current labor market information, establish and maintain rapport with the business community to facilitate work experiences, volunteer opportunities, internships, job shadowing opportunities, or other career exploration activities.
15. Monitor and document job market information, including local industry needs and vocational skill requirements for employment, and maintains confidential student records.
16. Provide satisfactory level of counseling, assistance, and supportive services to assist the client in meeting their employment goal.
17. Assist instructors in obtaining and compiling student follow-up information, attends professional conferences, and workshops, and assists with special school functions.
18. May supervise a small administrative support staff.
19. Preserve the integrity of all employees, client, and student information. Perform other duties as assigned.
20. Enter and maintain quarterly performance measure

Key Business Processes/Duties

1. Develop and maintain relationships with existing vendors and stakeholders.
2. Develop and maintain relationships with community leaders
3. Maintain and develop referral resources
4. Maintaining accurate records and reports.
5. Other duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ability to assess medical records to determine vocational placement.
2. Ability to articulate results of assessments to client.
3. Ability to interact with interdisciplinary teams to provide services.
4. Ability to provide career counseling.
5. Ability to monitor client progress and document in electronic case file system.
6. Ability to interact with community service providers.
7. Ability to develop presentations for possible vendors and/or potential referral sources.
8. Ability to maintain weekly schedule
9. Ability to exercise responsible discretion to preserve confidential information
10. Ability to work independently.
11. Ability to develop, implement, and monitor Individual Plan for Employment.
12. Ability to utilize agency policy to provide quality services.