Position open: VR counselor for the deaf Waco

Position open: VR counselor for the deaf – Waco

Link: https://rm.accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/careerportal/

Posting Type: Open to All Applicants
Category: Community and Social Services
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
Agency: Dept of Assistive & Rehab Services
Department: Waco
Job Title: Voc Rehab Counselor I
Posting Number: 124549
Full Time/Part Time : Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Location: 717 FRANKLIN AVE
City: WACO
Contact: Access HR Service Center
Telephone: 888-894-4747
Salary Range: $3,110.00 ? $3,855.00
Salary Group: B07
Shift: Days (First)
Travel: 20%
Closing Date: 06/29/2009

Job Description:

Voc Rehab Counselor I The Counselor I is selected by and is
accountable to the Area Manager (AM) with the approval of the Regional
Director (RD). The Counselor I performs routine rehabilitation work in
one or more service areas: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).and as
assigned, independent living (IL) services or Comprehensive
Rehabilitation Services (CRS), utilizing the Rehabilitation Services
System (RSS). The Counselor I works independently under moderate
supervision of the AM. The Counselor I will require substantial
coaching and mentoring. Work is performed in support of the Mission,
Goals and Values of DRS. Duties involve the provision of substantial
services leading toward successful outcomes for people with
disabilities; actively develops referral sources from schools, service
providers, underserved populations and community organizations
resulting in appropriate referrals; informing individuals of services
and programs offered through the Division of Rehabilitation
Services(DRS) and how the process works; and providing referrals if
DRS services are not appropriate. The Counselor I determines
eligibility for VR services, or as assigned, IL or CRS; and conducts
an assessment for determining functional limitations and assets in
order to establish the goals and plan services in the rehabilitation
process. A mutually agreed upon service plan is developed for eligible
consumers in VR, or as assigned, IL or CRS. The Counselor I ensures
that the consumer understands their identified responsibilities;
provides, purchases and coordinates services as identified in the IPE,
or as assigned the IWRP, and evaluates progress towards reaching an
employment or IL outcome; establishes appropriate business
relationships with public and private employers, professional groups,
medical community, and employment and/or IL resources; and develops
and implements a system for providing job placement and/or IL
assistance to consumers. The Counselor I manages and reconciles the
consumer service budget; makes appropriate consumer purchases
necessary to achieve consumer goals, to include using available
comparable benefits, monitors consumer purchasing and utilizing best
business practices. The Counselor I serves as team leader to assigned
support staff in managing the designated caseload. Performs other
duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of the
department.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with
agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. EJF 1.
Ensures program effectiveness through optimal management of resources.
(5%) EJF 2. Provides effective rehabilitation services for employment
and/or independent living services for consumers and initiates job
placement opportunities and community and advocacy relationships in
accordance with RPM policy. (55%) EJF 3. Determines, selects, approves
and monitors consumer service purchases. (15%) EJF 4. Relates
effectively with coworkers, providers, customers of Rehabilitation
Services and other agencies to support an environment of teamwork and
collaboration. (20%) EJF 5. Serves as team leader to assigned support
staffing managing a designated caseload. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and Title VII of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. * Knowledge of available
community resources and comparable benefits for individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing. *Knowledge of assistive technology specific
to individuals who are deaf, hard or hearing, or have communication
disorders. Knowledge of available community resources and comparable
benefits. Knowledge of vocational assessments. *Knowledge of
communication strategies for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Knowledge of job placement techniques. Knowledge of interviewing
techniques. *Knowledge of aspects of Deaf culture Knowledge of
physical and mental disabilities Knowledge of counseling techniques as
used in the rehabilitation process. Knowledge of independent living
assessments as required by assignment. Knowledge of services and
resources offered through Independent Living Centers as required by
assignment. Knowledge of occupational classifications and labor market
principles * Ability to communicate in a conversational mode utilizing
various forms of manual communication (ASL, PSE, English). Ability to
communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to operate with
high professional standards. Ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships Ability to interpret and apply policy
and procedure. Ability to plan, organize and achieve goals. Ability to
be a team leader Ability to apply VR Process and as required by
assignment, the ability to apply the ILS Process Ability to perform
keyboarding and mouse functions utilizing a personal computer. Ability
to utilize the Rehabilitation Services System (RSS) other software
programs in a Windows environment. Ability to analyze and interpret
financial data. Skill in decision-making and problem solving. Skill in
managing a budget. *Applicable to Rehabilitation Counselors for the
Deaf

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

List the licensure, certification, or registration required to
perform this job: Minimum preferred education/certification
qualifications for VRC?s are as follows: ? Possession of a
Master?s Degree in Rehab Counseling from a recognized institution.
? Possession of a Master?s Degree in Counseling or a closely
related field from a recognized institution and successful completion
of one graduate course with a primary focus on the Theories and
Techniques of Counseling. ? Possession of a Doctorate Degree with a
specific program doctorial dissertation with an emphasis on
rehabilitation from a recognized institution and successful completion
of one graduate course with a primary focus on the Theories and
Techniques of Counseling. ? Possession of an active national
certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor or Licensed
Professional Counselor. Applicants hired without these credentials
will be required to meet standards within the timeframe agreed to at
employment.

Initial Selection Criteria:

1. Masters degree with major in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
or Vocational Rehabilitation Administration from an accredited college
or university, OR Masters degree with major in Counseling and
Guidance, Education, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or Public
Health from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year
related work experience, OR Other Masters degree plus two (2) years
related work experience, OR Bachelors degree with a major in
Vocational Rehabilitation from an accredited college or university
plus one (1) year related work experience, OR Bachelors degree with
major in Counseling and Guidance, Education, Social Work, Sociology,
Psychology or Public Health from an accredited college or university
plus two (2) years related work experience, OR Other Bachelors degree
plus three (3) years related work experience. Related work experience
is defined as: Job duties that include case management, counseling,
job information/placement and general knowledge of disabilities. 2.
Knowledge of counseling techniques as used in the rehabilitation
process. 3. Knowledge of job placement techniques. 4. Knowledge of
disabilities. 5. Proficient in American Sign Language.

Additional Information: Applicant must have American Sign Language
Skills.