[acb-hsp] [Jobs] VR Counselor position opening in Nebraska

[peter altschul]

STATE OF NEBRASKA CLASS SPECIFICATION               EST:  08/70 - 
REV:  12/10

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR II
CLASS CODE:      C72512

Location:  Kearney Nebraska
Closing Date:  May 2, 2011

Apply online at: 
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/nebraska/default.cfm?&promotiona
ljobs=0&transfer=0


DESCRIPTION:  Under general supervision, performs complex, 
specialized vocational counseling, guidance and placement for 
individuals with visual impairments and/or other disabilities; 
performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  (A position is assigned to this 
class based on the scope and level of work performed as outlined 
below.)

This class is distinguished from the Vocational Rehabilitation 
Counselor I class by the scope and level of work performed and 
the amount of independence in which to perform the assigned 
tasks.  Positions allocated to the Vocational Rehabilitation 
Technician class are responsible to perform a variety of 
supportive functions in the rehabilitation of persons with visual 
impairment and/or other disability.  Positions allocated to the 
Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor class, on a regular and 
recurring basis, supervise a minimum of three rehabilitation 
and/or counseling staff.

Positions allocated to the Visually Impaired Orientation 
Counselor series perform counseling and provided teaching to 
assist clients in adjusting to blindness.

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

Performs interviews, diagnostic services, testing, job training 
and job placement of eligible clients; confers with clients to 
discuss options and goals.

Provides follow-up services for clients in all aspects of 
vocational adjustment; monitors and records clients' progress and 
ensures goals and objectives are met.

Assists in coordinating training, re-socialization, remedial 
education and overall client programming.

Arranges for intelligence, psychological, vocational interest, 
aptitude testing and other tests and evaluations to obtain 
information in regards to assessing clients' needs and developing 
rehabilitation plans.

Assists district or unit supervisors with program needs and 
evaluation and may be involved in corollary administrative 
functions.

Serves as a resource person to the professional staff in 
vocational rehabilitation related matters.

Prepares and maintains required reports, correspondence, case 
files and records.
Develops and maintains relationships with originating agencies, 
schools, community organizations and public employers.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  (These are needed to 
perform the work assigned.)

Knowledge of:  vocational rehabilitation counseling methods and 
techniques; human behavior and performance; medical and mental 
disabilities and their effects on the rehabilitation process; 
adaptive equipment available for clients served; principles and 
procedures for training development and instruction; group 
behavior and dynamics; basic sign language.

Skill in:  interviewing others to collect essential information; 
communicating to convey information; monitoring and assessing 
performance and implementing actions; reviewing information to 
develop options and implement solutions.

Ability to: learn, interpret and apply provisions of the 
Rehabilitation Act; collect, analyze and evaluate data to apply 
to the development and implementation of a rehabilitation plan; 
maintain accurate records; establish and maintain cooperative 
working relationships.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Applicants will be screened for 
possession of these qualifications.   Applicants who need 
accommodation in the selection process should request this in 
advance.)

Bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, social 
work, counseling/guidance, psychology, sociology, human 
development, education or related and three years experience.  OR 
Master's degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related 
area and one year experience.  Experience providing vocational 
rehabilitation counseling or related area may substitute for the 
educational requirements on a year-for-year basis.



SPECIAL NOTES:

Positions in this class may require an employee to possess a 
valid driver's license, or the ability to provide independent 
authorized transportation, and provide a passenger vehicle with 
adequate liability insurance in order to perform work-related 
travel.

Successful candidates for employment must be able to 
satisfactorily pass an extensive criminal background check and 
driver's license screening.  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.



Fatos Floyd, CRC, CVRCB
Director, Nebraska Center for the Blind
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Our Mission:
Empowering blind individuals,
Promoting opportunities,
and building belief in the blind.
(402) 471-8120