Counselor for the Blind, Senior

Description

State of Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Counselor for the Blind, Senior

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

Starting salary may depend on experience.

Agency Information:

ICBVI is a state agency which has been serving Idahoans since 1967. The agency assists blind and visually impaired persons to achieve independence by providing education, developing work skills, increasing self-confidence, and helping them remain employed or prepare for employment.

Our mission is to empower persons who are blind or visually impaired by providing vocational rehabilitation, skills training, and educational opportunities to achieve self-fulfillment through quality employment and independent living.

Summary:

To plan and direct regional staff in client rehabilitation; provide rehabilitation services for the blind; counsel clients in adjusting to blindness; perform related work.

Job Responsibilities:

Administrative

• Supervises staff and/or contractors regarding client rehabilitation plan development and program goals and procedures
• Assigns work and evaluates performance
• Evaluates programs to ensure compliance with State and Commission standards
• Recommends budget and staffing needs
• Approves rehabilitation plans
• Recommends policy and procedure changes to management
• Represents the Commission at service organization meetings
• May substitute teach and direct orientation staff training activities

Public relations

• Responds to inquiries concerning blindness and department services
• Maintains current information about technology and equipment available to the blind
• Prepares and gives disability-awareness presentations to community and employer groups regarding blindness and available services
• Presents in-service training to public organizations and service providers on how to respond to the needs of blind persons

Rehabilitation services

• Contacts doctors, public and private agencies and other referral sources to locate potential clients and explain services
• Interviews clients to determine eligibility, and scope of services needed
• Completes application for services
• Obtains necessary medical information on clients and reviews reports with physicians
• Authorizes medical examinations or other testing services needed, and evaluation criteria
• Authorizes client services from vendors and monitors vendor services for timeliness and appropriateness of service delivery
• Processes bills for services provided
• Monitors and documents client progress with physical restoration, training, and other areas of rehabilitation
• Contacts employers to develop jobs and training opportunities and maintains related records

Counseling

• Counsels clients and family members regarding issues and problems related to blindness
• Advises clients on rehabilitation and employment goals
• May instruct clients in areas such as Braille, cane travel, and alternative living skills
• Assists clients obtain housing, transportation, financial services, and employment

Minimum Qualifications:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Rehabilitative services

Typically gained by the successful completion of a Master’s degree or higher in Vocational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services, Social Work, or another closely related field; OR the successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in the degree programs listed above PLUS at least one (1) year of work experience providing rehabilitative services to clients which may include mental health counseling, or social work services; OR at least four (4) years of experience providing rehabilitative services to clients.

Good knowledge of:

• Rehabilitation processes including plan development

Typically gained by the successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Vocational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services, Social Work, or another closely related field; OR the successful completion of at least two (2) upper division college courses related to the degree programs listed above PLUS at least two (2) years of work experience participating in rehabilitation processes including plan development or case management; OR at least three (3) years of work experience in the areas listed above.

• Federal and state laws related to vocational rehabilitation

Typically gained by the successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Vocational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services, Social Work, or another closely related field; OR the successful completion of at least two (2) upper division college courses related to the degree programs listed above PLUS at least two (2) years of work experience where you were responsible for complying with federal and state laws related to vocational rehabilitation and/or federal programs related to vocational rehabilitation or social work; OR at least three (3) years of work experience in the areas listed above.

Experience:

• Conducting fact-finding interviews

Typically gained by at least one (1) year of work experience performing in-depth interviewing to elicit personal or medical facts of a sensitive nature or to determine eligibility/treatment plans for programs or services. Types of interviews that may qualify include credit collections, compliance investigations, or social services/programs. General interviewing required of most receptionists or as part of job interviews is not detailed enough to qualify this level.

• Preparing detailed records and writing rehabilitation case reports

Typically gained by at least one (1) year of work experience related to case management that involved preparing, recording and maintaining detailed records and writing case reports in accordance with established policies and professional standards.

• Preparing and presenting public information and education programs

Typically gained by at least six (6) months of work experience developing informational materials and delivering presentations to public or stakeholder groups; OR at least three (3) credit hours of education in public speaking or communications that included preparing and presenting various topics to groups.

• Counseling disabled individuals regarding their abilities

Typically gained by at least one (1) year of work experience in a field where providing counseling to individuals or groups was a regular part of your job; OR at least three (3) credit hours of education in counseling techniques.

Recruitment Contact: Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Claire Churchill, HR Business Partner II at claire.churchill@dhr.idaho.gov.

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation (PERSI) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
• 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
• Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
• Employee assistance program

Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here:

https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.