Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind Or Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind Job Announcement

         The purpose of this announcement is to advise of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) for the Blind (http://www.oa.mo.gov/pers/ClassSpecs/5172.htm) or a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (SVRC) for the Blind (http://www.oa.mo.gov/pers/ClassSpecs/5173.htm) vacancy in the Family Support Division/Southeast District office (Sikeston). The annual salary range for a VRC is $31,500-$44,472, and if filled as a SVRC, the range is $33,888-$48,216.           

VRC responsibilities include assessing, evaluating, identifying, implementing, monitoring and coordinating vocational rehabilitation services for significantly visually impaired/blind consumers. Work includes evaluating medical reports to determine visual eligibility; screening, analyzing, interpreting and evaluating medical, psychological, social, educational, and employment data regarding applicants; creating with the consumer a rehabilitation plan for employment that is consistent with the individual’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choices. Work also involves purchase and provision of services needed for the consumer to achieve the plan for employment, including physical and mental restoration, educational and vocational training; computer and adaptive equipment; and job readiness, placement and retention services. Work is performed under the general supervision; however, the employee exercises increasing independence and initiative within established guidelines.

To be eligible as a VRC, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:  Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited school of rehabilitation counseling, counseling, guidance and counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or social work.  (Possession of a current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification will substitute for possession of the Master’s Degree.)

SVRC responsibilities - conducts in-depth interviews with persons with disabilities to obtain information regarding medical and family history, social function, education, work experience, self-perception, attitudes, financial resources and vocational interests. Collects, analyzes and interprets medical, psychological, social, educational and vocational data to determine eligibility for services and to assist in selecting an appropriate vocational goal and identify rehabilitation services needed. Negotiates and develops with the consumer a rehabilitation program and Individualized Plan for Employment, placing emphasis on the determination and achievement of an appropriate vocational goal through client participation.  Provides clinical guidance to experienced VRCs and as directed, provides training, mentoring and guidance to new VRCs.  Arranges for or administers psychological tests to ascertain client’s cognitive level, aptitudes, interests and abilities. Implements the Individualized Plan for Employment by authorizing, purchasing, arranging, referring for and coordinating services based on capacities and informed consumer choice.  Independently manages case service needs to ensure quality and cost effective rehabilitation outcomes.  Utilizes knowledge of community resources and accesses other financial resources (comparable benefit analysis required by federal regulations) to reduce rehabilitation costs. Achieves employment outcomes with consumers, either through direct placement or facilitation consistent with the consumer’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choices. Contacts employers to educate them, assess their needs and to develop jobs for significantly visually impaired/blind consumers.  Implements provisions of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind Administrative Rule, and the policies and procedures of the agency.  Establishes and maintains liaison and technical assistance regarding disability and independence through employment to consumers, their family and support systems, community resources, business, government agencies, schools, health care facilities, physicians, service providers, employers, and others for the purpose of developing referral, to encourage consumer participation and establish a community support system.

To be eligible as a SVRC, the candidate will need:

Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited school of rehabilitation counseling, counseling, guidance and counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or social work and two years experience as a VRC with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind or comparable experience in other vocational rehabilitation programs.

OR
Possession of a current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification and two years of experience as a VRC with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind or comparable experience in other vocational rehabilitation programs.

Interested applicants must

forward a completed Merit application http://oa.mo.gov/pers/howtoapply.htm) to Vanetta Sindle (fax number is 573-472-5393).  At the web cite, select "paper application form" because the EASe on-line process is not yet available for these positions.  Even if you are already on a register, you must forward a completed Merit application to Ms.  Sindle or before 3/22/07.  If you have questions regarding this matter, contact Ms. Sindle at 573-472-6659.  

Transfers-if you are a currently a VRC or SVRC who is not on probation or a corrective action plan and seeking a lateral (same range) transfer, provide a transfer application

(http://www.oa.mo.gov/pers/TranRempAppt.htm ) to Ms. Sindle as instructed above.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, services provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.