State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Board of Education and Services for the Blind vocational rehabilitation program this class is accountable for providing oversight, guidance and training to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (Blind) on techniques for increasing employment opportunities for clients and independently counseling a caseload of blind and visually impaired individuals on issues of personal and vocational adjustment.

Receives general direction from an employee of higher grade.

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

Provides extensive guidance and individual training to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (Blind) on successful techniques for increasing employment opportunities for clients; trains counselors on interviewing methods with clients and offers guidance on approaches to increase client motivation, participation and satisfaction with services being provided and coordinated; provides guidance and training to counselors on case management procedures and job development techniques; coordinates and provides vocational rehabilitation services to clients on assigned caseloads with an emphasis on activities that result in successful employment; provides counseling and vocational assessment; initiates referrals to service providers for clients to receive evaluations and training necessary to prepare for and enter into employment; explores and secures alternative funding sources for providing services; interfaces with outside organizations, employers and civic groups regarding agency services; develops job sites for clients and coordinates necessary services to enable a suitable job match; responds to client inquiries about procedures and policies that relate to providing services; establishes linkages with service providers statewide that offer training and employment opportunities to program clients; may schedule, assign, oversee and review work of staff; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of principles and techniques of vocational rehabilitation counseling, interviewing and assessment of persons with visual impairments; considerable knowledge of occupations, job requirements and safety factors related to job functions; considerable knowledge of medical, social and psychological aspects of disabilities; knowledge of community resources governing vocational rehabilitation program; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; some supervisory ability.

A Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field and three (3) years of professional experience in rehabilitation counseling, job placement of persons with disabilities or vocational adjustment counseling.

Unclassified

(06)-Counseling

(14)-EDUCATION B (P-3B)

(2)-Professional

EG 27

New job code. (New job code established as a part of P-3B contract negotiations) Final 22-099

07/01/2022