Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator (Client/Patient)

40 hours a week, Monday through Friday

The Department of Rehabilitation Services, Workers Rehabilitation Services Unit, is recruiting for one (1) Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator (Client/Patient) position.  The preferred candidate will be responsible for analyzing and synthesizing medical, psychological and legal reports to determine program eligibility and services for individuals with complex vocational needs.  Responsibilities also include interface with Commissioners who adjudicate claims under Worker Compensation statues: and providing expert vocational testimony when necessary.  State wide travel is required. 

Applicants are required to upload a resume and cover letter with their submission.  (Note: In order to upload documents you must ensure that your internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.)  Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Rebecca Martinez, Rebecca.martinez@ct.gov, (860) 424-4985.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Rebecca Martinez at Rebecca.Martinez@ct.gov, (860) 424-4985.

In a state agency this class is accountable for supervising and/or coordinating a vocational rehabilitation program or centralized vocational rehabilitation unit for patients/clients.

Plans, establishes, maintains, and evaluates a network of services for clients experiencing difficult and complex vocational adjustment and rehabilitation problems; identifies appropriate vocational rehabilitation programs both within agency and community and investigates eligibility requirements of such programs; evaluates potential of handicapped individuals to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services; assesses vocational rehabilitation needs of clients and develops treatment plans; monitors implementation of treatment plans; provides professional counseling services to a caseload of individuals experiencing the most difficult and complex vocational rehabilitation and vocational adjustment problems; maintains case records on assigned caseload; prepares reports concerning rehabilitation services rendered; may administer and interpret psychological tests as they pertain to vocational interests and abilities; may provide consultative services to community agencies; may speak before lay and professional groups; performs related duties as required.

As the working supervisor of a centralized vocational rehabilitation unit of a state agency or institution, plans, directs, and monitors provision of services to specified groups of clients presenting difficult and complex rehabilitation and vocational adjustment problems; assigns caseloads to staff; provides technical assistance and consultation to staff; reviews work and evaluates performance of staff; assesses inservice training needs and trains staff; assesses vocational rehabilitation needs of clients various methods; develops for and/or with clients vocational rehabilitation treatment plans and monitors their implementation; refers clients to institutional and/or community rehabilitation modalities; follows up on client progress and performance; supervises maintenance of case records and files; prepares reports concerning vocational services rendered; may direct vocationally oriented group sessions such as sheltered workshops; may provide individual and group counseling services to a small caseload of individuals experiencing the most difficult and complex vocational rehabilitation and vocational adjustment problems; may coordinate Special Educational and/or individualized educational programs between institution and local public school system; may speak before lay and professional groups; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of vocational rehabilitation counseling and interviewing; knowledge of vocational rehabilitation process; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws and regulations; knowledge of psychological and occupational testing; knowledge of rehabilitative remedies and treatment; knowledge of community resources available to meet rehabilitative needs of individuals; knowledge of labor market major occupational groups and their required qualifications; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to gather, analyze and evaluate significant case information pertinent to rehabilitation of individuals; ability to prepare reports and maintain files and records; some supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years of experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or related fields which involve dealing with problems of individual behavior in relation to vocational adjustment.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, vocational guidance, or a related behavioral science may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For State employees, two (2) years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor(Client/Patient) may be substituted for the General Experience.

Experience in Professional Counseling techniques with individuals experiencing the most difficult and complex vocational rehabilitation problems. Experience in providing case management to a large caseload across a large geographic area. Experience in achieving high employment outcomes, without accommodations, with a diverse population. Be knowledgeable of vocational trends, employment opportunities and labor market research. Master's degree is preferred.

Incumbents in this class in the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services may be required to possess a Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or a closely related field.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.