Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Client/Patient)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. 

Whiting Forensic Hospital specializes in providing inpatient services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The hospital consists of 91 maximum security beds and 138 enhanced security beds. Services are provided to individuals who are admitted under the following categories: Psychiatric Security Review Board commitment, Criminal court order for restoration of competency to stand trial, Civil commitment (voluntary or involuntary) and Transfer from the Department of Correction (during period of incarceration or at end of sentence). Discharge options are dependent on legal status and the purpose of admission. 

The DMHAS, Whiting Forensic Hospital seeks an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (PCN 124802).  This position is located within the Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, CT. This is a full-time, forty (40) hour per week position.  The work schedule is as follows:   Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.      

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we have an excellent opportunity to join our hospital’s team!

Discover the opportunity to:

• Assist individuals within Whiting Forensic Hospital in learning meaningful employment skills;
• Work with individuals to enhance skills for community re-integration;
• Provide services through group and individual interventions;
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams.

What we offer:

• A pension plan;
• Excellent health benefits along with additional supplemental benefits;
• A challenging yet rewarding experience.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your Resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.   Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc.  You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

 Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker at Julie.Barker@ct.gov or (860) 262-6745.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

In a state facility or institution, this class is accountable for providing vocational rehabilitation counseling services to a caseload of clients and/or patients.

Evaluates patients for vocational rehabilitation services; establishes community contacts; facilitates vocational training and retraining; works with treatment teams to assist individual patients in achieving social, emotional and vocational stability; maintains case records and other pertinent material; prepares state and federal reports concerning rehabilitation services rendered; administers and interprets psychological tests pertaining to vocational abilities; refers clients to in-hospital rehabilitation modalities such as pre-vocational evaluation, industrial and recreational work shops; follows up on placements made in institution or community; carries an on-going case load; may administer Employees Assistance Program; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of rehabilitation counseling, interviewing, psychological and occupational testing; knowledge of symptoms of alcoholism and rehabilitative remedies or treatments; knowledge of community resources; knowledge of occupations and labor market in assigned area; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate significant case information pertinent to rehabilitation of an individual; ability to write complete and concise case reports; some supervisory ability.

Six (6) years of technical or professional experience in rehabilitation counseling or related counseling fields which involve dealing with emotional problems of individuals or 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 or educational guidance or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

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.