Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Blind)

Bridgeport/35 hours a week/Monday through Friday

The Department of Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind, is presently accepting applications to fill one (1) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Blind) position for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. This position will assist clients in Northwest part of Connecticut.  Travel is required. 

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. Applicants are required to upload a 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.

Applicants not currently employed in state service who are invited to interview may be required to supply three (3) professional references from current or former supervisors. Candidates currently employed in state service may be required to supply two (2) of their most recent services rating at the time of interview. 

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

In the Board of Education and Services for the Blind vocational rehabilitation program this class is accountable for independently counseling a caseload of blind and visually impaired individuals on issues of personal and vocational adjustment.

Interviews applicants who are blind or whose vision is seriously impaired for rehabilitation services; secures information regarding educational background, work experience, interests, social and economic circumstances; arranges for administration and interpretation of psychological tests; evaluates and interprets data and assists blind persons to select a suitable plan of training; arranges for rehabilitation services to clients such as medical and health services necessary for physical restoration, pre-vocational and vocational training, transportation and maintenance when required; provides vocational information; provides counseling and guidance to individuals throughout rehabilitation process and assists individuals in meeting problems of personal, social and vocational adjustment; studies labor market conditions and surveys industrial business plants for employment in business enterprises; makes use of available community services and facilities and maintains work relationships with local, state and federal agencies; develops, evaluates and maintains standards of training; maintains case records and prepares state and federal reports concerning rehabilitation services rendered; speaks publicly as required; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of vocational rehabilitation counseling, interviewing and psychological and occupational testing; knowledge of community resources available to rehabilitate visually handicapped persons; knowledge of occupations, job requirements and safety factors; knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of disabilities; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

A Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field and one (1) year of professional experience in rehabilitation counseling, job placement of persons with disabilities or vocational adjustment counseling.

•Experience in Professional Counseling techniques with individuals experiencing vocational rehabilitation issues.

•Experience in providing case management to a caseload across a geographic area.

•Knowledgeable of vocational trends, employment opportunities and labor market research.

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.