STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Client/Patient)

Recruitment #210301-9147SH-001

Introduction


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.

The Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS), with three locations throughout Fairfield County, promotes and administers comprehensive recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs and outpatient clinical services, as well as a wide range of additional supportive treatment services.

Are you looking for an exciting role that will have direct impact on someone's life? If so, we encourage you to apply today. We are currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (PCN 126684) within our Young Adult Services (YAS) Unit. This position is located at Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center, 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610. This is a 40 hour, fulltime position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 1st shift, 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Discover the Opportunity to:
  • Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of the population we serve;
  • Assist our staff and clients/patients, so they can achieve success;
  • Serve as a part of a vibrant team;
  • Make a difference in the public sector; and
  • Utilize your skills and knowledge to improve department functions.

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off! We offer outstanding work/life balance and limitless opportunity!

Selection Plan

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications - as listed on the job opening - will be considered for this role, as determined by qualifications stated on the submitted application.

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Andrew Pebley at Andrew.Pebley@ct.gov or (860) 785-6185.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our preferred candidate will have:
  • Experience providing vocational assessments and planning to Young Adult’s population;
  • Experience working with Young Adult population (18-25);
  • Experience working within and meeting the standards of an employment focused fidelity model;
  • Experience doing job development and working with community businesses and vendors;
  • Experience working with clients in the community;
  • Experience developing and leading groups;
  • Experience working with disorders including severe and prolonged mental illness, substance abuse, trauma and chronic medical conditions;
  • Experience with patients/clients with psychiatric disabilities in a hospital setting; and
  • Proficiency using Microsoft computer software and using an Electronic Health Record.

Conclusion

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.