STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Blind) (35 Hour)

Hybrid

Recruitment #230307-9140EC-001

Introduction



Are you looking to assist individuals with disabilities?
Do you have a background in rehabilitation counseling?
If so, we have a role for you!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking a qualified individual to join our team as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Blind) (PCN 34713). This position will work with individuals who are legally blind or visually impaired for our Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) in Windsor. Find more information about this great opportunity below!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
  • Work Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
  • Work Shift: First shift, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
  • Location: 184 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT
  • Work Environment: Hybrid
  • Note: This role requires statewide coverage
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive comprehensive benefits plan that includes:
  • Industry leading health benefits with medical and dental coverage
  • Generous paid time off, include 13 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings
  • Retirement healthcare offerings
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance!
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
  • 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;
  • Make a difference in the public sector; and
  • Utilize your skills and knowledge to enhance department functions.
MORE ABOUT US:

ADS offers a myriad of programs and services to assist older adults and people with disabilities. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to: deliver integrated aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens; provide leadership on aging and disability issues statewide; provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy; advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults; and serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level. 

BESB is the state's leading bureau for the coordination and provision of services to all Connecticut residents who are legally blind, or have significant visual impairments. These services include training and devices that help people who are blind function in the home and in the community independently; teaching children how to adapt to and learn in an environment - in and outside of school - that is designed for those with sight and; providing services that help people who are blind find work or keep their job after blindness has developed. 

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID 19 Vaccination Immunization.
To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Doreen Clemson via email at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, 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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in rehabilitation counseling and job placement of persons with disabilities.
  • Experience in Vocational Adjustment counseling.
  • Experience with the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how it applies to vocational rehabilitation.
  • Experience working with students with disabilities transitioning from high school to work and/or college.
  • Experience in career counseling with blind and visually impaired individuals.
  • Experience providing case management.
  • Experience working with rehabilitation trends, employment opportunities, and labor market research.

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.