Rehabilitation Counselor II - Bangor, United States - State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources

Description

Rehabilitation Counselor II

Bangor , Maine , United States | Employment Services | Full-time


Apply by:
May 16, 2024

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Department of Labor - Bureau of Rehabilitation Services - Division of Blind and Visually Impaired
Job Class Code:3082Grade: 22 (Professional/Technical)

Salary:
$$45,801 - $61,443

Location:
Bangor

Opening Date:
May 1, 2024

Closing Date:
May 16, 2024

Are you interested in transforming lives, working as part of a motivated team of professionals serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired in achieving their employment and training goals?

This position provides Vocational Rehabilitation services to people who are Blind and Visually Impaired primarily in Penobscot, Hancock, Washington and Piscataquis counties.

This position is based out of the Bangor office.

Work includes counseling individuals in selecting, preparing for, and participating in a rehabilitation plan or retaining employment. Typical duties include determining eligibility for rehabilitation services and supporting individuals in an employment plan. Activities may include career development, youth employment transition programming and supporting other types of work experiences.

The position works closely with blindness rehabilitation professionals, community providers, families, employers, schools and requires strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills to serve youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired.

Frequent regional travel is necessary.

Given the nature of job responsibilities, this position may be subject to fingerprinting as part of the background process, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Primary responsibilities include:

Counsel clients in the rehabilitation process, develops a supportive relationship, and elicits client feedback and participation in order to provide rehabilitation services to clients.

Evaluates and interprets client's medical and physical information, interviews and determines initial and continuing eligibility for services, and assesses client needs and available resources to develop and implement a comprehensive and individualized plan for employment.

Contacts business and industry groups to promote, advocate for clients, and assistance to place clients in jobs.

Consults with representatives of schools, public and private agencies, and employers.

Develops and manages a budget plan to ensure effective delivery of client services.

Coordinates training, treatment, counseling, job coaching, and related rehabilitation programs to assist clients.

Explains rights of fair hearings and appeals and negotiates solutions and agreements with clients to meet client needs, agency goals, and minimize appeals.

Works closely with Case Managers, Rehabilitation Counselors, Job Developers, and Job Coaches to promote employment and ensure needs of the individual clients are met based on Federal and State mandated guidelines, and timeframes.

Utilizes technical expertise in the use of adaptive equipment and access technology order to assist clients.


Skills or knowledge required:
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of the local labor market.

Ability to work well as a member of a team.

Excellent prioritization, organization and time management skills.

Detail-oriented documentation.

Frequent local and occasional statewide travel.

The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of:
Knowledge of vision rehabilitation services and programs.

Knowledge of human growth and development and its impact on adult behavior.

Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.

Knowledge of sensory, physical, mental and emotional conditions affecting social and vocational adjustment.

Knowledge and understanding of business culture, climate, trends, and labor market information.

Ability to use methods and techniques of vocational and professional counseling.

Ability to analyze functional capacity, identify transferable skills, and interpret medical reports.

Ability to work independently as a counselor and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to be flexible and handle sudden change in demands.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.


Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a field related to vocational rehabilitation and 2 years of experience demonstrating knowledges and abilities in assisting individuals with disabilities, employers and other stakeholders with their employment and workforce needs.

Preference will be given to those applicants:
Experience with blindness or low vision. CRC preferred.


Contact information:
Questions about this position should be directed to Carrie Brooker


Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.

In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.

Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here or contact our office at Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.

Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.

We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential.

Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually.

Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary.

Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package ) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness ) .

Note:
Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills.

Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness.

We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.

If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.