Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 43870

DEED's State Services for the Blind (SSB) has been serving blind, visually impaired and DeafBlind Minnesotans since 1923. It does so with a staff of 130 dedicated personnel, over 650 skilled volunteers, an active State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and a host of community partners. Each year SSB assists thousands in leading full, active and productive lives. Come be part of a great organization in a great state!

The counselor position works with adults to facilitate customer achievement of competitive, integrated employment outcomes. The counselor plans, authorizes, and coordinates service delivery of individualized Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services in partnership with blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind customers. This position participates in all aspects of implementing the mission and purpose of the Workforce Development Unit of State Services for the Blind. 

This position covers the Northwest region with offices located in Brainerd and Fergus Falls, Mn locations covering the Minnesota counties of Traverse, Grant, Douglas, Wilkin, Otter Tail, Clay, Becker, Norman, Mahnomen, Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Roseau, Kittson

Monitor case services budget.

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all factors relevant to the development and preparation, of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in accordance with federal and state law and applicable policies and procedures. 

Working in partnership with the customer, implement and successfully complete an IPE resulting in gainful employment.

Plan and provide individualized placement services needed to facilitate the achievement of the consumer's vocational rehabilitation goal.

Provide support to the overall mission of the Workforce Development Unit through a variety of activities.

Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Blind Rehabilitation Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or related degree as determined by the appointing authority

Skill in Human Relations to build cooperative working relationships with the customer as well as with partners throughout the vocational rehabilitation process.

Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Blind Rehabilitation Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or related degree as determined by the appointing authority

AND

Three (3) years of related work experience which demonstrates knowledge of one-to-one counseling, caseload management, development of rehabilitation plans, customer assessment, and job placement services

Skill in human relations to build cooperative working relationships with the customer as well as with partners throughout the vocational rehabilitation process.

Experience working with individuals who are Blind, visually impaired or DeafBlind.

Proficient in a second language.

Ability to interpret and explain in plain language complex information such as guidelines, regulations, policies, medical and psychiatric reports.

Ability to analyze assessment information sufficient to identify and address the customer’s vocational rehabilitation needs.

Experience applying counseling techniques sufficient to conduct an effective diagnostic interview, to assist the client in completing the rehabilitation plan, and address any issues that emerge during the customer’s rehabilitation process.

This position requires an Adjustment to Blindness emersion, training program. The emersion experience helps new employees understand what’s possible for people who are blind, DeafBlind or visually impaired by allowing them to experience it for themselves. The training takes place at an Adjustment to Blindness training center and can run up to 6-7 weeks.