STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (35 Hour)

Hybrid

Recruitment #231212-9150EB-001

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Introduction


Ready to empower individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users), or hard of hearing and guide them towards meaningful employment?
Join our team and make a lasting impact by helping individuals achieve their career goals and independence!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking qualified individuals to join our team with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1. This position will work as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD) and will support our Western Region offices.  The selected candidate would be responsible for providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users), or hard of hearing. Find out more information on these great opportunities below!

Due to the nature of the work the selected candidate will be doing, our ideal candidate will be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Work Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday, with a combination of in-office and telework days
  • Work Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, First Shift
  • Locations: 249 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT
Please Note: Although this position will be based out of our Waterbury Office, it will also support efforts out of our Bridgeport District Office, located at 1057 Broad St, Bridgeport, CT. 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive comprehensive benefits plan that includes:
  • A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation’s best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D
  • 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
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
  • A healthy work/life balance!
You'd be able to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
  • Providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users), or hard of hearing.
  • Conducting intakes, gathering, and reviewing records for eligibility determination, performing assessments, providing career counseling and individualized services to eligible transition-age youth and adults with disabilities regarding their employment options, and developing effective partnerships through community outreach.
  • Concentrating on assisting high school students who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users), or hard of hearing by collaborating with schools, students, and families, and by providing pre-vocational services, resources, and information that the student will need to transition from high school into the work force. 
  • Having ongoing interactions with the public, conduct community outreach and manage referrals from multiple sources including general intake, community organizations, school systems and other community organizations to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities including those who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users).
MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES:

The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to:

  • Deliver 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
  • Serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level
The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), a division of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), which help persons with significant physical and/or mental disabilities prepare for, find, keep or advance in a job. BRS strives to create opportunities to help individuals with disabilities work competitively.

BRS has helped thousands of Connecticut residents with disabilities. Our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselors have the knowledge and experience to help people with disabilities explore work opportunities and make good choices related to employment.

We offer individualized services for persons with disabilities who are eligible for VR and provide supports in planning for and achieving their job goals.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!

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.
  • In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the recruiter listed on this job posting.
  • 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 Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov, 860-924-7053.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services this class is accountable for performing professional rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs a limited range of professional rehabilitation planning for and services to individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation needs; conducts interviews and explains functions, services and eligibility requirements of the agency; counsels individuals and assists in planning, selecting, preparing for and achieving a vocational goal; obtains sufficient case information from schools, employers, Social Security Administration and other public and private agencies and medical facilities; arranges for services within the agency or other community agencies; prepares written reports to document decisions and assesses vocational rehabilitation potential; establishes community referral sources; prepares case histories and other case records as components of an assigned caseload using an electronic system; coordinates and delivers presentations; may administer vocational tests; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of vocational rehabilitation counseling and interviewing; some knowledge of disability and resulting functional limitation and medical terminology; some knowledge of community resources; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds; ability to organize time, set priorities and manage workload using an electronic system; some ability to gather, analyze and evaluate significant information pertinent to the rehabilitation of an individual; some ability to establish and maintain an effective counseling relationship with individuals; some ability in report writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A Master's degree from an accredited college with a major course of study in vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, special education or related behavioral or social sciences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working with high school students or adults with disabilities.
  • Experience providing outreach to the Deaf community and conducting presentations to community agencies.
  • Experience with an electronic case management system, Outlook, and video conferencing platforms.
  • Experience working with individuals from diverse or underserved populations.
  • Experience applying organizational and time-management skills.
  • Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience understanding the communication, cultural and psychosocial needs of Deaf and DeafBlind persons who use American Sign Language.
  • Experience and knowledge of assistive technology and resources related to deafness and hearing loss to provide communication access in the workplace.
  • Experience in communicating fluently and effectively in American Sign Language.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class will be required to obtain the educational qualification for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 and meet the most current national standard for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) as specified by the Commissioner on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
2. Incumbents in this class are required to maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license or Identification Card.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel with or without accommodation.

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.





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