VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR - MASTERS - 03312026- 76365

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, REHABILITATION SERVICES DIVISION, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0019158_VRCM_RutherfordDeaf_41326.pdf

This is a hybrid position

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

OR

Masters or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that emphasizes rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development AND

• Within 90 days of hire must submit an educational plan for approval and apply for admission to an accredited university for enrollment of additional required courses. Within six months of hire must enroll, at their own expense, in the following courses in accordance with their education plan: Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling and satisfactorily complete all within thirty-six months from the date of hire. OR
• Within 90 days of hire, submit a request for a pre-review, at their own expense, to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) that results in confirmation that they meet the eligibility criteria to test for the Certified Rehab Counselor Certification and provide official notification from the CRCC. OR
• Have an active Certified Rehab Counselor Certification from the CRCC.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

1. Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
2. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
3. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check:
4. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions;
5. All individuals will be required to produce a transcript at the time of application, which verifies their degree and courses completed. As a condition of employment, individuals who do not have a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling will be required to complete additional requirements as outlined in the above minimum qualifications in the timeframes specified.

Overview

The Division of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, seeks to provide employment-focused rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities consistent with their

strengths, priorities, and resources. The VR Program provides a variety of individualized services to persons with disabilities in preparation for their employment in the competitive labor market.

Services provided that reduce or eliminate disability related barriers to employment may include counseling and guidance, training, maintenance and transportation, transition services from school

to work, personal care assistance, rehabilitation technology services, job placement, postemployment services, supported employment, and independent living services.

Under the general supervision of a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Deaf Services Field Supervisor, the VR Counselor is primarily responsible for providing counseling and guidance services to

individuals with hearing loss in Middle TN, primarily, customers in Rutherford, Davidson and surrounding counties, but may receive cases statewide. Counseling and guidance will focus on

supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their desired career goal and will be used to set a clear path in pursuing that goal. The VR Counselor may help an individual that is unsure if they

want to work, what they want to do, or what skills they can offer employers. By utilizing their education and experience, the VR Counselor will connect the person to resources, training, and

other support services to ensure they are prepared to enter the workforce, or return to the workforce, in the field of their choosing.

Responsibilities

1. Collects customer's medical and psychological information and determines their eligibility for services. Monitors local labor market trends to facilitate effective job placement and maximize employment outcomes.
2. Conducts assessments to evaluate customer's skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals. Reviews assessment data to identify appropriate goals and opportunities and directs them toward suitable employment opportunities.
3. Uses counseling and guidance to interpret and explains medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers. Empowers customers to make informed decisions concerning their goals.
4. Collaborates with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans that align with their vocational and employment goals. Evaluates customer's progress and employment readiness and amends plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
5. Arranges appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate customer participation in vocational programs. Requests authorizations for services provided and ensures vendors receive payment.
6. Investigates complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns. Documents customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case management systems.
7. Educates employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities and promotes qualified applicants to employers.
8. Cultivates professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants or available resources and promote rehabilitation services.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Decision Quality
2. Resourcefulness
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Instills Trust
5. Situational Adaptability

Knowledges:

1. Customer and Personal Service

Skills:

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Complex Problem Solving
3. Critical Thinking
4. Judgment and Decision Making
5. Time Management

Abilities:

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Problem Sensitivity
4. Originality

Tools & Equipment

1. General Office Equipment
2. Computer/Laptop/Tablet
3. Multifunction Printer (print/copy/scan/fax)
4. Cell Phone