Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS. Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas. We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today.

DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession. For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

This is the entry level of vocational rehabilitation counseling work, providing services that assist eligible individuals with physical or mental disabilities to achieve greater independence through employment. Employees perform the full range of Essential Functions, completing routine and standardized assignments under close supervision.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Provides specialized vocational rehabilitation services, counseling, and support to clients and family members that promote successful employment and greater independence.
• Conducts interviews and completes comprehensive assessments to identify a client’s aptitudes, abilities, education level, interests, and to gather or verify other relevant data.
• Obtains and evaluates employment, medical, psychological, psychiatric, social, educational, and vocational information to determine eligibility for and provision of vocational rehabilitation services and identify client needs and appropriate resources.
• Develops employment rehabilitation plans that identify services, establish performance measures, and outline goals that align with each client’s abilities and priorities.
• Identifies barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and works with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
• Provides individualized services such as career counseling, guidance, and job training, and participates in job development and placement programs including contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating placement outcomes.
• Ensures compliance with agency, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices.
• Coordinates and integrates a variety of services with other agencies, medical facilities, educational institutions, and community resources to meet client employment goals and needs.
• Tracks and monitors progress in achieving identified goals and performance measures through regular contact with clients and makes necessary adjustments.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports that clearly and accurately document details and outcomes of each case.
• Uses automated case management systems and computer software to research, review, analyze, document, and report on client information.
• Meets with clients and family members through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.
• Performs other related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I

• Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social,…