Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor

Agency & Job Details

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Blind Services Job Classification Title Rehabilitation Counselor (NS) Position Number  Grade NC10

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor (ILRC) serves individuals who are visually impaired, blind or deaf blind who are in need of individualized services to maintain independence in the home and/or community. A majority of individuals requiring services are over the age of 55. Services provided by this program assist individuals with adapting to sensory loss in order to reduce a sense of isolation, increase the ability to engage in meaningful activities and reduce the risk of injuries, depression and nursing home placement.

• Conduct outreach in the community to identify individuals in need of program services.
• Complete a comprehensive assessment on each applicant for services.
• Interpret eye reports to determine the level of visual impairment and to assist with planning appropriate services.
• Determine eligibility for services
• In collaboration with the client, develop a service plan which includes specific independent living objectives.
• Provide guidance and counseling throughout the case management process.
• Make referrals to agency internal staff for specialized services, to other agency programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation, and to external resources needed for the achievement of planned goals.
• Provide instruction on basic daily living skills tasks both one‑on‑one and in group settings. Instruction areas include but are not limited to basic adaptive technology, cooking, personal care and communications.
• Manage a budget and ensure expenditures meet policy guidelines.
• Hire and train vendors to serve as Daily Living Skills Instructors.
• Coordinate in‑person or virtual group trainings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners in order to best serve clients.

This position covers Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Orange, Person, Vance and Warren Counties.

Salary Range: $42,627 - $75,718
Recruitment Range: $42,627 - $64,000
Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred.

• Knowledge of or experience in case management
• Knowledge of or experience working with people with disabilities
• Knowledge of or experience working with a team of professionals to help a client meet a goal

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits Supplemental and Contact Information.

• Health insurance options
• Standard and supplemental retirement plans
• NCFlex program
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Community service leave
• Paid parental leave

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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