Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Job ResponsibilitiesThe mission of the SC Commission for the Blind (SCCB), established in 1966, is to provide quality individualized vocational rehabilitation services, independent living services, and prevention-of-blindness services to South Carolinians who are blind or have low vision leading to competitive employment and social and economic independence. Our goal is to become a national model vocational rehabilitation agency for people who are blind or have low vision, demonstrating quality services, accountability, innovation, effectiveness and efficiency.Do you want a career doing meaningful work that has a positive impact on people's lives? Have you thought about a career in state government but weren't sure how or where to begin? The SCCB is looking for hard working passionate individuals such as you! Every SCCB employee is important and a career with the SCCB will give you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally as you play a crucial role in the delivery of services to South Carolinians with visual impairments.The SCCB is currently recruiting for a passionate and dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to provide vocational rehabilitation services to consumers who are blind or visually impaired with the ultimate goal of achieving meaningful employment and greater independence. If you're driven by purpose and ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to be part of a team that transforms lives through opportunity and empowerment. Duties for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor include, but are not limited to:Provide Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and guidance and service coordination to blind and visually impaired consumers leading to competitive integrated employment.Create and maintain positive relationships with community partners, other state agencies, businesses, and referral sources. Assist with agency events.Determine eligibility of assigned Vocational Rehabilitation cases.Develop and implement an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) with each eligible consumer utilizing informed choice.With each consumer, complete an initial assessment of rehabilitation needs and establish an appropriate vocational goal using the O*NET Interest Profiler.Provide vocational counseling and guidance towards the achievement of successful outcomes. Coordinate services and caseload management to promote timely, quality service delivery.Input case data accurately and timely into the case management system to ensure the accuracy of federal and state reporting.Continuously partner and communicate with the Employment Consultant to set up and coordinate trial work experiences, work-based learning experiences, on the job training, internships, apprenticeships, job readiness training, job search assistance, and job placement services.Ensure purchased goods and services are pre-authorized and delivered in a timely manner in accordance with the consumer's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).Ensure all cases are closed appropriately.Other duties as assigned.Minimum and Additional RequirementsState: A bachelor's degree in a related field and experience in career counseling or related case management.Agency Requirements: Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a combination of a related Master's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education or Human Services and at least 2 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and/or workforce development.Preferred QualificationsCertified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).Additional CommentsThe SCCB is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited to, lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.The SCCB offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children,15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year*,15 days of sick leave per year,13 paid holidays,Paid Parental Leave,Relocation reimbursement**,State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs, andPublic Service Loan Forgiveness.*Employees holding FTE status earn additional annual leave the longer they remain employed with the state.**Eligible new hires from out-of-state may receive up to $5,000 in reimbursements for certain expenses, pursuant to Section 8-11-135 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.A copy of your transcript may be uploaded as an attachment to the application. Upon hiring, candidates must submit official college transcript(s) or diploma(s) for degree(s) obtained. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.BenefitsBenefits for State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.