Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

About Us 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. Description of Work The primary purpose of this Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is to identify blind, visually impaired, or deafblind persons whose disability creates a substantial impediment to employment and enables them to obtain employment. This is achieved through the provision of a planned program of rehabilitation services including job development and placement services and direct interaction with employers in the community to assist the person in achieving employment commensurate with his/her skills, choice, interests, and capabilities. The counselor in this position is primarily responsible for providing and coordinating these services to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. Job Duties Making constant efforts to explain the scope and range of vocational rehabilitation services to potential consumers and to potential referral sources, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and Departments of Social Services within the counties served. Completing the application and preliminary assessment process that includes initial interview and diagnostic study. Determining consumer eligibility for services and engaging in Individualized Employment Plan (IPE) development after assisting in setting a job goal that is commensurate with consumer abilities, capabilities, and interests. Coordinating or authorizing services to promote consumer employment. Providing and/or coordinating job development and placement in accordance with consumer job goal. Executing outreach to connect with, educate, and re‑educate eye care providers and to improve the numbers of appropriate referrals to the agency from various sources in the community. Executing case finding/plan development/provision of services with appropriate referrals in accordance with federal eligibility criteria. Qualifications 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. Physical Requirements Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work; the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work. The position requires spending time walking through different job sites, high schools, and touring college campuses. Compensation & Benefits Salary Grade Range: $43,267 - $75,718. Recruitment Range: $43,267 - $64,000. The position is eligible for a hybrid‑teleworking schedule to include weekly onsite work hours. The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NCFlex program, paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, and paid parental leave for eligible employees. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr