ASL Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (35 Hour)

Introduction

Are you fluent in American Sign Language?

Ready to empower individuals with disabilities and guide them towards meaningful employment?

Join our team and make a lasting impact by helping individuals achieve their career goals and independence!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is seeking qualified individuals to join our team as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1. Discover an exciting opportunity to deliver vital vocational rehabilitation services to individuals are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing. Explore further details about these rewarding positions below!


Individuals in their final semester of a Master's degree program may apply. Candidate cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Schedule: Monday - Friday
• Shift: Full-time, 35 hours per week, First Shift
• Environment: Hybrid work environment, including office-based, community based, and remote work responsibilities
• Location: 249 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT (Although this position will be based out of the Waterbury office, it will also support efforts out of the Bridgeport District Office at 1057 Broad St in Bridgeport)

Due to the specialized nature of this position, our ideal candidate will be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). A video may be requested to verify experience during this process.

Reminder: Please ensure that all languages in which you are fluent are listed in the Language Fluency section under the Profile tab of your application.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities
• Dealing with the public and conducting community outreach
• Managing referrals from general intake, community organizations, school systems and other community referrals

In this role you will provide valuable vocational rehabilitation services to our clients in one of three exciting functional areas:

• General Counselors - Primary responsibilities include conducting intakes, gathering and reviewing records for eligibility determination, performing assessments, providing career counseling and individualized services to eligible transition age youth and/or adults with disabilities regarding their employment options, and developing effective partnerships through community outreach.

• Level Up Counselors - Concentrate on helping high school students with disabilities by collaborating with schools, students and families, by providing pre-vocational services, resources, and information that the student will need to transition from high school into the work force.

• Workforce Counselors - Go into the community to build relationships with employers and market BRS services, they educate employers on the benefits of employing our qualified clients, and secure placement and training opportunities for our job seekers based on current labor market trends.

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND BUREAU:

The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to:

• Deliver aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens
• Provide leadership on aging and disability issues statewide
• Provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy
• Advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults
• Serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), a division of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), assists individuals with significant physical and/or mental disabilities in preparing for, securing, maintaining, or advancing in employment. BRS is dedicated to fostering opportunities that support individuals with disabilities in gaining competitive employment.

BRS has helped thousands of Connecticut residents with disabilities. Our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors have the knowledge and experience to help people with disabilities explore work opportunities and make good choices related to employment.

We offer individualized services for persons with disabilities who are eligible for vocational rehabilitation and provide supports in planning for and achieving their job goals.

Start with us. Stay with us. Grow with us.

Career progression pathway within the State of Connecticut: starting with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (outlined to indicate the current opening), advancing to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 2, then Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist, and ending at Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:


Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.


BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, video, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.
• Salary Calculations : For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note : The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
• For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note : This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:


Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Joseph K. Fried at View email address on click.appcast.io.


Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)


In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services this class is accountable for performing professional rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.


EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Performs a limited range of professional rehabilitation planning for and services to individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation needs;
• Conducts interviews and explains functions, services and eligibility requirements of the agency;
• Counsels individuals and assists in planning, selecting, preparing for and achieving a vocational goal;
• Obtains sufficient case information from schools, employers, Social Security Administration and other public and private agencies and medical facilities;
• Arranges for services within the agency or other community agencies;
• Prepares written reports to document decisions and assesses vocational rehabilitation potential;
• Establishes community referral sources;
• Prepares case histories and other case records as components of an assigned caseload using an electronic system;
• Coordinates and delivers presentations;
• May administer vocational tests;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
  • the principles and techniques of vocational rehabilitation counseling and interviewing;
  • disability and resulting functional limitation and medical terminology;
  • community resources;
• Skills
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • organize time, set priorities and manage workload using an electronic system;
  • gather, analyze and evaluate significant information pertinent to the rehabilitation of an individual;
  • establish and maintain an effective counseling relationship with individuals;
  • write reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE


A Master's degree from an accredited college with a major course of study in vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, special education or related behavioral or social sciences.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with high school students or adults with disabilities to include individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing
• Experience providing outreach to the Deaf community and to community agencies including conducting presentations
• Experience with an electronic case management system, Outlook, and video conferencing platforms
• Experience managing competing priorities while meeting deadlines
• Experience utilizing assistive technology and communication resources for deafness and hearing loss
• Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders in American Sign Language

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class will be required to obtain the educational qualification for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 and meet the most current national standard for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) as specified by the Commissioner on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
• Incumbents in this class are required to maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license or Identification Card.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel with or without accommodation.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.