VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 2-UNDERFILL

Job Summary This recruitment is for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 2, an underfill for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3, in the Ely office of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. The incumbent makes eligibility decisions for program services; provides eligible individuals with sufficient counseling and guidance to assist them in completing an adequate assessment of vocational needs; develops Individual Plans for Employment (IPE); manages cases to ensure timely case movement and delivery of services; ensures accurate case documentation; ensures case expenditures are appropriate; completes required actions with sufficient written documentation and justification to obtain the required number of employment outcomes; consults and collaborates with management on significant issues; provides feedback to lower level VR employees; and provides quality customer service. Essential Qualifications Master’s degree from an accredited university in vocational rehabilitation counseling, health or social sciences, business administration, education, or closely related field, and one year of professional experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling which included making eligibility, ineligibility and employment outcome determinations by applying federal, state and agency regulations, policies and procedures for a public vocational rehabilitation or similar program; negotiating and resolving conflicts; and performing community outreach public relations activities for an assigned program. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in vocational rehabilitation counseling, health or social sciences, business administration, education, or closely related field, and two years of professional experience as described above. One year of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I in Nevada State service. An equivalent combination of education and experience above the Bachelor’s degree level as described above. Job Duties Manage the caseload budget, project and authorize expenditures to assess applicants and meet client needs for physical and mental restoration, training or other vocational rehabilitation services; establish priorities of case spending; track caseload expenses; identify and utilize other available financial resources to maximize agency funds. Interview applicants to establish case histories including family background, social characteristics, education, work experience, health history and financial status; identify appropriate diagnostics and consultations; schedule applicants for medical, psychological and vocational assessments; make referrals to other social services as appropriate. Analyze data gathered to determine disabling condition, physical and psychological limitations, and need for vocational rehabilitation services for employment purposes and plan development. Determine and document ineligibility based on clear and convincing evidence, including trial work periods. Assess vocational rehabilitation needs, identify medical, psychological, social, vocational, educational and other needs and strengths, resources, priorities and interests. Develop an IPE, determine realistic vocational goal, identify intermediate objectives and strategies, determine evaluation criteria and schedules, identify service providers and coordinate service delivery, evaluate effectiveness of services, ensure clients utilize available benefits and entitlements, provide required services, review and modify goals and strategies as needed. Provide ongoing service coordination and advocacy to facilitate the IPE; perform counseling including adjustment, family, individual and group, and career and job readiness counseling; coordinate job placement services. Assess job readiness; provide job seeking skills training; develop job placement resources; provide information to local employers regarding agency program goals and State and federal employment incentives; advise and assist employers with station modification to accommodate specific disabilities; provide on‑job training, supportive work, selective placement and follow‑up. Consult with doctors, psychologists, therapists, prosthesis manufacturers, hospital staff and dentists to coordinate delivery of physical and mental services; refer clients to training programs; authorise and monitor vocational assessment and adjustment services; consult with coworkers and service providers to coordinate overlapping services. Maintain case files and document all activities and expenditures; collect, analyse and report statistical and budget data related to caseloads. Represent client and agency interests by attending meetings and community events, interacting with employers, other agencies, community members and local facilities and institutions; serve on committees and agency staff to explore issues that impact the agency and its clientele. Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of diagnoses and treatment processes sufficient to analyze and interpret medical and psychological reports; theories and practices related to work assessment, work adjustment and work readiness; medical and psychological reference texts, medical fee schedules and vocational reference materials and how to use them effectively; medical, social and psychological problems unique to persons with disabilities; career counseling and assessment techniques; theories and practices related to disability counseling; vocational consultation and employer services. General knowledge of incentive programs designed to promote employment of persons with disabilities; vocational evaluation instruments used in evaluating characteristics, skills and aptitudes of persons with disabilities; vocational rehabilitation technology and equipment; barriers to independent living and assessment resources. Ability to develop and implement individualized vocational rehabilitation plans; project, authorize and prioritize expenditures associated with vocational rehabilitation services; motivate and persuade employers to hire people with disabilities; synthesize and summarize complex technical and medical information into verbal and written expression for presentation to clients, employers and service providers; apply federal and State regulations, policies and procedures to make eligibility and ineligibility determinations and employment outcomes; manage a caseload budget; assess the availability of comparable services and benefits; work as part of a team and across disciplines. Skill in conducting job modification and restructuring assessments; conducting labor market surveys; presenting job seeking skills training; conducting job analysis and transferable skills analysis for selective placement of persons with disabilities. Benefits Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP). Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year. Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year. Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year. Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full‑time equivalency. Deferred Compensation: Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program. No Nevada state income tax. Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment. Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Nevada is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Nevada