JOB TITLE: VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE, DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

JOB CODE: 44827

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor job series describes work in the professional counseling of individuals with disabilities to develop and implement plans of services that result in suitable employment.

DEFINITION: This is structured and specialized trainee work in the vocational rehabilitation of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

An employee in this job receives formal and on-the-job training designed to develop skills and knowledge in rehabilitation counseling. Work involves providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, including deafness or hearing loss, to prepare for and engage in competitive integrated employment consistent with their unique strengths, priorities, concerns, abilities, interests, and aptitudes. Work includes performing increasingly more difficult duties as proficiency is acquired. Work is performed under the supervision of a Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor who reviews the work in progress and upon completion for effectiveness and adherence to established policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in a structured training program, studies texts and prepared training materials, and presents reports on training assignments.

• Communicates with deaf and hard of hearing individuals using American Sign Language and other forms of sign and manual communication, or through assistive technology.

• Interviews applicants to obtain relevant information regarding medical history, work experience, educational background, interests, and socioeconomic history.

• Disseminates information to individuals regarding vocational rehabilitation policies, procedures, and available services.

• Obtains and evaluates relevant documentation to determine an individual’s eligibility for services according to established federal, state, and agency policies and guidelines.

• Develops Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) with appropriate vocational goals, services, and providers based on assessment findings.

• Participates in counseling individuals with disabilities on developing viable vocational goals based on strengths, and assists them in addressing problems of personal, social, economic, and vocational adjustment related to their disability.

• Participates in the review and evaluation of diagnostic data to determine the nature and extent of an individual’s disability, and refers individual for additional psychological, medical, physical, or educational evaluations as deemed necessary.

• Assesses vocational or occupational interests of individuals and identifies and arranges for formal and informal education and vocational programs and other necessary training.

• Recommends the purchase of diagnostic and other case services necessary for the rehabilitation needs of the individual.

• Evaluates individuals’ job readiness, assists individuals with the development of job seeking skills and job placement activities, prepares individuals for job interviews, and monitors individuals on the job.

• Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Corresponds with individuals, service providers, and other partners.

• Evaluates the progress and effectiveness of the individual’s programs, identifies and recommends changes as necessary, and evaluates improvements in individual’s physical and/or psychological condition.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the theories, methods, and techniques used to analyze and encourage improvement in the psychosocial and physiological situations of individuals and families.

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to communicate fluently, both expressively and receptively, utilizing American Sign Language and other forms of sign and manual communication.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information.

• Ability to analyze and interpret numerical data.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A bachelor’s degree in deaf education, rehabilitation services, human services, health and family services, psychology, sociology, special education, counselor education, social work, biobehavioral health, occupational or physical therapy, or a closely related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All employees must be able to communicate at the intermediate sign communication level, or at the equivalent of intermediate sign communication level, as determined by a sign language proficiency evaluation approved by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.