JOB TITLE: VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 44835

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

DEFINITION: This is specialized professional supervisory and administrative work in the field of vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

An employee in this job supervises a unit of staff who provide vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. Work involves planning and organizing case work within the unit, training vocational rehabilitation staff, implementing new program initiatives, and participating in developing and implementing cooperative agreements. Work includes functioning as a community liaison with public and private organizations, agencies, advocacy groups, employers, and customers. Work is performed under the general direction of a Vocational Rehabilitation Manager or a Blindness and Visual Services District Manager and is reviewed for adherence to established policies, procedures, and regulations through progress reports and conferences.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from the lower level based on the responsibility for supervising Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors or equivalent level professional staff engaged in social service or vocational work.

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.):

• Performs formal case reviews to ensure adherence to mandated federal and state guidelines and regulations.

• Monitors and analyzes individual and unit data to ensure district office and agency goals are attained.

• Maintains ongoing and effective relationships with public and private organizations, agencies, advocacy groups, employers, and customers.

• Participates in special projects and program development to design and implement new or updated service delivery initiatives, policies, and guidelines.

• Participates in the development and implementation of cooperative agreements.

• Participates in advisory groups and associations.

• Plans, organizes, and implements program initiatives to support operational goals of the vocational rehabilitation program; resolves program implementation and service delivery issues.

• Analyzes case records and summarizes findings in case conferences with counselors.

• Plans for and monitors unit expenditure of funds.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of casework principles and methods related to rehabilitation counseling.

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of vocational rehabilitation.

• Knowledge of employment practices and the skills, abilities, and physical demands of the more common occupations.

• Knowledge of the techniques of placing people with disabilities into competitive employment.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies impacting the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services.

• Knowledge of diversity and equal opportunity principles.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information and numerical data.

• Ability to mediate and negotiate issues.

• 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):

• Two years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Vision Rehabilitation Therapist; or Orientation and Mobility Specialist (commonwealth titles);

or

• Two years as a Social Worker 2 (commonwealth title) in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation;

or

• Two years of professional experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program; AND a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, mental health, special education, social work, human services, psychology, business administration, human resources, public administration, or a closely related field;

or

• Two years of professional experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program; AND possession of an active Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certificate issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.