VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR - MASTERS - 08122025- 70299

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, REHABILITATION SERVICES DIVISION, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

This is a hybrid position

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Follow the link below for more information:

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0015007_VRCM_Rutherford_82525.pdf

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

OR

Master's or doctoral program in a related field of study with course content that emphasizes rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development (within 90 days of hire must enroll, at their own expense, in an approved educational plan that will result in the completion of the following courses: Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling within thirty-six months from the date of hire).

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

1. Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
2. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
3. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check.
4. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions.
5. All individuals will be required to produce a transcript at the time of application, which verifies their degree and courses completed. As a condition of employment, individuals who do not have a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling will be required to complete the following courses: Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling, at their own expense within thirty-six months of hire.

Overview

An employee in this class is responsible for providing services to individuals with disabilities in the selection, preparation for, and planning of an individual rehabilitation program and arranges services for customers. This class differs from that of a VR Field Supervisor in that an incumbent of the latter supervises employees within this classification. This class differs from that of a Voc Rehab Case Manager in that the latter coordinates comprehensive services and acts as a liaison and advocate for adult students in a residential vocational training facility.

Responsibilities

1. Collects customer's medical and psychological information and determines their eligibility for services. Monitors local labor market trends to facilitate effective job placement and maximize employment outcomes.
2. Conducts assessments to evaluate customer's skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals. Reviews assessment data to identify appropriate goals and opportunities and directs them toward suitable employment opportunities.
3. Uses counseling and guidance to interpret and explains medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers. Empowers customers to make informed decisions concerning their goals.
4. Collaborates with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans that align with their vocational and employment goals. Evaluates customer's progress and employment readiness and amends plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
5. Arranges appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate customer participation in vocational programs. Requests authorizations for services provided and ensures vendors receive payment.
6. Investigates complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns. Documents customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case management systems.
7. Educates employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities and promotes qualified applicants to employers.
8. Cultivates professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants or available resources and promote rehabilitation services.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Decision Quality
2. Resourcefulness
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Instills Trust
5. Situational Adaptability

Knowledges:

1. Customer and Personal Service

Skills:

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Complex Problem Solving
3. Critical Thinking
4. Judgment and Decision Making
5. Time Management

Abilities:

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Problem Sensitivity
4. Originality

Tools & Equipment

1. General Office Equipment
2. Computer/Laptop/Tablet
3. Multifunction Printer (print/copy/scan/fax)
4. Cell Phone