Job Description

The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), is seeking to hire a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Candidate within the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS).

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

Schedule

: + Typically, Monday - Friday with a combination of in-office and telework days
+ Full-time (35 hours per week)
+ First shift (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Location

: 249 Thomaston Ave in Waterbury, CT

PLEASE NOTE

: Although this position will be based out of our Waterbury office, it will also support efforts out of our Bridgeport District Office located at 1057 Broad St in Bridgeport, CT. Hybrid work environment (telework and in office)

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

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State Employee Benefits Overview

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Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

THE ROLE

This position will work as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD) and will support our Western Region offices. The selected candidate would be responsible for providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users), or hard of hearing.

Due to the nature of the work the selected candidate will be doing, our ideal candidate will be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

This is the entry training level class responsible for learning and practicing the range of duties in Vocational Rehabilitation. Positions in this class shall be for a period of one (1) year.

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO

Provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users), or hard of hearing; Conduct intakes and gather and review records for eligibility determination, perform assessments, provide career counseling and individualized services to eligible transition-age youth and adults with disabilities regarding their employment options, and develop effective partnerships through community outreach; Provide support to high school students who are Deaf, DeafBlind (ASL users), or hard of hearing by collaborating with schools, students, and families to offer pre-vocational services, resources, and information essential for a successful transition from high school to the workforce; and Have ongoing interactions with the public, conduct community outreach, and manage referrals from multiple sources including general intake, community organizations, school systems, and other community organizations to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities including those who are Deaf or DeafBlind (ASL users).

ABOUT US

The mission of ADS is: Maximizing opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. We design our programs, policies, and practices to:



Deliver aging and disability services that meet the changing needs of Connecticut's citizens. Lead on aging and disability issues statewide. Coordinate aging and disability programs and services. This includes 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.

Selection Plan

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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, 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 DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

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:

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 www.ct.gov/ethics.

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 Frank DeCusati at frank.decusati@ct.gov.



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

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services this class is accountable for receiving intensive training and close supervision in providing rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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Receives intensive training in rehabilitation planning and services for individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation needs; Receives training in agency procedures, policies, program guidelines and legal reporting requirements; Interviews individuals with disabilities to explain functions, services and eligibility requirements of the agency; Counsels individuals and assists in planning, selecting, preparing for and achieving a vocational goal; Obtains case information from schools, employers, the Social Security Administration, and other public and private agencies and medical facilities; Arranges for services within the agency or other community agencies; Assesses vocational rehabilitation potential; Elicits information and establishes community referral sources; Prepares case histories and other case records as components of a small assigned caseload; Maintains a larger caseload as skills are acquired during training program; May administer psychological tests; Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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Knowledge of + principles and techniques of interviewing and occupational testing;
+ disability and resulting functional limitations;
+ 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;
+ gather, analyze, 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

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A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with major courses of study in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, psychology, special education, or related behavioral or social science.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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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 conducting presentations to community agencies Experience with an electronic case management system, Outlook, and video conferencing platforms Experience managing competing priorities while meeting deadlines Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders Experience utilizing assistive technology and communication resources for deafness and hearing loss in the workplace Fluent in American Sign Language

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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To obtain the position of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 within time frames specified by the Bureau incumbents in the class are required to obtain the educational qualification for the Rehabilitation Counselor I and meet the most current national standard for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) as specified by the Commission 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.