Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XH12
Class Code: 9806
Established: 06/04/1975
Revised: 02/21/2001
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under general supervision, determine vocational eligibility and level of severity of disability; plan and arrange for the supervision of vocational rehabilitation of individuals with physical and mental disabilities which are substantial impediments to gainful employment; serve as a liaison and resource to employers and community organizations regarding opportunities and considerations related to hiring individuals with disabilities; provide vocational counseling, rehabilitation assessment, and placement of individuals with disabilities; and perform other related work.
Typical Tasks
Through a process of informed choice, interview applicants and/or their representatives and assess all information to determine eligibility for services, the severity and nature of disability, and the need for vocational rehabilitation services; collect, analyze, and interpret medical, psychological, educational, social, rehabilitation technology, and employment information regarding each applicant; conduct a vocational assessment; counsel and guide clients throughout the vocational rehabilitation process; refer for evaluations and arrange for various medical and diagnostic treatments that are essential to the vocational rehabilitation process; develop training and/or placement plans focussed on achieving gainful employment outcomes and/or independence; determine need for clients' financial participation in their vocational rehabilitation program; manage a caseload, case records, and control case service expenditures; may provide or arrange for prevocational training and adjustment services including teaching the techniques of mobility, communications, and independent living; serve as a resource to businesses, employers, and representatives of public and private agencies in relation to vocational rehabilitation issues; through a process of informed choice, promote and coordinate the assistance and services of other agencies and organizations needed in the vocational rehabilitation process as required; serve as a resource person during all phases of the vocational rehabilitation programs; and in a lead capacity, provide guidance and advice to other Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors on all procedures and techniques in counseling and placement.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: One year of paid, volunteer, or life experience working with individuals with disabilities. and Education: A bachelor's degree or equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with at least 12 semester units in Rehabilitation, Social, or Behavioral Sciences. Registration as a senior in an accredited college or university will admit applicants to the examination; however, they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent prior to consideration for appointment.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Disabilities and their impact on a person's independence and employment opportunities; basic medical and psychiatric conditions, as well as standard tests used in the vocational rehabilitation process; the ability to learn and apply various State and Federal regulations, as well as departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to: Communicate and write effectively; learn and apply the principles and practices of counseling, vocational guidance, and occupational placement for persons with vocational impediments; learn and adapt to and implement changes to State and Federal regulations, and departmental policies and procedures; learn and apply specific vocational rehabilitation procedures and techniques; analyze and interpret test and evaluation results; work well under pressure; work with difficult people; effectively and accurately analyze a variety of situations and take appropriate action; effectively prioritize, organize, and manage time; use a variety of computer applications.
Special Personal Characteristics
Demonstrated interest in and capacity for assuming increased responsibility; the ability to work effectively, independently, or within a group; willingness and ability to make frequent field visits away from established headquarters; ability to remain objective when faced with difficult or sensitive situations.
