Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Safety)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XH13
Class Code: 9815
Established: 06/18/2002
Revised: --
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 forensic clients 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.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This class is distinguished from Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor by the custody requirements and the security features imposed by the nature of the forensic client population.
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 forensic 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.
Incumbents also observe and intervene in instances of disruptive or assaultive behavior; assist staff in accounting for utensils and other instruments that could be used as weapons; inspect the facility to identify security breaches that could lead to clients' escape; and observe and intervene in client behavior that may signal an impending escape attempt.
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; and ability to remain objective when faced with difficult or sensitive situations.
Special Physical Characteristics
Incumbents must possess and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful and emergency situations encountered on the job without endangering their own health and well-being or that of their employees, clients, inmates, or the public.
