Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Rehabilitation Counselor Career

Job Description

**Job Details**
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**Job Class: Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Rehabilitation Counselor Career**

**Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development**

* **Job ID**: 77666
* **Location**: St. Paul
* **Telework Eligible**: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to five (5) days per week
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary**: Unlimited
* **Who May Apply**: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 08/14/2024.
* **Date Posted**: 08/08/2024
* **Closing Date**: 08/22/2024
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit**: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
* **Division/Unit**: State Services f/t Blind / SSB Workforce Development X
* **Work Shift/Work Hours**: Day Shift, 8am to 4:30pm
* **Days of Work**: Monday – Friday
* **Travel Required**: Yes, up to 15% of the time based on customer and business needs
* **Salary Range:** Rehabilitation Counselor Senior:$29.78 – $43.82/hourly; $62,181 – $91,496/annually Rehabilitation Counselor Career:$31.92 – $47.05/hourly; $66,649 – $98,240/annually
* **Classified Status**: Classified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union**: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
* **FLSA Status**: Exempt – Professional
* Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

### **The work you’ll do is more than just a job.**

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

**Job Summary**
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This posting will fill two positions. One position will serve the entire state of Minnesota including the metro area. The second position will serve the following counties; Carver, Goodhue, Rice, Wright, and Scott.

DEED’s State Services for the Blind (SSB) has been serving blind, visually impaired and DeafBlind Minnesotans since 1923. It does so with a staff of 130 dedicated personnel, over 650 skilled volunteers, an active State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and a host of community partners. Each year SSB assists thousands in leading full, active and productive lives. Come be part of a great organization in a great state!

The counselor position works with adults to facilitate customer achievement of competitive, integrated employment outcomes. The counselor plans, authorizes, and coordinates service delivery of individualized Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services in partnership with blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind customers. This position participates in all aspects of implementing the mission and purpose of the Workforce Development Unit of State Services for the Blind.

**Job Duties**

* Monitor case services budget.
* Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all factors relevant to the development and preparation, of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in accordance with federal and state law and applicable policies and procedures.
* Working in partnership with the customer, implement and successfully complete an IPE resulting in gainful employment.
* Plan and provide individualized placement services needed to facilitate the achievement of the consumer’s vocational rehabilitation goal.
* Provide support to the overall mission of the Workforce Development Unit through a variety of activities.

This vacancy is being posted at two (2) different levels. Positions will be filled, dependent on the qualifications of the successful candidate. This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

**Qualifications**
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### **Minimum Qualifications**

**To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.**

**Rehabilitation Counselor Senior:**

Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Blind Rehabilitation Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or related degree as determined by the appointing authority.

**Rehabilitation Counselor Career:**

Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Blind Rehabilitation Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or related degree as determined by the appointing authority AND three (3) years of related work experience which demonstrates knowledge of one-to-one counseling, caseload management, development of rehabilitation plans, customer assessment, and job placement services.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

Skill in Human Relations to build cooperative working relationships with the customer as well as with partners throughout the vocational rehabilitation process.

### **Preferred Qualifications**

Experience working with individuals who are Blind, visually impaired or DeafBlind.

Proficient in a second language.

Ability to interpret and explain in plain language complex information such as guidelines, regulations, policies, medical and psychiatric reports.

Ability to analyze assessment information sufficient to identify and address the customer’s vocational rehabilitation needs.

Experience applying counseling techniques sufficient to conduct an effective diagnostic interview, to assist the client in completing the rehabilitation plan, and address any issues that emerge during the customer’s rehabilitation process.

Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

### **Additional Requirements**

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant’s current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver’s license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

This position requires an Adjustment to Blindness immersion training program. The immersion experience helps new employees understand what’s possible for people who are blind, DeafBlind or visually impaired by allowing them to experience it for themselves. The training takes place at an Adjustment to Blindness training center and can run up to 6-7 weeks.

**Application Details**
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### **How to Apply**

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

### **Contact**

If you have questions about this position, contact Brooke Hancock at brooke.hancock@state.mn.us or 651-259-7258.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Brooke Hancock at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

#### **Working together to improve the state we love.**

What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?

* A sense of purpose in their work
* Connection with their coworkers and communities
* Opportunities for personal and professional growth

#### **Benefits**

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

#### **Your benefits may include:**

* Paid vacation and sick leave
* 12 paid holidays each year
* Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
+ Fertility care, including IVF
+ Diabetes care
+ Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
* 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
* Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
* Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
* Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
* Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
* Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

#### **Support to help you reach your career goals:**

* Training, classes, and professional development
* Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

#### **Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:**

* A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
* Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
* Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

**Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies** based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS**

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

**APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES**

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.