VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR (SPANISH SPEAKING) 3732

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs specialized professional vocational counseling work involving responsibility for planning and guiding the rehabilitation of the vocationally handicapped, including patients stabilized on Methadone. The employee is responsible for conducting intake interviews and determining an applicant's eligibility for vocational counseling services and financial assistance. This class is distinguished by the fact that the employee conducts interviews and counsels applicants in Spanish. The incumbent works closely with professional supervisors, physicians, and county and private training agencies in establishing and maintaining a vocational training and placement program. The employee is expected to function under limited supervision and to exercise sound judgment and initiative. Work is reviewed by professional supervisors through staff or personal conferences and through the review of written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Interviews Spanish-speaking clients for rehabilitation counseling and training; determines the nature of their disabilities and eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services;

Studies and evaluates clients' previous training, employment, aptitudes and handicaps, and recommends and arranges for suitable vocational training;

Refers Spanish-speaking patients to community service programs when appropriate;

Initiates clients' participation in federal and state assistance programs;

Obtains approval and arranges for clients' hospitalization and corrective medical or surgical treatment;

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employers, educators, government and private agency representatives;

Addresses various Spanish-speaking groups concerning vocational rehabilitation;

Participates in periodic staff conferences and confers with supervisory personnel on matters requiring their judgment and assistance;

Determines need and amount of financial assistance for clients' maintenance and transportation;

Prepares clear and comprehensive reports on the progress and status of each client.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of vocational rehabilitation work; thorough knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the state and county vocational rehabilitation programs; good knowledge of community service programs; good knowledge of current sources of information and literature pertaining to the rehabilitation programs; good knowledge of community vocational training agencies and employment placement sources; ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, employers, physicians, agency representatives and other interested persons and to evaluate information gathered through interviews and investigations; ability to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports of the status of persons in the vocational rehabilitation program; ability to read and converse fluently in Spanish; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of satisfactory experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or educational and vocational guidance.

NOTE: Relevant additional education will be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of one (1) year.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of a New York State driver's license is required at time of appointment. License must be maintained throughout employment in this title.

12/07/90

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR1/23/03