SENIOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR                                                               3736

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs supervisory and/or administrative duties in the planning, development, and implementation of vocational rehabili­tation programs. The employee is responsible for planning new rehabilitation programs as well as conducting studies and preparing reports on community vocational rehabilitation programs.  Work includes supervising and reviewing the casework of subordinates, interpreting policies, and rendering technical advice to staff members.  Supervision may be exercised over a small staff engaged in providing or supporting vocational rehabilitation services.   Work is subject to review by technical and/or administrative superiors through review of reports, conferences, and consulta­tions.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Evaluates and counsels patients as to the rehabilitative resources open to them;

            Conducts surveys of employment opportunities and educational possibilities open to clients;

            Promotes the rehabilitation of the vocationally handicapped by conferring with educators and employers, speaking with interested public and private groups and establishing effective working relationships with organizations and individ­uals striving to improve the effectiveness of the various rehabilitation pro­grams;

            Participates in staff conferences, meeting with and advising administrative staff on matters pertinent to the planning and development of new rehabili­tation programs;

            May oversee the hiring of program staff and impose disciplinary action when necessary;

            May perform program budget preparation, projection, and/or maintenance.

                       

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of voca­tional rehabilitation; thorough knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regula­tions relating to the State and County vocational rehabilita­tion programs; thorough knowledge of current sources of information and litera­ture pertaining to rehabilitation programs; thorough 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; ability to evaluate information gathered through interviews and investigations; ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports on the status and progress of persons in the vocational rehabilitation program, as well as reports pertaining to the communi­ty programs and legislation in other counties and agencies; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN COMPETITIVE

            (a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master's Degree in the area of rehabilitation or counseling and three (3) years of experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or educational and vocational guidance; or,

            (b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in the area of rehabilitation or counseling and five (5) years of experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or educational and vocational guidance; or,

             (c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

 

            PROMOTIONAL

            Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Spanish Speaking).

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and throughout employment in this title, employees are required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

 

R 7/23/18

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive