This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is trainee-level professional rehabilitation counseling work offered by the Family Support Division’s Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) involving the provision of vocational rehabilitation services for significantly visually impaired and blind persons.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Business Administration, Special Education, Psychology, or Social Work; and,
One or more years of experience providing direct care, service, or advocacy to individuals with disabilities; or one or more years of supervisory, managerial, and/or employee recruitment experience in a competitive integrated employment environment.
(A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for the stated experience.)
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Receives formal on-the-job training in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services for significantly visually impaired and blind persons; assist in providing rehabilitation counseling services for consumers within an assigned district of the state.
Assists with in-depth interviews of persons with disabilities to obtain information regarding medical and family history, social functioning, education, work experience, self-perception, attitudes, financial resources, and vocational interests.
Assists in the arrangement and/or administration of psychological tests to ascertain the consumer’s cognitive level, aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
Assists in the collection, analyses, and interpretation of medical, psychological, social, educational, and vocational data to determine the consumer’s eligibility for services; assists in the development and implementation of rehabilitation programs and Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE), emphasizing the determination and achievement of an appropriate vocational goal through consumer participation.
Assists with case service needs to ensure quality and cost-effective rehabilitation outcomes.
Contacts employers to provide education and assess their needs; assists in the development of jobs and coordinates the placement of consumers with employers.
Travels frequently to conduct home visits, attend meetings and placement follow-ups with employers, and participate in training opportunities.
Exercises increasing independence and initiative as experience is gained; receives close supervision from a district supervisor.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Introductory knowledge of vocational rehabilitation counseling methods and techniques.
Introductory knowledge of the provisions of the Federal Rehabilitation Act and RSB’s Administrative Rule, policies, and procedures.
Introductory knowledge of anatomy and diseases of the eye, treatments, and the complex array of problems caused by blindness and/or visual impairments.
Introductory knowledge of medical and mental disabilities and treatments and their effect on the rehabilitation process.
Introductory knowledge of the labor market.
Introductory knowledge of available community resources and their organization, purpose, and use as they pertain to potential vocational rehabilitation services and employment opportunities.
Ability to assess employer needs and employment opportunities.
Ability to understand and interpret federal and state legislation pertaining to the vocational rehabilitation of blind and/or visually impaired persons.
Ability to collect and evaluate a wide variety of medical, psychological, social, and vocational diagnostic data and apply such to the development and implementation of a rehabilitation plan for visually impaired/blind persons in conjunction with the consumer’s informed choice.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with professional staff, consumers, service contractors, families, advocates, employers, the business community, and other agency representatives.
Ability to communicate effectively and prepare comprehensive reports and case recordings.
Ability to act in accordance with the legal aspects of the vocational rehabilitation program.
Ability to travel, as required, in the performance of duties.