This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is senior-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.)
Two or more years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OR
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,
Three or more years of professional experience providing services to and/or advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
(A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for one year of the stated experience.)
OR
Possession of a current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Provides rehabilitation counseling services for consumers within an assigned district of the state; provides services to consumers with the most complex needs including individuals with multiple disabilities and/or consumers requiring physical restoration.
Independently manages case service needs to ensure quality and cost effective rehabilitation outcomes.
Provides training, mentoring, and clinical guidance to less experienced Vocational Rehabilitation counselors.
Conducts 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.
Arranges for and/or administers psychological tests to ascertain client’s cognitive level, aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets medical, psychological, social, educational, and vocational data to determine the consumer’s eligibility for services; negotiates, develops, and initiates a rehabilitation program and Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), emphasizing the determination and achievement of an appropriate vocational goal through consumer participation.
Utilizes knowledge of community resources, and accesses other financial resources (comparable benefit analysis required by federal regulations) to reduce rehabilitation costs.
Achieves employment outcomes by implementing the consumer’s IPE through authorizing, purchasing, arranging, referring for, and coordinating services, such as physical and mental restoration; educational and vocational training; computer and adaptive equipment; and job placement based on capacities and informed consumer choice.
Contacts employers to provide education and assess their needs; develops jobs and coordinates placement of consumers with employers.
Represents the interest of the consumer regarding disability, independence, and employment; serves a liaison to their family and support systems, community resources, businesses, government agencies, schools, health care facilities, physicians, service providers, employers, and others.
Develops referrals to encourage consumer participation and establish a community support system.
Maintains relationships with other State and community support agencies to ensure wraparound employment services in accordance with federal guidelines.
Travels frequently to conduct home visits, attend meetings and placement follow-ups with employers, and participate in training opportunities.
Exercises considerable independence and initiative within established guidelines; receives general supervision from a district supervisor. Performs other related work as assigned.
Comprehensive knowledge of vocational rehabilitation counseling methods and techniques.
Comprehensive knowledge of the provisions of the Federal Rehabilitation Act and RSB’s Administrative Rule, policies, and procedures.
Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and diseases of the eye, treatments, and the complex array of problems caused by blindness and/or visual impairments.
Comprehensive knowledge of medical and mental disabilities and treatments and their effect on the rehabilitation process.
Comprehensive knowledge of the labor market.
Comprehensive knowledge of available community resources and their organization, purpose, and use as they pertain to 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 authorize, encumber, and expend vocational rehabilitation funds in an appropriate, effective, and consistent manner.
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 provide oversight, training, and clinical guidance.
Ability to independently manage case services.
Ability to travel, as required, in the performance of duties.