Independent Living Counselor
NC Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
About the Agency
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
Division Blind Services
Position Title Rehabilitation Counselor (S)
Position Number 60043018
Grade NC10
Description of Work The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor (ILRC) serves individuals who are visually impaired, blind or deafblind who are in need of individualized services to maintain independence in the home and/or community. A majority of individuals requiring services are over the age of 55. Services provided by this program assist individuals with adapting to sensory loss in order to reduce a sense of isolation, increase the ability to engage in meaningful activities and reduce the risk of injuries, depression and nursing home placement.
Job Duties
Conduct outreach in the community to identify individuals in need of program services.
Complete a comprehensive assessment on each applicant for services.
Interpret eye reports to determine the level of visual impairment and to assist with planning appropriate services.
Determine eligibility for services.
In collaboration with the client, develop a service plan which includes specific independent living objectives.
Provide guidance and counseling throughout the case management process.
Make referrals to agency internal staff for specialized services, to other agency programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation, and to external resources needed for the achievement of planned goals.
Provide instruction on basic daily living skills tasks both one‑on‑one and in group settings. Instruction areas include but are not limited to basic adaptive technology, cooking, personal care and communications.
Manage a budget and ensure expenditures meet policy guidelines.
Hire and train vendors to serve as Daily Living Skills Instructors.
Coordinate in‑person or virtual group trainings.
Develop and maintain relationships with community partners in order to best serve clients.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of or experience in case management.
Knowledge of or experience working with people with disabilities.
Knowledge of or experience working with a team of professionals to help a client meet a goal.
Minimum Education and Experience
Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an appropriately accredited institution; or a master's degree in a related human services field from an appropriately accredited institution; or
Current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
Physical Requirements Sedentary work: Physical requirements include some stooping, crouching, reaching, standing and walking to get from place to place. May require lifting occasionally of up to 10 pounds. The worker is subject to interior environmental conditions and may have to perform operations which include analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing and operating a computer terminal and operation of light office machines such as copiers and fax machines.
Salary and Benefits Salary Grade Range: $43,267 - $75,718
Recruitment Range: $43,267 - $60,000
The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. Paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
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Division Blind Services
Position Title Rehabilitation Counselor (S)
Position Number 60043018
Grade NC10
Description of Work The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor (ILRC) serves individuals who are visually impaired, blind or deafblind who are in need of individualized services to maintain independence in the home and/or community. A majority of individuals requiring services are over the age of 55. Services provided by this program assist individuals with adapting to sensory loss in order to reduce a sense of isolation, increase the ability to engage in meaningful activities and reduce the risk of injuries, depression and nursing home placement.
Job Duties
Conduct outreach in the community to identify individuals in need of program services.
Complete a comprehensive assessment on each applicant for services.
Interpret eye reports to determine the level of visual impairment and to assist with planning appropriate services.
Determine eligibility for services.
In collaboration with the client, develop a service plan which includes specific independent living objectives.
Provide guidance and counseling throughout the case management process.
Make referrals to agency internal staff for specialized services, to other agency programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation, and to external resources needed for the achievement of planned goals.
Provide instruction on basic daily living skills tasks both one‑on‑one and in group settings. Instruction areas include but are not limited to basic adaptive technology, cooking, personal care and communications.
Manage a budget and ensure expenditures meet policy guidelines.
Hire and train vendors to serve as Daily Living Skills Instructors.
Coordinate in‑person or virtual group trainings.
Develop and maintain relationships with community partners in order to best serve clients.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of or experience in case management.
Knowledge of or experience working with people with disabilities.
Knowledge of or experience working with a team of professionals to help a client meet a goal.
Minimum Education and Experience
Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an appropriately accredited institution; or a master's degree in a related human services field from an appropriately accredited institution; or
Current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
Physical Requirements Sedentary work: Physical requirements include some stooping, crouching, reaching, standing and walking to get from place to place. May require lifting occasionally of up to 10 pounds. The worker is subject to interior environmental conditions and may have to perform operations which include analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing and operating a computer terminal and operation of light office machines such as copiers and fax machines.
Salary and Benefits Salary Grade Range: $43,267 - $75,718
Recruitment Range: $43,267 - $60,000
The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. Paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
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