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Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator (YAS) Office/On-Site #260415-75

State of Connecticut, Norwich, CT, United States


Overview

Introduction
Do you want to utilize your skills and make a difference? Are you looking to take the next step in your career?
If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity! The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator

to join our team. This position will support primarily the Young Adult Services (YAS) unit, along with assisting our agency and the DMHAS network in Southeastern CT with the coordination of vocational services. You will oversee vocational services within the YAS Program and other SMHA Programs, including our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Wellness Recovery Advocacy Program (WRAP), and our Options Outpatient Program.
Position Highlights
Facility: Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA)
Team: Young Adult Services (YAS)
Location: Norwich, CT
Schedule: Full-time, 1st shift, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
PCN: 153644
What We Can Offer You
Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page
Professional growth and development opportunities
A healthy work/life balance to all employees
Discover The Opportunity To
Engage in a rewarding career
Thrive in an exciting environment
Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do
The Role

Job duties include but are not limited to:
Facilitate monthly Supported Network Employment Meetings between SMHA and the SMHA Supported Network of Providers (Goodwill, Inc., Viability, Inc., and the Department of Rehabilitative Services) to discuss and coordinate referrals and employment services for clients in southeastern Connecticut, including providing technical assistance and consultation for complex vocational issues
Provide training, support, and consultation to SMHA teams around employment services, including the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Model
Monitor and track vocational and educational referrals from SMHA teams to the SMHA Supported Employment/PNP Network
Lead in preparing SMHA and the SMHA Supported Employment Network for IPS Fidelity Audits conducted by OOC DMHAS
Carry a caseload of YAS clients who require employment and/or educational supports (including completing vocational assessments and developing and monitoring the treatment plan for vocational/educational goals)
Complete required documentation, including Vocational Profiles and Assessments
Facilitate vocational groups for YAS clients
Attend Pupil Placement Team (PPT) meetings with various school systems
Assist clients in obtaining their high school diploma or GED, vocational/trade training, and/or college enrollment
Assist clients in requesting work and/or school-related accommodations
Facilitate quarterly meetings with the Department of Rehabilitative Services to discuss referrals, review client progress, address employment barriers, and improve communication and coordination
Perform job development in the community to identify prospective employers and job placement resources
Monitor YAS/SMHA and SMHA Supported Employment Network employment data, including referrals, caseloads, discharges, staffing, and waiting lists
Meet with area colleges and universities to establish collaborative relationships for future client referrals to higher education
Provide administrative and clinical supervision to the YAS Vocational Counselor, including monitoring time and attendance, performance reviews, productivity, and coaching as necessary
Assign vocational/educational referrals to other vocational staff on the YAS team
Participate as a member of the YAS Leadership Team
More About Us

DMHAS is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. SMHA is a community mental health agency operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Its primary goal is to provide high quality behavioral health services to those in our community with mental health and substance use disorders who are 18 years or older and reside in New London County and its surrounding towns. Services include case management, outpatient behavioral health, crisis intervention, respite care, and forensic services, offered in a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive manner.
Please Note
A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.
Selection Plan

For Assistance In Applying
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply. Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Before You Apply

Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the closing date. Specify qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List earned credits and degrees accurately. If outside the USA, provide documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service.
Resume Policy: Resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. Additional documentation may be requested later.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select location and shift you are willing to work.
Timely Submission: All materials must be received by the deadline. Late submissions are rarely accepted. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations may vary between state branches.
Only apply via the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center.
After You Apply

Check your Personal Status Board for updates and interview scheduling links. Enable text notifications if desired.
Referral Questions: Complete additional questions if required by the posting.
Prepare For An Interview: Review the Interview Preparation Guide.
Stay connected: Check your JobAps Status Board regularly. This vacancy may be used for future openings.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual rules and ethics requirements.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or status updates. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board and FAQ. For questions about the recruitment process, contact Julie Barker at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

In a state agency this class is accountable for supervising and/or coordinating a vocational rehabilitation program or centralized vocational rehabilitation unit for patients/clients.
Examples of Duties

Plans, establishes, maintains, and evaluates a network of services for clients experiencing difficult and complex vocational adjustment and rehabilitation problems
Identifies appropriate vocational rehabilitation programs and investigates eligibility requirements
Evaluates potential of handicapped individuals to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services
Assesses vocational rehabilitation needs of clients and develops treatment plans
Monitors implementation of treatment plans
Provides professional counseling services to a caseload of individuals with complex vocational rehabilitation needs
Maintains case records and prepares reports
May administer and interpret psychological tests related to vocational interests and abilities
May provide consultative services to community agencies
May speak before groups
Performs related duties as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of principles and practices of vocational rehabilitation counseling and interviewing
Knowledge of the vocational rehabilitation process
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations
Knowledge of psychological and occupational testing
Knowledge of rehabilitative remedies and community resources
Knowledge of labor market major occupational groups
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate case information; prepare reports; maintain files and records
Supervisory ability
Minimum Qualifications

General Experience: Eight (8) years of experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or related fields involving behavioral adjustment
Substitutions Allowed

College training may substitute for experience at 15 semester hours per 1/2 year, up to four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree
A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field may substitute for one additional year of experience
For state employees, two (2) years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor may substitute for the General Experience
Preferred Qualifications

Experience evaluating vocational and clinical information to determine rehabilitation supports
Experience training, supporting, and consulting on employment services including IPS model
Experience coordinating interagency meetings with vocational providers
Experience managing a vocational/educational caseload for young adults with behavioral health needs
Special Requirements

Incumbents may be required to possess a Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or closely related field
Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.

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