ASL Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (35 Hour) Hybrid #260421-9150EB-001
State of Connecticut, Waterbury, CT, United States
Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is seeking a qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1. The role involves delivering vocational rehabilitation services to Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, supporting them to achieve meaningful employment and independence.
Position Highlights
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Shift: Full-time, 35 hours per week, First Shift
Environment: Hybrid work environment, including office-based, community-based, and remote responsibilities
Location: 249 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT (also supports Bridgeport District Office at 1057 Broad St, Bridgeport)
What You’ll Be Doing
Providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities
Conducting community outreach and interacting with the public
Managing referrals from general intake, community organizations, school systems, and other community referrals
In addition, you will be responsible for one of the following functional areas:
General Counselor
– Conduct intakes, gather and review records for eligibility determination, perform assessments, provide career counseling, develop partnerships through community outreach.
Level Up Counselor
– Help high‑school students with disabilities by collaborating with schools, students, and families; provide pre‑vocational services, resources, and information for transition to the workforce.
Workforce Counselor
– Build relationships with employers, market BRS services, educate employers on benefits, and secure placement and training opportunities.
About the Agency and Bureau
The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is to maximize opportunities for independence and well‑being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) assists individuals with significant physical and/or mental disabilities in preparing for, securing, maintaining, or advancing in employment.
Career Progression
Career progression pathway within the State of Connecticut: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 → Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 2 → Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist → Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor.
Purpose of the Job Class (Nature of Work)
This class is accountable for performing professional rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.
Examples of Duties
Perform a limited range of professional rehabilitation planning and services.
Conduct interviews and explain functions, services, and eligibility requirements of the agency.
Provide counseling and assist planning, selecting, preparing for, and achieving vocational goals.
Obtain case information from schools, employers, Social Security Administration, other public and private agencies, and medical facilities.
Arrange services within the agency or other community agencies.
Prepare written reports documenting decisions and assess vocational rehabilitation potential.
Establish community referral sources.
Prepare case histories and other case records in an electronic system.
Coordinate and deliver presentations.
May administer vocational tests.
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability
Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation counseling principles and techniques, disability and functional limitation medical terminology, and community resources.
Skilled in interpersonal communication, both oral and written.
Ability to relate to diverse cultural and economic backgrounds; organize time, set priorities, and manage workload using an electronic system; gather, analyze and evaluate significant information; establish and maintain effective counseling relationships; write reports.
Minimum Qualifications – General Experience
Master's degree from an accredited college with a major course of study in vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, special education, or related behavioral or social sciences.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with high‑school students or adults with disabilities, including Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals.
Experience providing outreach to the Deaf community and community agencies, including conducting presentations.
Experience with an electronic case management system, Outlook, and video conferencing platforms.
Experience managing competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
Experience utilizing assistive technology and communication resources for deafness and hearing loss.
Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders in American Sign Language.
Special Requirements
Must obtain the educational qualification for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 and meet the current national standard for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Must maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license or Identification Card.
May be required to travel with or without accommodation.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is seeking a qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1. The role involves delivering vocational rehabilitation services to Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, supporting them to achieve meaningful employment and independence.
Position Highlights
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Shift: Full-time, 35 hours per week, First Shift
Environment: Hybrid work environment, including office-based, community-based, and remote responsibilities
Location: 249 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT (also supports Bridgeport District Office at 1057 Broad St, Bridgeport)
What You’ll Be Doing
Providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities
Conducting community outreach and interacting with the public
Managing referrals from general intake, community organizations, school systems, and other community referrals
In addition, you will be responsible for one of the following functional areas:
General Counselor
– Conduct intakes, gather and review records for eligibility determination, perform assessments, provide career counseling, develop partnerships through community outreach.
Level Up Counselor
– Help high‑school students with disabilities by collaborating with schools, students, and families; provide pre‑vocational services, resources, and information for transition to the workforce.
Workforce Counselor
– Build relationships with employers, market BRS services, educate employers on benefits, and secure placement and training opportunities.
About the Agency and Bureau
The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is to maximize opportunities for independence and well‑being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) assists individuals with significant physical and/or mental disabilities in preparing for, securing, maintaining, or advancing in employment.
Career Progression
Career progression pathway within the State of Connecticut: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 → Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 2 → Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist → Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor.
Purpose of the Job Class (Nature of Work)
This class is accountable for performing professional rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.
Examples of Duties
Perform a limited range of professional rehabilitation planning and services.
Conduct interviews and explain functions, services, and eligibility requirements of the agency.
Provide counseling and assist planning, selecting, preparing for, and achieving vocational goals.
Obtain case information from schools, employers, Social Security Administration, other public and private agencies, and medical facilities.
Arrange services within the agency or other community agencies.
Prepare written reports documenting decisions and assess vocational rehabilitation potential.
Establish community referral sources.
Prepare case histories and other case records in an electronic system.
Coordinate and deliver presentations.
May administer vocational tests.
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability
Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation counseling principles and techniques, disability and functional limitation medical terminology, and community resources.
Skilled in interpersonal communication, both oral and written.
Ability to relate to diverse cultural and economic backgrounds; organize time, set priorities, and manage workload using an electronic system; gather, analyze and evaluate significant information; establish and maintain effective counseling relationships; write reports.
Minimum Qualifications – General Experience
Master's degree from an accredited college with a major course of study in vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, special education, or related behavioral or social sciences.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with high‑school students or adults with disabilities, including Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals.
Experience providing outreach to the Deaf community and community agencies, including conducting presentations.
Experience with an electronic case management system, Outlook, and video conferencing platforms.
Experience managing competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
Experience utilizing assistive technology and communication resources for deafness and hearing loss.
Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders in American Sign Language.
Special Requirements
Must obtain the educational qualification for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 and meet the current national standard for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Must maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license or Identification Card.
May be required to travel with or without accommodation.
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.
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