Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator

Are you looking for the next step in your career?

If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to be a part of our team, committed to the goal of making a difference for individuals with mental health challenges!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual for a meaningful role as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator to work as part of the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System in Bridgeport within Rehabilitation Services. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Rehabilitation Vocation Counseling Coordinator is responsible for providing coordination/supervision to direct service Vocational Counseling staff who provide recovery oriented, age and developmentally appropriate vocational and educational services to adults with multiple psychiatric disorders including developmental, psychosocial, substance use and trauma histories.

Rehabilitation Services (RS): Rehabilitation Services are integrated throughout all programs and service locations, available to any consumer who is interested in the service. The RS division includes Supported Employment, Supported Education, Life Skills Training, and Peer Support services. Additionally, RS is overseeing the conversion of traditional Case Management and ACT programs to Community Support and Recovery Pathways. These services are provided within the context of partnership, coaching, skill training, social network building, health maintenance, and the provision of assistance to attain an enriched living experience toward individual recovery.

The Southwest CT Mental Health System is determined to transform itself into a person centered/recovery-oriented system of care. This position is vital to this process of transformation. SWCMHS has a large population of Spanish speaking only clients along with significantly psychiatrically impaired clients needing our services which requires a high degree of sensitivity, compassion, and patience. Part of delivering recovery-oriented services includes providing culturally appropriate services.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Work Shift: First shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Location: 1635 Central Ave., Bridgeport, CT
• PCN: 83702

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals;
• Provide support to an agency that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
• Assist our clients and employees so they can achieve success;
• Make a difference in the public sector; and
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY:

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (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.

Start with us! Stay with us! Grow with us!

Selection Plan

Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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 both within agency and community and investigates eligibility requirements of such programs;
• 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 experiencing the most difficult and complex vocational rehabilitation and vocational adjustment problems;
• Maintains case records on assigned caseload;
• Prepares reports concerning rehabilitation services rendered;
• May administer and interpret psychological tests as they pertain to vocational interests and abilities;
• May provide consultative services to community agencies;
• May speak before lay and professional groups;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
  • principles and practices of vocational rehabilitation counseling and interviewing;
  • vocational rehabilitation process;
  • relevant state and federal laws and regulations;
  • psychological and occupational testing;
  • rehabilitative remedies and treatment;
  • community resources available to meet rehabilitative needs of individuals;
  • labor market major occupational groups and their required qualifications;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • gather, analyze and evaluate significant case information pertinent to rehabilitation of individuals;
  • prepare reports and maintain files and records;
• Supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or related fields which involve dealing with problems of individual behavior in relation to vocational adjustment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, vocational guidance, or a related behavioral science may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
• For state employees two (2) years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Client/Patient) may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with the principles and techniques of vocational rehabilitation counseling and interviewing.
• Experience coordinating and supervising a team of vocational rehabilitation staff.
• Experience finding and utilizing community resources.
• Experience with disability, resulting functional limitation, and medical terminology.
• Experience gathering, analyzing and evaluating information pertinent to the rehabilitation of an individual.
• Experience using innovative thinking and taking initiative in resolving difficult rehabilitation issues with consumers.
• Experience in an outpatient care setting.
• Experience using word and excel computer software.
• Experience using an Electronic Medical Records and report writing.
• Ability to transport clients.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class in the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services may be required to possess a Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or a closely related field.