Rehabilitation Counselor 1 – Blind Low Vision – Milledgeville

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor 1 for the Blind Low Vision program in Milledgeville. Under supervision, this role provides rehabilitation counseling services, referral services, and resident evaluation to assigned clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct interviews of assigned clients to identify problems, assess mental and educational status, and select applicable programs.
• Collect and assess information about a client’s situation and functioning to evaluate their abilities, needs, and eligibility for services.
• Coordinate discharge plans in cooperation with team members, clients, and their families.
• Counsel clients with disabilities, including vocational and psychosocial adjustment counseling throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Identify and develop prospective employment opportunities through assistive technology and job modification methods.
• Interpret educational, vocational, and/or psychological tests in accordance with guidelines.
• Observe rules of confidentiality as stated by departmental guidelines in the dissemination and interpretation of test results.
• Provide information to educate the public, other agencies, vendors, and potential customers about rehabilitation services.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain referral sources.
• Conduct interviews with VR participants (potentially eligible students, applicants, and clients).
• Under direct supervision, review and interpret education, vocation, psychological, and medical information.
• Travel within caseload assignment area to meet with individuals, providers, partners, and other outreach.
• Assist in determining eligibility, identifying order of selection, conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, and developing an individualized plan for employment.
• Counsel and guide participants throughout the rehabilitation process, including establishing employment goals and facilitating job search efforts.
• Monitor client movement and ensure timely provision of services.
• Document accurately and timely in AWARE (client information system).
• Process and monitor authorizations and invoices for rehabilitation services in accordance with policies and procedures.

Other Duties:

• Technical Capacity
• Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
• Organizational Skills
• Thoroughness

Physical Demands:

The employee is regularly required to talk or hear, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions:

This position operates in a professional office environment with a 40-hour workweek requirement. Regular attendance is important for success in this position.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional long hours and weekend work may be required.

Travel:

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required for work and training.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

As a condition of employment, candidates must successfully complete a mandatory federal and national background check, pre-employment testing, and additional checks required for the job.

Preferred Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a related field is required. Preference will be given to applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Services, Education, Special Education, or those with active teaching certifications.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma/GED and four years of related experience; or one year at the lower level Economic Support Cons 2 (SSP051) or equivalent.