Transition Counselor

Job Responsibilities

Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career? The South Carolina Commission for the Blind is seeking a hardworking and dependable candidate just like you to apply!

Responsibilities of Counselor:

• Provide Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and guidance and service coordination to blind and visually impaired consumers leading to competitive integrated employment.

• Collaborates with workforce partners including SC Department of Employment and Workforce to promote consumer co-enrollment in partner programs: Educates employers about incentives for hiring people with disabilities: Participates in job fairs: conducts outreach: conducts job placement activities: provides and documents services to employers.

• Gathers medical records, psychological records, education records, and work history information for purposes of eligibility determination and development of the Individualized Plan for Employment. Reviews assessment reports to determine consumer's primary employment factors: conducts career exploration and maintains confidentiality.

• Performs eligibility determination and develops Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) within specified timelines: Informs consumers regarding their rights.

• Conducts initial interviews, assessment of rehab needs: Provides Counseling and Guidance and maintains quarterly consumer contact: Documents consumer progress through the rehabilitation process and delivery of career exploration: documents credentials, measurable skill gains, wage and employment information, and justifications for purchases.

• Provides Counseling and Guidance, Information and Referral services, case management, and service coordination activities to assist consumers in obtaining, maintaining, or advancing in employment. Coordinates services such as Adjustment to Blindness training, eye medical services, rehab technology services, and job placement services. Advises consumers with regard to accommodations, labor market, job requirements, community resources, and available services to address rehab needs.

• Purchases goods and services in accordance with policy: Works with Administrative Assistants and vendors to obtain invoices and address outstanding payments.
  
  Follows up with vendors to ensure timely service delivery: Receives and documents referrals and participates in staffing.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree and professional experience in human services or social services programs.

Agency Requirements:

Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a combination of a related Master's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education or Human Services and at least 2 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and/or workforce development.

Additional Requirements

Knowledge and skills: knowledge of workforce systems, knowledge of state and federal vocational rehabilitation laws and regulations: knowledge of disability accommodations, assistive technology, and counseling techniques and principals. Ability to manage the caseload effectively: ability to balance multiple priorities and complete tasks within designated timeframes: must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and time management skills.

Employee must be able to work with a minimal amount of supervision as well as with high degree of discretion and independence. Employee will be responsible for adhering to all agency policies, guidelines, federal and state laws as they relate to the VR Program

vocational requirements.

Travel required, state vehicle provided, ability to push pull lift

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Additional Comments

The Commission for the Blind offers great health and retirement benefits with the state, including up to 30 days of earned leave per year, 13 paid holidays, and a flexible work schedule for some positions. Employees at our Columbia Campus also enjoy using the fitness center, Bowling Alley, and Gymnasium. Professional growth opportunities include tuition assistance offered to eligible employees pursuing a degree or obtaining a specialized certification.

If you are planning to relocate to South Carolina, ask about our relocation expense reimbursement.

Eligible new hires from out-of-state may receive up to $5,000 in reimbursements for certain expenses, pursuant to Section 8-11-135 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Are you new to South Carolina State Government? If so, you may be eligible for up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

You must be hired for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position and complete the 12-month probation to become eligible. Please contact us for more information.

Are you ready to make a positive impact on your community? Apply today!

The South Carolina Commission for the Blind provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, veteran status, genetic information, sex-including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, disability or any other protected category.