Rehabilitation Counselor

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Full timeRehabilitation Counselor. Responsible for serving as an advisor to each consumer throughout their participation in the program at HKNC. The Rehabilitation Counselor acts as advocate, resource and coach by empowering consumers through supports and challenges to maximize consumer input and responsibility to their training program for achieving their vocational and independent living outcomes, and personal futures plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Ensures services provided to consumers are person-centered and meet the consumer’s needs:

a. Assess, through dialogue with consumer and team, the consumer’s training priorities

b. Actively collaborate with team (including consumer) to design trans-disciplinary training activities, implement individualized program and evaluate progress through debriefing and further dialogue to identify further learning opportunities

c. Communicates to all team members the consumer’s training priorities/short and long term goals.

d. Works with the team to ensure training supports the vocational goal. Leads team discussions by beginning with the vocational goal and asking how each training area is supporting the vocational goal.

e. Ensures the consumer’s involvement in decision making process with team through evaluation and training.

Works collaboratively with team members (consumer and staff) to develop and implement Trans-disciplinary training program in accordance with IPE and student desires, capacities and abilities leading to the achievement of consumer outcomes of increased independence, employment, empowerment and self-advocacy.

Serves as central and primary liaison with the sponsoring state agency, HKNC regional representative, HKNC affiliate(s), family members/guardian and other outside services. Works with consumer to establish parameters for communication among these agencies and individuals.

Facilitates and/or participates in team meetings, Employment Planning Meetings, transition meeting to ensure quality of service, coordination of trans-disciplinary goals and consumer inclusivity and satisfaction and compiles reports.

Provides personal communication and vocational counseling services to consumers individually or in groups (with the ETS) to ensure well-being, vocational training needs are met, and the establishment and coordination of long/short term goals. Ensures psychological, physical, educational, social-cultural and rehabilitative needs are met as determined necessary and beneficial to the individual to maximize program participation and independence. If necessary seeks consultation with the clinical social worker or team to determine need for other consultative services in order for provide optimal training services for consumer.

Maintains appropriate documentation, i.e., case notes, authorizations, record of student account and aids and devices purchased. Follows policies regarding regular check-in’s for consumer safety, satisfaction and unmet needs.

Supports consumer and team with preparing transition plan and facilitates the coordination of these steps to obtain resources, supports and services in order to successfully achieve long term goals for employment, independent living and community access. Works collaboratively with trans-disciplinary team in developing employment and residential opportunities in home community and other necessary and desired supports. Contacting and consulting with potential employers or residential programs may involve travel.

Accompanies and serves as a guide and/or facilitates communication for consumers and professional staff members when assigned. To accomplish this, it may be required to use personal vehicle on occasion. Supports communication access for consumers and staff when necessary in a variety of situations and settings. Examples of settings include but are not limited to: team meetings, airport, shopping, bank errands, phone calls, VP calls, Town Hall Committee meetings, cafeteria, information peer learning groups such as the Emergency Preparedness, Nutrition and Work Solutions groups, recreation activities (i.e. Holiday party). Communication support, which includes providing environmental information, may consist of voice over, sign language (visual/tactual), text/typing, or facilitating the use of augmentative systems (communication cards, devices).

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Education: Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field, CRC preferred.

Experience: Two years experience. Knowledge of deaf-blind community, vocational rehabilitation and job placement. Proficiency in American Sign Language and other methods of communication utilized by individuals who are deaf-blind. PC Skills – MS Office.

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. we offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• Paid vacation time, Paid Sick Time, Personal Days
• Fully Paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance*
• Paid Holidays
• Short Term Disability/ Life Insurance
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance
• Career Advancement Opportunities

*No-frills positions are those that receive an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate of pay, but do not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan. Individuals seeking a No-frills position must show they have alternative insurance to be eligible.