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Form of workIntroduction The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population - students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland. As part of the Maryland State Department of Education, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides services to assist students with disabilities prepare for the work world, Vocational Rehabilitation services to assist adults with significant disabilities who are seeking to enter or reenter the workforce, and the adjudication of Social Security disability claims for the citizens of Maryland.
GRADE Level I: ASTD 14 Level II: ASTD 15 LOCATION OF POSITION MSDE Division of Rehabilitation Services Office of Field Services 300 E. Joppa Rd, Suite 408 Towson, MD 21286 POSITION DUTIES This is a contractual position that provides services to increase employment and advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The VR Counselor assists consumers so that they may maintain, prepare for and obtain gainful employment consistent with their interest, skills, capacities, strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and informed choices.
The VR Counselor position ensures the application of federal and state regulations and division policy, completes initial interviews, determines applicant eligibility for services, determines the nature and scope of services necessary to address disability barriers, addresses employment readiness, and ensures identified services are provided and/or coordinated with various partners. Position Duties Include: Responsible for performing all of the functions necessary to manage a full caseload and to contribute to VR performance measure. Apply federal and state regulations and division policy in the provision of rehabilitation services, within the federally mandated timelines.
Provide career counseling with applicants for VR services from the time of the initial interview, promoting informed choice and early engagement in the process. Utilizing professional knowledge of the Vocational Rehabilitation field, process referrals, conduct initial interviews, and compile required documentation. Provide pertinent information to consumers regarding vocational and allied services, such as assistive technology, interpreter services, job coaching, supported employment services, vocational training, medical treatment, mental health treatment, higher education, self-employment, and support services.
Obtain and interpret medical, psychological, vocational and other pertinent records; conduct review of records, evaluate the need for additional assessments, as appropriate. Apply comparable benefits toward all services, in accordance with policy. Advocate to potential employers on behalf of individuals with disabilities for employment which is both integrated (with other employees) and has competitive earnings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: (Both levels): Possession of a Bachelor's Degree. Experience: Level I - None Level II - Two years of professional experience in a behavioral or social science related field is required. Note for Level II: A Master's Degree in a Behavioral or Social Science related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Level will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications as listed on the job application. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Candidates must consent to State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency. SELECTION PROCESS Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.
All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
BENEFITS Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits.
You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If the applicant is unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-554-9397 or mailed to DORS Human Resources Department at 2301 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218.
If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online. All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted.
Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed. Inquiries can be made to 410-554-9391, TDD (410) 554-9399.
Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.
Proof of eligibility to work in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, and travel throughout the State are required. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
