Blind Services Associate Counselor

Blind Services Associate Counselor

The Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is looking for a Blind Services Associate Counselor, to provide counseling and casework duties at an entry level. These duties include consumer interviews, consultation on case plans, Independent Living, and employment assistance. This is a great opportunity to join the DBVI Burlington team. Experience gained in this position can lead to many different career paths in the human services field. It is an opportunity to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired to meet their employment and independent living goals.

Blind Services Associate Counselor receives information from Counselors or outside agencies, and conducts interviews with consumers to gain information required for determination of eligibility. When needed, you'll request medical documentation of disabilities. The positions assists, advises and guides consumers in development of Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) and Independent Living Plans (ILP) for customers. You will also prepare eligibility and IPE documents for supervisory review and signature. Through regular reviews, you will monitor customer progress toward completion of training or employment and Independent Living goals.

You will also: Authorize normal expenditures for training, equipment, or other consumer needs Provide training and assistance to consumers in developing resumes Help complete employment applications Assist with conducting job searches Assist with job interviews Maintain detailed case notes on assigned caseload Process required paperwork to document case openings and closings Refer consumers to other organizations for needed services Assists the regional office with administrative duties including a significant amount of bill paying and office organization

A person in this position cares about helping people meet their goals and has great communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with productivity software and software for case management are essential. Experience working with people who are blind or visually impaired is preferred.

This position, Blind Services Associate Counselor (Job Requisition #54916), is open to all State employees and external applicants. Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. Associate Counselor: 54961 Rehabilitation Counselor I: 54935 Rehabilitation Counselor II: 54936 If you would like more information about this position, please contact Taya.Tarr@vermont.gov Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors Duties are performed primarily within a standard office setting. Some travel may be required to consumer homes and work sites, for which private means of transportation must be available.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher AND two (2) years or more experience at or above a paraprofessional or technical level in a human services program, involving direct client contact. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in a human services field. Successful applicants will be required to make a written commitment to secure a Master's degree in a field approved by the Department within five years of hire.

Special Requirements Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including: 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan Tuition Reimbursement Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts Low cost group life insurance Incentive-based Wellness Program Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.