REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Code: 03054@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under supervision, within an assigned area, locates and makes investigations of clients with disabilities in need of arrangements for the provision of physical restoration services, and through counseling and guidance assists such persons in selecting, preparing for, and attaining the vocational adjustment affording the greatest social and economic satisfaction; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information concerning applicants for rehabilitation services; makes arrangements for medical diagnosis to determine the kind and extent of disability and the possibilities of rehabilitation and makes determinations of the eligibility of applicants on the basis of established policy and procedures. Secures information about the applicant's hospital and medical experience, work experience, special interests, social and economic circumstances; makes arrangements for the administration and interpretation of psychological tests; evaluates and interprets the data resulting from such tests and assists the individual in making a suitable plan for rehabilitation. Organizes a complete rehabilitation program for clients with disabilities and makes available rehabilitation service to the applicant, including the medical and health services necessary for physical restoration, the purchase and supervision of the use of prescribed prosthetic devices, pre-vocational and vocational training, and transportation. Works with and advises the individual applicant throughout the entire rehabilitation process and assists in anticipating and meeting vocational adjustment problems. Assists the client in securing employment consistent with the client's capabilities and training, and assists the client in meeting the problems of adjustment on the job; makes follow-up visits as necessary for the client's vocational adjustment. Utilizes available community services and facilities and establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other agencies. When a lack of service exists, prepares formal recommendations for the development of such services. Collects and maintains current information regarding occupational requirements and opportunities. Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative vocational rehabilitation histories and reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Drafts correspondence pertaining to vocational rehabilitation programs. Maintains essential records, reports, and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the psychological, economic, vocational, social, employment and other problems of clients with disabilities or who have been injured. Knowledge of the vocational possibilities and limitations of clients with disabilities and/or injured persons. Knowledge of the varied vocational opportunities in New Jersey and of the education, training, aptitudes, capabilities, and degree of physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity required for the more common occupations. Knowledge of the particular vocational options likely to be suitable for individual applicants. Knowledge of the study materials, information, and other sources available in local communities in New Jersey for the rehabilitation of clients with disabilities and of the problems encountered in locating, compiling, arranging and presenting such resources in usable form. Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations regarding the vocational rehabilitation of clients with disabilities and/or injured persons and their application to specific situations in accordance with established procedures. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to utilize modern vocational counseling, guidance, and other techniques in appropriate individual programs of vocational rehabilitation. Ability to keep current with literature, trend of thought, developments, and techniques in the occupational guidance and rehabilitation fields. Ability to identify the vocational and other limitations and potentialities of clients with disabilities. Ability to comprehend and interpret basic legislation, regulations and procedures to persons of varying social, educational, and vocational backgrounds. Ability to interview persons who may be emotionally upset or antagonistic and obtain the information used in planning realistic courses of vocational education. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the unit. Ability to visit, talk with, and interest prospective employers in the training and employment of clients with disabilities. Ability to locate and utilize actual and potential local community resources of information and assistance likely to be of use in the vocational rehabilitation of clients with disabilities. Ability to compile information essential to the position. Ability to evaluate the advantages and limitations of modern prosthetic devices in individual cases. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative progress, statistical and financial and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to maintain the essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in rehabilitation counseling or in an allied professional field such as guidance, social casework, or medical services in a rehabilitation agency or facility, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) college credit hours in vocational guidance or other courses directly related to vocational guidance preparation (psychology, sociology, social work, guidance, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or in some combination thereof). OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by 24 college credit hours in vocational guidance or other courses directly related to vocational guidance preparation (psychology, sociology, social work, guidance, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or in some combination thereof); and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a Master's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Guidance, Special Education or Vocational Rehabilitation. "Professional experience" refers to work that us creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.