Program:	Social Services/ General Assistance	Grade:	GS-11
Supervisor:	Vocational Rehabilitation Program Manager	Range:	$18.26-$21.81
FLSA Status:	Exempt     Non-Exempt     Public Safety

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position utilizes considerable knowledge of medical aspects of disabilities, the behavioral and social sciences, and formal training in counseling techniques to assist individuals in achieving employment. Counselor addresses the interrelated issues of disabilities and their social and emotional impact on individual clients to assist clients in attaining an enhanced understanding of themselves in relation to their disabilities, environment, and employment opportunities. As a member of a rehabilitation team, incumbents provide comprehensive rehabilitation counseling services to clients who may have multiple disabilities. Incumbents may begin to acquire extensive knowledge of a specialized disability group. Incumbents independently make decisions concerning eligibility, the development of Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE), and are actively involved in job development and placement activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Works with groups and individuals to communicate and promote an understanding of the Vocational Rehabilitation program, services available and coordinates delivery of services.
2. Conducts initial intake interviews with applicants for the purpose of establishing a positive working relationship and collects information such as medical history, education, work history, vocational interests, social history, and financial status needed to determine eligibility for services.
3. Determines if medical, psychological or vocational evaluations are needed and makes necessary arrangements.
4. Explains vocational rehabilitation programs to clients including eligibility requirements and clients’ rights.
5. Evaluations functional and vocational capacities of client; with the client, develops IPE’s that establish a suitable vocational goal compatible with the client’s disability, needs and interests; provides job counseling and placement.
6. Coordinates with various programs for medical treatment.
7. Works with employers to develop employment opportunities, arranges for job coaches, if necessary places client and does post-employment follow-up.
8. Determines client eligibility for services based on federal legislation.
9. Authorizes expenditure of funds for payment of medical exams, psychological evaluations, records, transportation for diagnostic purposes, and other expenses related to the diagnostic evaluation process and the IPE.
10. Assist the client in becoming an active participant in his/her rehabilitation program and aids the client in making meaningful and informed choices about the selection of a vocational goal and other rehabilitation services.
11. Utilizescommunity resources in order to assist clients in achieving their vocational goals.
12. Travels to rural areas to provide services to clients and promote utilization of community resources and schools.
13. With the clients active participation, designs and implements an IPE based upon an evaluation of diagnostic information and the needs and wishes of the client. This plan may include physical or mental restoration, personal assistance services, training in an academic, vocational, technical, or on the job setting; maintenance, transportation, placement assistance, tools, equipment, occupational licenses, job modification, telecommunications and sensory devices.
14. Develops a working relationship with the client, which allows for an open and free discussion of all issues (social, economic, education, personal) relevant to the success of the vocational rehabilitation process.
15. Applies information and knowledge of assistive technology and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to recommend modification in work sites or equipment that will allow the client to perform work tasks.
16. Transports clients to and from training sessions, appointments, classes, and required project activities.
17. Other job related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. THIS POSITION REQUIRES COMPLIANCE WITH THE INDIAN CHILD PROTECTION and FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT PUBLIC LAW 101-630; 25 CODE of FEDERAL REGULATIONS PART 63 – INDIAN CHILD PROTECTION and FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION; CRIME CONTROL ACT OF 1990, EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS; and EXECUTIVE ORDER 12968, ADJUDICATIVE GUIDELINES AND THEREFORE MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECK BEFORE START EMPLOYMENT.
2. This position requires that the candidate be a mandated reporter.
3. Considerable knowledge of vocational rehabilitation policies and procedures; techniques of team development and communication; resource utilization; counseling techniques and practices; medical and psychological aspects of disabilities, job development, analysis, and placement.
4. Ability to detect and understand the relationship of mental or physical disabilities upon vocational and social adjustment.
5. Ability to assist, persuades, and motivates clients to make appropriate vocational choices and to take an active role in the attainment of the vocational goals.
6. Ability to manage a full caseload of clients independently; make accurate and empathetic decisions concerning rehabilitation plan development and implementation.
7. Ability to work compatibly in a team environment and apply the principles and practices of a self-directed team and individual empowerment; provide training and assistance as needed.
8. Travel to remote rural Tribal areas is required for the position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions)

1. AA in Human Services or related field with two (2) years working with people with disabilities required, Bachelor’s Degree with a major in rehabilitation counseling or related field preferred.

Employment Information

Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe (FPST) and Native American/Indian Preference:  Employment preferences to members of the FPST and to members of federally-recognized Indian Tribes shall apply to this position pursuant to the FPST’s Personnel Policies.  Individuals wishing to claim these employment preferences should submit a copy of the Tribal Enrollment Card/Certification indicating the name of the Tribe they are enrolled with.

U.S. Veteran’s Preference:  Preference to opportunities to veterans honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces shall apply to this position pursuant to the FPST’s Personnel Policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  The FPST does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national original, sex, religious preference, age, handicap, marital status, political preference, genetics or membership or non-membership in any employee organization, except as allowed by Federal and/or Tribal Law.

Drug Free Workplace:  The FPST is a drug-free workplace.  All employees are subject to a pre-employment and random drug tests.

Driving Record:  Employees who drive FPST vehicles must have a valid Nevada Driver’s License, be insurable under the FPST’s vehicle insurance program, and must also provide a DMV printout annually.

Background Checks:  All employees must be able to pass a background check per the FPST’s Background Check Policy.

Position Description Limitations:  This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Tribe and the employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the FPST and the requirements of the job change.  This position description is not intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by any employee in this position and is not intended to reflect all duties performed within the position.