Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy Job Posting Closes: Open Until Filled Required documents (as listed in Qualifications and Required Documents sections) must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Agency Information Kansas Department for Children and Families | www.dcf.

ks.gov Vocational Rehabilitation Services Kansas City Region / Negotiable About the Position Who can apply: External Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Regular Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes Compensation: $ 50,148.

80 annually. Salary may be dependent upon the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Employment Benefits In addition to the starting salary, the State of Kansas offers a significant benefits package that is available the first day of employment. All benefits eligible, full-time employees may elect to enroll in: Health Insurance including medical, dental, vision (plus optional partner/dependent coverage at reduced cost) Creation of and contribution to your personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit 9-10 paid, annual holidays 12 paid, annual vacation days 12 paid, annual sick days 1 paid Discretionary Day Your personal life insurance policy equal to 150% of your starting salary *This benefits package represents additional annual compensation.

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information .

Position Summary

& Responsibilities The Kansas Department for Children and Families is hiring innovators and leaders. If you believe people have the capacity to progress, succeed, grow, and do well in life, you can discover your purpose here! Find more than just a job with DCF. You can be part of the growth and opportunity for our team to help serve the individuals and families in your community.

Thrive With Us and find your career and purpose! Administrative-based Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) provide statewide support by managing vacant caseloads and ensuring continuity of services for individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities include

conducting comprehensive counseling interviews to gather information regarding clients’ medical and family histories, social functioning, educational backgrounds, work experience, self-perception, attitudes, financial resources, and vocational interests to evaluate employment-related strengths, needs, and barriers. Collaborates with medical professionals and vocational assessment specialists to coordinate appropriate medical, psychological, and vocational diagnostic services necessary to determine eligibility.

Provides clear information regarding agency services, eligibility criteria, and clients’ rights and responsibilities to promote informed decision-making and access to vocational rehabilitation services. View the full position description : Qualifications Education: *If a degree is required, a copy of a candidate’s transcript showing proof must be sent to your recruiter following the interview * A bachelor’s degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with consumers and employers; and demonstrated paid or unpaid experience, for not less than one year, consisting of— (i) Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center: or (ii) Direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individual with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities; or (iii) Direct experience in competitive integrated employment environments as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in human resources or recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities.

Additional education requirement for minimum Standards: Candidates selected under the Minimum Standards will be required to complete additional graduate level courses within five years of their start date, as follows: (minimum of SEVEN graduate courses):

• Priority to complete: ONE integrated OR TWO separate graduate courses with the primary focus on Theories of Counseling AND Techniques of Counseling
• Priority to complete (medical and psychosocial aspects): TWO with the individual or combined primary focus on

1. Medical Aspects of Disabilities;
2. Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities; AND
3. Multicultural Issues

• ONE on Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling
• ONE on Assessment
• ONE on Occupational Information OR Job Placement
• ONE on Case Management AND Rehabilitation Services Standard #3- A master’s or doctorate degree in Counseling, Rehabilitation Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Clinical Social Work plus the additional education requirements described below: or Standard #4- A master’s or doctorate in one of the following closely related fields, majors or disciplines plus the additional education requirements described below: Behavioral Health Behavioral Science Business Administration Clinical Social Work Counseling Counseling Psychology Disability Studies Education Human Relations Human Resources Human Services Law Management Marriage and Family Therapy Occupational Therapy Psychology Psychometrics Public Administration Rehabilitation Administration/Services Rehabilitation Psychology Social Work Special Education Vocational Assessment/Evaluation Additional education requirements for Standard #3 and #4: Candidates selected under Standards 3 and 4 will be required to complete additional graduate level courses within three years of their employment start date, as follows: •One integrated or two separate courses in the Theories of Counseling and the Techniques of Counseling; and •One integrated or two separate courses in the Medical Aspects of Disability and the Psychosocial Aspects of Disability.

Minimum Qualifications

*If a driver’s license is required, a copy must be sent to your recruiter following the interview. * Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements : Security Clearance: A background check (KBI - criminal background, welfare fraud, driver's license and Child/Adult Abuse and Neglect Central Registry) is required for all positions with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of employment, which may include fingerprinting and FBI check.

Security clearance must be obtained prior to employment with DCF. Must maintain security clearance throughout employment. Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer.

A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue

• Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions Recruiter Contact Information Email: DCF.KCRegion. [email protected] Please reference Job ID Number: 223590 Job Application Process First Sign in or register as a New User. Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications. Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. This information is included on all your job applications. Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete. Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page. Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter. Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions" Required Documents for this Application to be Complete Upload these on the Careers
• My Job Applications page State of Kansas online application Resume Cover letter Legible copy of valid driver’s license (if driver’s license is required) Transcripts**(if educational requirements are listed for this position)** If degree is a requirement listed, transcript must show proof of graduation or degree obtained. DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference) *Required documents must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”. How to Claim Veterans Preference Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to [email protected] , or can be mailed/delivered in person to: ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator Office of Personnel Services Landon State Office Building 900 SW Jackson, Rm 401 Topeka, KS 66612 Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter. E-Verify : DCF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Full Position Description: No. Each Task and Indicate Percent of Time E or M The person in this position has access to protected health information (PHI) under the provisions of the Heath Information Portability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) Privacy Rule. PHI must be treated in accordance with the provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Regulation including the requirements for safeguarding, releasing and recording the release of such information. The person will receive training in the provision of the HIPAA Privacy Regulations as they relate to the duties of this position and has signed a confidentiality agreement. In addition to the tasks listed below, the incumbent is expected to communicate the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the agency to peers, clients and the public; identify personal strengths and developmental needs to increase job performance and long-term career growth. Continually analyze work processes, seek new approaches and make recommendations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Works in a harmonious and cooperative fashion with other staff to provide efficient and effective customer service. Uses free time as available to assist other staff in the completion of work assignments. Contributes to a positive work environment through a positive, helpful, courteous demeanor towards staff, clients, and the general public. Adheres to appropriate standards of conduct regarding the use of leave and reports to work on time. 45% 20% 10% 25% E E E E Essential Functions / Estimated Time Allocation: Caseload Coverage Review and manage vacant caseloads, reengage clients where possible, transfer clients to field counselors, and close cases for individuals no longer interested in services. Complete eligibility determinations and IPEs as needed. Case Review, Overtime Monitoring & Provider Monitoring Conduct case reviews for timeliness, documentation quality, and compliance. Participate in provider monitoring, audits, and spot checks as assigned. Special Projects / Outreach / Statewide Initiatives Attend meetings, support statewide initiatives, conduct research (other states’ practices, rate setting, RFPs, State Plan activities), and engage in outreach efforts as needed. Community Outreach and Collaboration Establishes and maintains liaison relationships and provides technical assistance regarding disability and independence through employment to clients, their family and support systems, community resources, businesses, government agencies, schools, health care facilities, attorneys, physicians, and social workers to educate and advocate on behalf of people with disabilities. Provides information about rehabilitation programs and services to physicians, service providers, employers, and others to stimulate appropriate referrals, encourage client participation, and establish a community support system. Activities include, as appropriate to the position, supporting and coordinating Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities, including outreach to schools, participation in transition-related activities, and collaboration with education and community partners. May conduct accessibility and job modification surveys to employers. The RS Program Administrator and/or manager reviews logs of community activities at least quarterly to ensure outreach and coordination goals are met. Facilitates and participates in DCF collaboration efforts. Assures quality customer service. Coordinates resources and makes appropriate referrals within the agency and/or to community partners. Is flexible and uses program expertise to find solutions to customer issues. Provides program-specific information to all co-workers and partners as needed. Maintains knowledge and awareness of DCF programs and community resources. Supports the agency’s responsibility to deliver and coordinate Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) by engaging in activities as appropriate to the position and ensuring accurate documentation. Other Administrative Tasks Complete miscellaneous administrative assignments, assist with workflow improvements, and support ad hoc projects assigned by leadership. In addition to the tasks listed above, this position is expected to: Comply with the Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS) professional conduct expectations. Demonstrate leadership in carrying out the DCF Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, and in communicating these values with peers, customers, partners and the general public. Demonstrate leadership in carrying out and communicating the Goals and Priorities of Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS), emphasizing the value of employment, the potential of people with disabilities, the importance of accountability, and the meaningful involvement of people with disabilities, partners, employers and other stakeholders in KRS programs, services and activities. Ensure that all KRS programs and services support customer engagement and informed decision making. Identify his/her own personal strengths and developmental needs to increase job performance and long-term career growth. Continually analyze work processes, seek new approaches, and make recommendations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Provide excellent customer service both internally and externally. Serve as a positive role model, respecting diversity, demonstrating respect, trust, and openness, and communicating in a manner that is courteous, respectful and protects human dignity, and follows the expectations of the RS Professional Conduct guidelines. Identify gaps and needs for community and agency services and seek to develop the services needed in conjunction with other DCF and KRS staff. Demonstrate commitment to customer service and integrated service delivery. The incumbent will participate fully in integrated service team activation and work effectively with all other divisions to provide a harmonious work environment that is conducive to improving agency outcomes, office operations and a productive working relationship with the community; and Work cooperatively with peers, staff, customers, community partners and the general public.