Job Posting Title

Specialist on Deaf/Blind

Agency

805 DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES

Supervisory Organization

Dept Rehabilitation Services

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Salary: Monthly Annual
$4,131.60 $49,579.20

Job Description

Basic Purpose

**This is a statewide, specialized position serving clients and consumers who are deaf-blind or hard of hearing and severely visually impaired. Extensive travel throughout the state will be necessary. Final work location may be dependent upon selected applicant.

The Specialist will coordinate, evaluate, and monitor the statewide Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired Deaf-Blind Program, provide direct services to deaf-blind job seekers toward the achievement of employment outcomes with a commitment to a fully inclusive community-based environment and offer training and technical assistance to clients families and other service providers.

Specialist will utilize knowledge of principles and practices of vocational rehabilitation to determine eligibilities, complete comprehensive assessments, assist clients to develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), provide vocational counseling and guidance in the effective delivery of case services and follow agency record documentation guidelines throughout the vocational rehabilitation process.

This position is responsible for providing instructional, guidance and counseling and resource services to deaf-blind clients and their families to address challenges related to personal, social, and vocational adjustment to the clients disabilities. The Specialist will arrange services to assist clients in achieving employment outcomes, to include evaluating work capacities, personal and social skills, and ability to live and work independently. Provide one-on-one and group-based, employment-focused, direct services to consumers statewide. Work collaboratively with local service providers and local community partners to develop a team to execute an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Act as consultant to assist employers and businesses with understanding and adhering to guidelines for accommodating people who are deaf-blind according to the ADA and all laws, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to people with disabilities. Arrange and participate in deaf-blind events statewide to advocate for and demonstrate inclusion, self-advocacy, and interpersonal skills to deaf-blind clients.

Employee must be willing to perform all job-related travel.

Trial period (if applicable) is required.

Typical Functions

Level Descriptor

Education and Experience

Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, vocational evaluation, vocational rehabilitation; OR a master's degree in any subject and one year of professional experience in counseling, job placement, vocational evaluation, or rehabilitation. All applicants at this level must be eligible to sit for certification specific to the professional job duties such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination.

Applicants must upload a copy of most recent transcript with the application submission, and any current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Professional Vocational Evaluator (PVE) certification or Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT), documentation of eligibility to sit for above certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

Special Requirements

Prefer candidates with experience working with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-plus, blind and/or low vision. Applicant should possess excellent skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and/or haptic skills and contracted or uncontracted Braille.

Preference may be given to applicants who are eligible to sit for, or currently hold, one of the following licenses/certifications: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or Professional Vocational Evaluator (PVE).

Additional Job Description

Benefit Highlights: The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents.

Benefits Include:

Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
Employee assistance programs and health and fitness programs
11 paid holidays
15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave for the first year
Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
Longevity Bonus for years of service
5% additional pay for the possession of an appropriate professional certification or licensure
Training opportunities to help meet CEU requirements

For questions regarding specific duties or details of this job, please contact Human Resources at HR@okdrs.gov

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.