ASL Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (35 Hour) Hybrid #260421-9150EB-001

Are you fluent in American Sign Language? Ready to empower individuals with disabilities and guide them towards meaningful employment? Join our team and make a lasting impact by helping individuals achieve their career goals and independence!The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is seeking qualified individuals to join our team as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1. Discover an exciting opportunity to deliver vital vocational rehabilitation services to individuals are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing. Explore further details about these rewarding positions below!Individuals in their final semester of a Master's degree program may apply. Candidate cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete. Position HighlightsSchedule: Monday - FridayShift: Full-time, 35 hours per week, First ShiftEnvironment: Hybrid work environment, including office-based, community based, and remote work responsibilitiesLocation: 249 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT (Although this position will be based out of the Waterbury office, it will also support efforts out of the Bridgeport District Office at 1057 Broad St in Bridgeport) Due to the specialized nature of this position, our ideal candidate will be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). A video may be requested to verify experience during this process.Reminder: Please ensure that all languages in which you are fluent are listed in the Language Fluency section under the Profile tab of your application. What We Can Offer YouVisit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!Professional growth and development opportunities.A healthy work/life balance to all employees.What You'll Be DoingProviding vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilitiesDealing with the public and conducting community outreachManaging referrals from general intake, community organizations, school systems and other community referrals In this role you will provide valuable vocational rehabilitation services to our clients in one of three exciting functional areas:General Counselors - Primary responsibilities include conducting intakes, gathering and reviewing records for eligibility determination, performing assessments, providing career counseling and individualized services to eligible transition age youth and/or adults with disabilities regarding their employment options, and developing effective partnerships through community outreach.Level Up Counselors - Concentrate on helping high school students with disabilities by collaborating with schools, students and families, by providing pre-vocational services, resources, and information that the student will need to transition from high school into the work force.Workforce Counselors - Go into the community to build relationships with employers and market BRS services, they educate employers on the benefits of employing our qualified clients, and secure placement and training opportunities for our job seekers based on current labor market trends. More About The Agency And BureauThe Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut.Our programs, policies and practices are designed to:Deliver aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizensProvide leadership on aging and disability issues statewideProvide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacyAdvocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adultsServe as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state levelThe Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), a division of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), assists individuals with significant physical and/or mental disabilities in preparing for, securing, maintaining, or advancing in employment. BRS is dedicated to fostering opportunities that support individuals with disabilities in gaining competitive employment.BRS has helped thousands of Connecticut residents with disabilities. Our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors have the knowledge and experience to help people with disabilities explore work opportunities and make good choices related to employment.We offer individualized services for persons with disabilities who are eligible for vocational rehabilitation and provide supports in planning for and achieving their job goals.Minimum Qualifications - General ExperienceA Master's degree from an accredited college with a major course of study in vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, special education or related behavioral or social sciences.Preferred QualificationsExperience working with high school students or adults with disabilities to include individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearingExperience providing outreach to the Deaf community and to community agencies including conducting presentationsExperience with an electronic case management system, Outlook, and video conferencing platformsExperience managing competing priorities while meeting deadlinesExperience utilizing assistive technology and communication resources for deafness and hearing lossExperience communicating with internal and external stakeholders in American Sign Language Special RequirementsIncumbents in this class will be required to obtain the educational qualification for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1 and meet the most current national standard for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) as specified by the Commissioner on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).Incumbents in this class are required to maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license or Identification Card.Incumbents in this class may be required to travel with or without accommodation.AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTAs defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.