REHABILITATION COUNSELOR ASSOCIATE

SS408 $29,744 - $53,602
Creation Date: 08/15/1998
Change Date: 01/01/2025

FUNCTION OF WORK:
To provide caseload support to Rehabilitation Counselors by relieving them of paraprofessional, non-counseling duties in order to improve long-term employment outcomes for clients/consumers.

LEVEL OF WORK:
Experienced

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
General supervision from a rehabilitation professional.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None.

JOB DISTINCTIONS:
Differs from other related jobs by the responsibility for providing various direct services to rehabilitation consumers requiring a substantial amount of contact with consumers, vendors, etc. and for the paraprofessional nature of the duties.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
CORE COMPETENCIES HAVE NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED BY STATE CIVIL SERVICE FOR THIS JOB TITLE. MORE INFORMATION ON THE SCS COMPETENCY MODEL CAN BE FOUND HERE.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:
EXAMPLES BELOW ARE A BRIEF SAMPLE OF COMMON DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS JOB TITLE. NOT ALL POSSIBLE TASKS ARE INCLUDED.

Performs initial intake activities obtaining information from the consumer for use by the counselor. Secures client records (transcripts, medical reports, training reports, etc.) pertinent to the provision of services.

Documents appropriate information in case record and reports findings to the counselor along with any recommendations. Brings to the counselor's attention any situations that require intervention. Initiates consumer contact when appropriate, and contacts third parties for casework management issues.

Administers the day to day details of individually assigned cases and follows up with contacts. Reports progress and outcomes of the case to all concerned parties.

Gathers personal history data of consumers through contact with other agencies, families, teachers, former employers, etc. Gathers initial financial data from consumer or counselor, completes agency forms, documents the case record and reports findings to counselor. Performs incidental clerical functions associated with assigned activities.

Assists the consumer and counselor in developing the individual written rehabilitation plan (IWRP). Assists in the provision of services to consumers in achieving the objectives of the IWRP. Monitors consumers' participation in the vocational plan and reports to counselor.

Receives telephone calls from vendors, consumers, etc. and relieves counselor of routine matters and updates in case records. Resolves problems not requiring the direct attention of counselor with little or no assistance from counselor. Meets with drop-in consumers and handles situations/problems as appropriate. Provides follow up and/or schedules appointments as needed.

Receives and screens information from potential consumers in counselor's absence; provides consumers with proper forms or information regarding the rehabilitation process.

Prepares required case management documents for consumers, institutions, vendors, and LRS employees including but not limited to: correspondence, memoranda, reports, requests for evaluations, case updates, etc.

Prepares and processes authorizations (BRIS) for training programs and support services. Inputs statistical data into the BRIS system. Follows up on BRIS authorizations not processed within required time frame.

Obtains and organizes occupational and labor market information as requested by counselor for use in developing appropriate plans.

Routinely checks case records to determine which need a counselor's attention.

Checks invoices, price quotes, etc. for accuracy and processes payments. Secures price quotations from potential vendors.

Develops a "schedule of events" for consumer testing, interviews, appointments, etc. Contacts consumers on missed appointments and reschedules. Contacts doctors, clinics, therapists, etc. to follow up on reports.

Meets periodically with workgroup colleagues regarding the problems and needs of the consumers (i.e. periodic workgroup meetings, periodic case review meetings, district meetings and regional meetings).

Explains vocational rehabilitation policy and procedures to consumers and other interested individuals.

May contact other public programs, agencies, individuals in search of potential consumers for agency.

Transports impaired counselors as required.

Independently contacts consumers who have lost contact with the agency to inquire about their status and the possibility of resuming services.

Contacts consumers and/or providers to discuss consumer's progress during training, reports to counselor and other third parties with an interest in the case.

Schedules and authorizes consumer's appointments with individuals or agencies who can provide needed resources for consumers (doctors, therapists, psychologists, evaluation centers, etc.) and takes required action to ensure consumer's participation and cooperation.

Contacts job ready consumers to determine whether intervention or assistance is needed. Provides knowledge of specific job openings.

Contacts consumer and/or employer to determine consumer's adjustment to employment and to inform consumer of the agency's procedure relative to post-employment services.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
One year of experience in social services, health insurance claims processing, employee benefits, an allied health field, medical records, or interviewing, screening, or admitting patients to a health care facility; OR

Thirty semester hours earned from an accredited college or university.