DARS Division of Blind Services VR Program Specialist Full time: 40 hours Position located in Austin, Texas Salary Range $3944.25-$6293.08 Travel Requirement: 75% Closing Date: 8/1/2014 Job Description: Program Specialist V - The VR Program Specialist is hired by and reports to the Program Specialist Manager, West. The VR Program Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) program consultative services and technical assistance work. Duties include: providing oversight and consultative program services related to monitoring, planning, budgeting, developing, and implementing the Division for Blind Services’ VR Program and policies; providing consultative services and technical assistance to staff in the VR Program, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public; providing information, resources and/or training consistent with the agencys Texas Confidence Builders philosophy, specifically in the areas of adjustment to blindness, travel skills, skills of daily living, communication skills, support systems and vocational development and exploration or employment. Works under limited direction with significant latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Monitors and oversees the work of others. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Field Support: Provides oversight, monitoring and consultative services and technical assistance to field directors, VR Supervisors, VR Coordinators and VR Counselors regarding program services; education; budget and policy issues; VR Process and Procedures; and caseload management to maximize regional performance. Supports field directors’/VR supervisors by conducting case reviews. (25%) Administrative Support: Consults with and supports DARS/DBS Administrators on program services, education, budget and policy issues, VR Process and Procedures, and caseload management to maximize annual performance. (25%) Staff Training: In coordination with Field Directors, VR Supervisors and/or VR Coordinators, provides on-the-job training (OJT) of VR counselors and other staff assigned to the VR Program to maximize staff program knowledge and performance, oversees VR OJT Training Guide, plans and implements regional trainings as needed, and assists the Center for Learning Management (CLM) with VR-focused training. (20%) Liaison with public/private agencies: Consults with public and private agencies, as well as external resources affecting the assigned Program’s target population, to identify and address strategies to enhance Program and staff effectiveness, including coordination with state and federal agencies, consumer advocacy groups, and participation in interagency councils and workgroups, . (15%) Program Development: Based on program monitoring and program data, identifies program needs and develops new and innovative programming to meet program needs. (10%) Team Leader: Plans and assigns work to assigned Program support staff. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Be eligible to take the examination for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor which requires a Master’s degree in Rehab Counseling or acceptable field. Knowledge Skills Abilities: •Extensive knowledge of program planning and implementation. •Extensive knowledge of the psychological, social, vocational and independent living issues faced by individuals in targeted area. •Extensive knowledge of counseling techniques as applied to targeted group. •Extensive knowledge of community, state and federal resources applicable to targeted group. •Extensive knowledge of VR program process and procedures. •Extensive knowledge of VR program issues/philosophy, specific rules and laws at the state and federal level. •Extensive knowledge of report and record maintenance principles and practices. •Extensive knowledge of caseload management principles and practices. •Thorough knowledge of skills and adaptations necessary for targeted group to achieve employment. •Skill in analyzing and resolving problems unique to area of specialization. •Skill in using personal computer and familiarity with Windows environment and Microsoft Office software. •Ability to guide caseload carrying staff in formulating and implementing individual plans program procedures. •Ability to assist with caseload coverage, as needed. •Ability to provide and assess appropriate OJT and other training as needed to agency/departmental staff. •Ability to guide service providers in assessing and providing appropriate counseling, guidance, and other assistance in concert with the established program plan. •Ability to collect data from consultative reports, agency analysis, and other sources, identify trends and issues, and provide recommendations. •Ability to develop and interpret guidelines, policies and procedures. •Ability to develop, monitor and provide recommendations on output and efficiency measures. •Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, departmental staff, agency staff, and staff from outside agencies. •Ability to plan, organize and review work priorities for efficient results. •Ability to clearly express ideas, instructions and reports orally and in writing. •Ability to supervise or oversee the work of others. Initial Screening Criteria: Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or acceptable field •Minimum four years work experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Willingness to travel 75% of the time
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 11:16:41 +0000
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