VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SPECIALIST II

The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers programs and services that help people with disabilities go to work or stay independent in their homes and communities.

VR Specialist I -- Grade 12 -- Salary:  $35,700

VR Specialist II -- Grade 13 -- Salary:  $37,799

1002 Veirs Mill Road

Wheaton, Maryland 20902-1991

This is a professional position in the field of vocational rehabilitation counseling responsible for coordinating and delivering vocational rehabilitation services or Independent Living (IL) services to assist those individuals maintain, prepare for and obtain gainful employment consistent with their skills, capacities and vocational choices within a reasonable period of time as defined within Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) or Independent Living Plan (ILP). This position provides intermediate leave of rehab services within the Offices of Field Services, Blindness & Vision Services, and WTC.

Assists persons who are blind/visually impaired in preparing for or obtaining employment; determines eligibility for vocational services; provides individual career/counseling to people with disabilities; reviews medical, psychological, and vocational data to evaluate the nature and extent of the disability; coordinates and provides services to eligible individuals  necessary to accommodate their disabilities and obtain employment; obtains services from other community agencies for people with disabilities; and provides job placement, post-employment, and follows-up services.

Education:   VR Specialist I/II -- Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree. 

Experience: 

VR Specialist I -- Professional experience in a behavioral or social science related filed is preferred. 

VR Specialist II --  Two years of professional experience in a behavioral or social science related field is required; a Master’s Degree in a Behavioral or Social Science related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. 

Knowledge of:  principles, procedures and regulations involved in providing rehabilitation services; Professional counseling, interviewing, and evaluation procedures; relationship between functional limitations presented by disabilities and employment goals; social and economic structure of the Community organizations, and groups providing services and information for people with disabilities; practices relating to job search and employer outreach activities; and of laws and regulations governing the administration of vocational rehabilitation, worker’s compensation, social security, and social services. Ability to: communicate effectively; effectively plan and organize assigned work and meet established performance standards; coordinate and deliver multidisciplinary services required to support rehabilitation programs; analyze and interpret complex and varied medical, psychological, and vocational reports; skill in adaptive and assistive technologies; establish and maintain appropriate relationships with clients, employers, representatives of public and private organizations, providers of rehabilitation services, general public, and government officials. 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS  

Proof of eligibility to work in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, and travel throughout the State are required. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in nonselection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.