Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (Training)

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INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Department on Disability Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The mission of the administration is to provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to people with disabilities, which will maximize their quality of life and promote their employability and economic self-sufficiency, independence, inclusion and integration into society, and adjudication of disability claims.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide and implement a training program for vocational rehabilitation services.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Develops an introductory training program for new VR Specialists to provide an overview of VR service delivery, program regulations, policies, procedures and protocols.
• Coordinates with VR supervisors to implement the training program for all new VR specialists. Either provides the training directly or develops the materials and provides the necessary support for the VR supervisors or other designated staff to provide training and to coordinate with sources outside the agency to provide additional training on topics outside the incumbent's area of expertise. Develops materials for an introductory training that provides an overview of the VR and IL services programs for all other VR staff, including administrative / clerical staff and rehabilitation assistants. Provides topic-specific training to agency stakeholders including providers, employers, and members of the State Rehabilitation and State Independent Living Councils.
• Identifies the training needs of the VR Administration, based on results of Quality Assurance reviews and feedback from supervisors and the VR program manager. Develops materials to address ongoing training needs of the administration, focusing primarily on improving the professional skills of VR and IL staff.
• Develops and provides training for veteran VR specialists and other staff. Conducts at least two different training sessions each quarter, offered at least twice in the month, to ensure that it is available to all staff, without interrupting ongoing provision of services.
• Participates with the QA Program Analyst in the analysis of current and proposed operating programs and the evaluation of their actual or potential effectiveness
• In achieving goals and objectives. Participates in the monitoring and evaluation of program operations and special activities as they relate to the curriculum development of the training program for the staff and other stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must have one (1) year of Specialized Experience at the next lower grade level. Two (2) years of related work experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide training to agency employees who provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to eligible persons with disabilities in the District of Columbia.

Applicants must have met the qualifications requirement for this position by the closing date to be eligible for this position.

EDUCATION

Minimum requirement : Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Rehabilitation, or related field is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

WORK EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Extensive knowledge of theories, methods, principles and practices of vocational rehabilitation, counseling, evaluation and testing theories; medical and psychosocial aspects of disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and behavioral effects of controlled and illegal substances in order to investigate, assess and make decisions on difficult and complex work cases; plans and executes the assignments independently, resolves conflicts and coordinates the work with others to meet the established objectives.

Knowledge of the social and behavioral implications of ethnic diversity in a community, the Americans with Disabilities Act with particular emphasis on the employment and reasonable accommodations provisions and considerations of labor market conditions and trends.

Demonstrated ability to develop curriculum and prepare training presentations, including knowledge of the use of Power Point and other software included in Microsoft Office Suite.

Thorough knowledge of local and federal laws, regulations and policies related to rehabilitation programs, and ability to apply these laws and regulations to agency services.

Knowledge of the local labor market and its practices, work requirements and need of specific employers, employment trends, salaries and related information to assist clients in preparing for, securing, and maintaining employment.

Skill in the use of vocational rehabilitation counseling techniques and strategies; technical aspects of rehabilitation program service delivery, including the evaluation of aptitudes, skills, interests and educational background for clients with the most significant disabilities.

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to diverse groups of people to provide advice, plan and carry out the vocational rehabilitation process, counsel clients through informed choice, write correspondence, provide court testimony and represent the agency or Department and maintain liaison with community resources including other public and private agencies and organizations.

Collective Bargaining Unit

This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by local union AFSCME 2401.

Additional information

Once applications are submitted, applicants will not be able to change their responses to the online questions.

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening.

If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted ( as appropriate ); and

The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

Work Schedule

This position requires 4 days a week in the office.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Your application includes your resume, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume will result in a "not qualified" determination.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.