LEAD COUNSELOR & COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

General Summary: The purpose of this position is to perform supervisory skills to the VR Specialist required for effective guidance, counseling and training of VR Staff. Monitor the services provide in the vocational rehabilitation of eligible individuals who are mentally or physically disabled. Incumbent ensures that quality VR services are provided to clients. Incumbent assists VR Director in requested matter of operation including budgeting. Incumbent is under the direct supervision of the VR Program Director.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Assists VR Director in planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of VR services in an effective and efficient manner in order to achieve established goals and objectives of the program.
2. Assists Director in providing guidance and supervision to subordinate staff within the VR program.
3. Performs intermediate level counseling work such as initial interviews with applicant for vocational rehabilitation to obtain information concerning applicant's physical or mental condition, social and economic situation, attitudes and aptitudes, work experience, educational background and personality traits.
4. Assist with chart audits and assist with weekly staffing.
5. Arrange for medical diagnosis to determine kind and extent of disability and rehabilitation possibilities as required.
6. Shall provide for the administration on interpretation of standard psychological tests when indicated by client observation or desire to go into long-term training. Incumbent will review results to determine eligibility on the basis of law and policy and assist the individual in the development of an individual plan for employment.
7. Assist in the planning and arranging for VR services, authorize payment for agreed upon service according to Program guidelines and supervise client's training program and monitor progress throughout the VR process.
8. Counsel with client throughout the rehabilitation process, advocate for client with other professionals if necessary and assist client in meeting/problem solving of medical, social, psychological aspects of the disability and vocational limits. 
9. Confers with public and private employers to establish job opportunities for vocational rehabilitation clients and aids clients in securing employment consistent with their abilities.
10. Shall make periodic visits with clients to monitor progress and maintain appropriate case records and controls case services expenditures.
11. Periodically review cases to ensure progress is being made or make adjustments by revising objectives and services upon mutual agreement of client, VR Specialist and Program Director.
12. Assist the Program Director and Vocational Rehab Technician in fiscal budget planning activities of the VR Program.
13. Assist the Director in program policy review and in the development of new policies as required.
14. Regular attendance is required.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of counseling, vocational guidance, psychological testing and occupational placement.
• Knowledge of all aspects of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) for persons with physical, mental, hearing or visual impairments.
• Knowledge of VR Program policies and procedures and Federal and State regulations related to VR programs and services.
• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 2010 revisions to the ADA and related legislation.
• Skill in counseling, evaluating and analyzing data and situations accurately, in developing and implementing effective plans for vocational placement of eligible individuals.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with coworkers,
• MCNDH administrative and medial staff, VR clients and their families, individuals with physical or mental impediments, Tribal and local officials, and the general public both orally and in writing.
• Ability to foster/maintain a team-oriented atmosphere that promotes individual growth and group proficiency towards established goals.
• Familiarity with basic comping in a Windows environment and ability to operate general office equipment.
• Knowledge of basic accounting practices.
• Ability to maintain VR client confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to maintain a confident, professional demeanor. 

Minimum Requirements: Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or directly related field received from CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education) accredited university is required or possess valid CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) or LPC

(Licensed Profession Counselor) certification or licensure and substantial knowledge of the delivery of VR services. Knowledge and experience may be substituted for education with VR proficiency and 15 years experience.

Experience: Ten (10) or more years of verifiable vocational rehabilitation employment with a minimum of five (5) years experience as a VR Counselor Supervisor and substantial knowledge of the delivery of VR services.

Preferred Requirements: Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or directly related field received from CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education) accredited university is required or possess valid CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) or LPC (Licensed Profession Counselor) certification or licensure and substantial knowledge of the delivery of VR services. Knowledge and experience may be substituted for education with VR proficiency and 15 years experience.

Must have a valid Oklahoma Driver's License. 

Additional Licenses Required: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is required. Must possess a valid Oklahoma State drivers license and be insurable. Professional Licenses may be substituted for VR proficiency and 15 years experience.