Independent Living Counselor

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Blind Services

Job Classification Title

Rehabilitation Counselor (S)

Position Number

60043018

Grade

NC10

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor (ILRC) provides individualized independent living services to adults who are visually impaired, blind, or deafblind to support their ability to live safely and independently in their homes and communities. This position conducts assessments, determines eligibility, develops service plans, provides counseling and daily living skills instruction, and coordinates services designed to help individuals adapt to sensory loss and maintain independence.

The ILRC works closely with consumers, families, service providers, and community partners to reduce isolation, increase participation in meaningful activities, and support overall well-being. Through case management, training, outreach, and resource coordination, this position assists consumers in achieving their independent living goals and maximizing self-sufficiency.


Key Duties Include:
- Conduct community outreach activities to identify individuals who may benefit from independent living services and promote awareness of available programs and resources.

- Complete comprehensive assessments to evaluate consumer needs, functional abilities, barriers to independence, and service requirements.

- Review and interpret eye reports and other medical documentation to determine the level of visual impairment and support service planning and eligibility determinations.

- Determine eligibility for independent living services in accordance with program policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

- Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with consumers, establishing independent living goals and objectives that promote self-sufficiency and community participation.

- Provide guidance, counseling, and ongoing case management services to support consumers in achieving identified goals and successfully adapting to sensory loss.

- Refer consumers to agency specialists, Vocational Rehabilitation services, healthcare providers, and community resources necessary to meet identified needs and service plan objectives.

- Deliver individual and group instruction in daily living skills, including adaptive technology, communication methods, personal care, home management, cooking, and other activities that support independent living.

- Manage program funds and authorize expenditures in accordance with established policies, procedures, and budget requirements.

- Recruit, train, and monitor vendors and service providers that deliver daily living skills instruction and other specialized services.

- Coordinate and facilitate in-person and virtual training programs, workshops, and educational activities for consumers and community partners.

- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to enhance service delivery and support positive consumer outcomes.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range $43,267 - $75,718

Recruitment Range $43,267 - $60,000

Repost - Previous Applicants Must Reapply To Be Considered For This Vacancy 

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Documented experience applying case management principles and practices to assess needs, develop service plans, coordinate services, and monitor progress toward established goals.

• Prior experience providing services and support to individuals with disabilities, including identifying needs, addressing barriers, and promoting independence and self-sufficiency.

• Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, service providers, and community partners to coordinate resources and assist clients in achieving desired outcomes.

• Experience delivering counseling, guidance, and advocacy services to support client adjustment, decision-making, and goal attainment.

• Demonstrated experience utilizing community resources and support networks to identify appropriate services, facilitate referrals, and enhance client access to needed supports.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work: Physical requirements include some stooping, crouching, reaching standing and walking to get from place to place sedentary work and may require lifting occasionally of up to 10 pounds.
• The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions and may have to perform operations which include analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing and operating a computer terminal and operation of light office machines i.e. copiers and fax machines.
  

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds

About the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB):

The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Visit the website for State Benefits. 

Supplemental Contact Information: 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. 

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. 

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. 

Application Process 

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. 
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. 
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. 
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. 
• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. 
• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. 

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference 

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. 
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from an appropriately accredited institution.

OR

Master’s degree in a related human services field from an appropriately accredited institution.

OR

Current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

LaWanna Baker

Contact:

DHHS Workday Support Form