Independent Living Counselor

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

• 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 Division 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.

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.

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 section.

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 on 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.