Career Information: Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Interviews candidates for placement. Develops and reviews their resumes, reference statements, and other documents to gain a full understanding of each candidates abilities. Advises candidate on their job interview skills.
2. Reviews computer listings of job openings from the state job service and other on-line listings of job opportunities.
3. Telephones ahead to appropriate contact at the job service or employer to discuss job openings. Tries to obtain an appointment date and time for the candidate.
4. Prepares candidate for interview with background information on the employer and the particular job.
5. Gains feedback from the candidate and the employer after the interview. Follows up wherever possible to maximize opportunity for placement.
6. Maintains contacts in local government, with welfare agencies, chambers of commerce, and other civic groups to keep abreast of employment opportunities in the community. Reviews help wanted sections of local newspapers and statewide business papers to scout for new employers entering the market.
7. Develops employer base who have job opportunities and ascertains duties, responsibilities, working conditions, and salary being offered. Phones employers on a regular basis to maintain good working relationship and keep abreast of job openings.
8. Describes job openings to suitable candidates and describes promising candidates to prospective employers. Arranges interviews where there is mutual interest. Follows up with both parties after interview and placement.
9. Assists both parties in reaching agreement concerning salary and other employment conditions.
10. May also assist employer clients by providing outplacement services in cases of corporate downsizing.
11. Formulates job analyses/descriptions to be presented to physician and/or rehabilitation team for approval.
12. Serves role as an expert in Workers' Compensation hearings and other court systems.
13. Assesses patient/client aptitudes, interests, abilities, and limitations using work samples, real and/or simulated work tasks, psychometric testing, and behavioral observations.
14. Prepares and dictates written evaluation and progress reports and case-recording documents.
15. Assists individuals in gaining insight into their roles in establishing vocational plans.
16. Participates in hospital, patient evaluations and team meetings.
17. Coordinates referrals to community resources and performs follow-up service.
18. Travels to metropolitan Baltimore/Washington DC area.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Completes other related duties as assigned by department director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrable effective oral and written communication skills.
2. Ability to work with various rehabilitation providers.
3. Ability to organize, plan, and implement individualized evaluations.
4. Strong communication skills to influence job candidates and encourage employers to consider job placement candidates.
5. Must be qualified to be certified by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission.
6. Ability to match personalities and needs of employers with corresponding personalities and abilities of job candidates.
7. Ability to work independently and organize time effectively.
8. Organizational ability to develop database of jobs and job seekers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor's degree in vocational evaluation, special education, behavioral psychology, or related field. Master's degree in social service preferred.
2. Volunteer or paid work experience involving direct contact with individuals of diverse disabilities.
3. Knowledge of evaluation systems, human behavior, occupational information, and employment markets helpful.