Job Details
Level: Experienced
Job Location: Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation - Lawton, OK
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
Salary Range: $17.00 - $21.00 Hourly
Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
Job Shift: M-F/8-5
OPENING DATE: April 19, 2024
CLOSING DATE: May 2, 2024
POSITION SUMMARY: The Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Counselor position will provide Native American students 16-24 years old, which have a mental, physical or learning disability learn how to transition from school to work and advocate for their needs. The main focus will be Native American students on a 504 or IEP. This position will work closely with public schools, colleges, universities, trade schools, vo-techs, etc. throughout the 9-county service area which is served by the Comanche Vocational Rehabilitation Program, in order to form partnerships that will allow the department to better assist Native American students with disabilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Transitional Counselor:
- Will disseminate information about the project to potential consumers, service providers, Native American Education, public school systems, two- and four-year colleges and vocational trade School.
- Network with businesses and industry associates to develop transition partnerships within the Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation service area.
- Conducts intake for students and establishes case management files.
- Conducts initial interviews and determines eligibility for services.
- Ensures the management of students' transition plans which includes work experience opportunities by monitoring the students' performance.
- Works effectively with superintendents, principals, teachers, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and other service providers to coordinate an effective transition program for students with disabilities at all schools within the 9-county service area.
- Assists students in referrals for career assessments and vocational interests.
- Assists students with the development Individualized Education Plan (IEP) after reviewing the assessment results.
- Assists in the development and dissemination of informational literature for all stakeholders (students, parents, community members, teachers, counselors, administrators and business and industry members.)
- Schedules regular outreach services in 2-3 tribal offices to provide intake, counseling and cost-sharing activities within the nine-county service area.
- Provides counseling and guidance to students to ensure their needs are being met and to alleviate problems so they will continue in training.
- Attends IEP meets with clients and advocate for their needs.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of consumer information.
REPORTS TO: This position reports to the Vocational Rehabilitation Director. This position does not have any authoritative responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Majority of work will be performed in an office setting, however meeting students at the school or work site is mandatory.
- May sit for long periods of time.
- Mav lift up to 25lbs at times.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Indoor office work environment, with travel to outreach, school functions, worksites and trainings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or sociology preferred, however a Bachelor's Degree plus case management experience will be considered.
- Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation processes and practices is preferred.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, possess professional demeanor and appearance, problem solving skills, ability to manage time effectively and self-motivated.
- Must have an understanding of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Must have a valid driver license
- Able to travel.
- Must pass drug screening
- Must be willing to submit to and pass a Federal Background Investigation, employment will be contingent upon successful completion.
BENEFITS PACKAGE:
- Annual Leave (4 hours per pay period)
- Sick Leave (4 hours per pay period)
- Birthday Leave
- Bereavement Leave (3 paid days off for specified family members)
- Fifteen (15) Paid Holidays
- Medical Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only)
- Dental Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only)
- Life Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only- $40K coverage)
- 401K-up to 3% match
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS (100% employee paid via payroll deduction):
- Medical Insurance BCBS (Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available)
- Dental Insurance BCBS (Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available)
- Vision Insurance VSP (Employee, Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available)
- Short-term Disability
- Long-term Disability
- Additional Employee Life Insurance
- Spouse, and Child Life Insurance
- AFLAC
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Comanche Nation does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
COMANCHE PREFERENCE applies in accordance to the Comanche Nation Human Resources Policies and Procedures. Eligible applicants must submit proof of enrollment with employment application to receive Comanche preference.
INDIAN PREFERENCE applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), Form 4432 must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference. Non-Indian applications will be considered in the absence of qualified Comanche and/or Indian preference applicants.