Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor

The Department of Labor & Industry is actively looking to appoint a Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor. This role operates under the overarching guidance of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) within the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS). The Supervisor will be responsible for the strategic planning, organization, direction, and oversight of a dedicated team comprising Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Social Workers, Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, and Orientation and Mobility Specialists. This team is tasked with delivering essential services aimed at empowering individuals to achieve employment and sustain independent living within their homes and communities. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply now!

In this position, you will be responsible for executing the objectives of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB), Specialized Services - Adults (SSA), and Specialized Services - Children (SSC) programs by effectively assigning, scheduling, directing, and overseeing the work of your unit. You will utilize a web-based application to access and update participant records, ensuring that all information is current and accurate. Additionally, you will review detailed base and referral information within the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) and delegate tasks to the appropriate staff members. Your role will also involve approving all entries related to eligibility, order of selection, cost information, and closure details made by trainees or interns in CWDS. When necessary, you will take on the responsibilities of a secondary case manager within the system. Timeliness is crucial as you will be required to enter case notes into CWDS promptly for visibility and sharing purposes. You will collaboratively establish performance goals and objectives with your team, continuously evaluate their performance, and consult with them when there are changes in duties or discrepancies arise, which will be documented in an annual formal evaluation report. Through individual and group meetings, you will work to enhance the efficiency and skills of your subordinates.

In partnership with the Employment, Banking, and Revenue Human Resource Delivery Center (HR) and the Employee Relations Division, you will address grievances and complaints by conducting initial investigations, discussing issues with employees, and resolving matters in accordance with collective-bargaining agreements. You will also initiate progressive or corrective disciplinary actions as needed. Adhering to relevant legislation, regulations, and agency policies, you will ensure program eligibility and the quality of case services by reviewing and analyzing case records and holding case conferences with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs). Furthermore, you will tackle any program implementation and service delivery challenges in collaboration with subordinate staff, individuals with disabilities, and the broader community. To maintain awareness and knowledge among VRC, SW2, VRT, and/or O&M staff, you will conduct in-service training sessions and staff conferences.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time upon successful completion of probationary period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Philadelphia. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $67,736.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Vision Rehabilitation Therapist; or Orientation and Mobility Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years as a Social Worker 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; or
• Two years of professional experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program; AND possession of an active Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certificate issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification; or
• Two years of professional experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program; AND a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation, mental health, special education, social work, human services, psychology, business administration, human resources, public administration, or a closely related field.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.