Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by sections 101(a) and 606 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA.
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development.
In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act, the VR agency must develop and maintain annually a description (consistent with the purposes of the Rehabilitation Act) of the VR agency’s comprehensive system of personnel development, which shall include a description of the procedures and activities the State VR agency will undertake to ensure it has an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals that provides the following:
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development.
i. 3. Standards that are consistent with any national or State-approved or -recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the profession or discipline in which such personnel are providing VR services; and
A. Standards that are consistent with any national or State-approved or -recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the profession or discipline in which such personnel are providing VR services; and
B. The establishment and maintenance of education and experience requirements, in accordance with section 101(a)(7)(B)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act, to ensure that the personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
The Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System for all RSB counselor positions are the highest standard in the state consistent with RSMO 337. All of RSB’s counseling staff meets the existing standards. Rehabilitation Counselor positions are available in two tiers.
The first is a Rehabilitation Specialist (Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor) and requires one or more years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind Trainee with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OROne or more years of experience as a Children's Specialist for the Blind or Rehabilitation Teacher for the Blind with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System; and, Possession of a Bachelor’s or higher level degree with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Business Administration, Special Education, Psychology, or Social Work.
ORA Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Business Administration, Special Education, Psychology, or Social Work; and,One or more years of professional experience providing services to and/or advocacy for individuals with disabilities. (A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for the stated experience.) OR
Possession of a current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
The second tier is a Senior Rehabilitation Specialist (Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor) requires two or more years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OR A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Business Administration, Special Education, Psychology, or Social Work; and,
Three or more years of professional experience providing services to and/or advocacy for individuals with disabilities. (A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for one year of the stated experience.) OR
*** Experience Working with Blind or Visually Impaired Persons is preferred but not required***
Possession of a current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
All of RSB’s vocational rehabilitation counseling staff currently meet the personnel requirements, which are consistent with 34 CFR 361.18. RSB will continue to coordinate with institutions offering graduate education in rehabilitation or related areas to ensure that classes are readily available, either in traditional programs or through use of the Internet and other non-traditional methodologies.
Applications and their accompanying transcripts are reviewed by RSB hiring managers following a thorough review by the HR unit to ensure that applicants meet the education, training, certification, and licensing standards set forth in the job descriptions.