Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor

The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor (ILRC) serves individuals who are visually impaired, blind or deafblind who are in need of individualized services to maintain independence in the home and/or community. Many individuals requiring services are over the age of 55. Services provided by this program assist individuals with adapting to sensory loss to reduce a sense of isolation, increase the ability to engage in meaningful activities and reduce the risk of injuries, depression, and nursing home placement.

Job Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Conduct outreach in the community to identify individuals in need of program services.
• Complete a comprehensive assessment of each applicant for services.
• Interpret eye reports to determine the level of visual impairment and to assist with planning appropriate services.
• Determine eligibility for services
• In collaboration with the client, develop a service plan which includes specific independent living objectives.
• Provide guidance and counseling throughout the case management process.
• Make referrals to agency internal staff for specialized services, to other agency programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation, and to external resources needed for the achievement of planned goals.
• Provide instruction on basic daily living skills tasks both one-on-one and in group settings. Instruction areas include but are not limited to basic adaptive technology, cooking, personal care, and communications.
• Manage a budget and ensure expenditures meet policy guidelines.
• Hire and train vendors to serve as Daily Living Skills Instructors.
• Coordinate in-person or virtual group training.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners to best serve clients.
  
  

About the NC Division of Services for the Blind (DSB):

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.

About the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):

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.

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. Visit website for benefits.