Job Description
The Industrial Accident Counselor is responsible for conducting mandatory meetings to determine suitability for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services. The incumbent will monitor, coordinate, and oversee vocational rehabilitation (VR) services provided by outside providers and maintain quality assurance guidelines for providers including the approval of VR service plans. The Counselor will ensure timely delivery of services to injured workers in all aspects of the VR process while maintaining professionalism in all aspects of job performance to ensure the highest quality of services to our customers.
Duties include:
- Report to the Director regarding the appropriateness of various actions, including consent for lump sum settlement, 30G suspension/reinstatements, 15% reductions of compensation, and use of Trust Fund monies.
- Contact compensation recipients within specified timelines to establish appropriateness and eligibility for VR services, conducting informational meetings where appropriate.
- Schedule meetings via manual and auto scheduling mandated by law to determine suitability of injured employees for VR services.
- Request provision of VR services by Insurers within specified timelines
- Monitor the provisions of VR services by assigned approved VR providers through progress reports and other communications; to include timely delivery of services and development of IWRP within specified timeline (90 days)
- Conduct team meetings when required to resolve any dispute relation to the provision of VR services.
- Review and approve rehabilitation plans submitted by approved providers to ensure compliance with provider guidelines and Chapter 152, Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Law
- Provide technical assistance to approved VR providers.
- Oversee and monitor the disbursement of trust funds for cost-effective VR services in instances when the insurer refuses to provide such services.
- Maintain complete and accurate files on all assigned cases; conduct bi-monthly caseload reviews.
- Report all required statistical data, within specified timelines, as requested by the Director.
- Monitor the successful completion of Individual Written Rehabilitation Programs (IWRPs) up to and including successful return to employment.
- Perform data entry tasks on all OEVR screens to record daily caseload work activity.
- Consult with agency personnel, injured workers and the general public re: VR.
- Prepare reports and issue orders including rational for the decisions.
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Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of principles and practices of vocational rehabilitation, particularly under auspices of insurance.
- Ability to conduct an interview with emphasis on extracting relevant data.
- Ability to interpret and understand medical reports as related to VR.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of negotiation techniques
- Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
- Ability to maintain accurate records and to monitor and evaluate the provision of quality services.
- Ability to prepare general and statistical reports.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of assisting people in coping with physical and/or mental disabilities to meet their vocational, social, and independent living needs, including evaluation, monitoring, testing, and training
- Knowledge of the principles and practices on resolving conflict, negotiating with others, handling complaints, arbitrating disputes, resolving grievances, or otherwise negotiating with others
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Requirements:
At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelors or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience
II. A Bachelors or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience
III. A Masters or higher degree in social work, psychology, human services, rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, or counseling may be substituted for an additional year of the required experience on the basis of two year of education for one year of experience
Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience
One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.