The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) is seeking as a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (QVRC) III, dedicated and compassionate individuals who desire a rewarding career making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. The Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (QVRC) III functions as a Unit Supervisor and is the third level in the series and candidates will supervise staff and monitor all unit activities. The QVRC III ensures case management actions are aligned with policies, procedures and best practices as mandated by federal statutes and guidelines to achieve effective service delivery. Incumbents in this position provide staff assistance with interpreting and decision-making on difficult cases, and will confer with public and private organizations to review the suitability of client services. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker, dependable, and can exercise professional leadership and consultation while providing broad policy guidance and team work in order to direct and motivate subordinates. MRC is a learning and participatory performance culture with an emphasis on high performance teams, individual performance/contribution/impact, and engaging in activities to promote and support a program/division/agency (e.g., committee membership, Roadmap workgroup membership, presenting at Town Halls, achieving learning and performance goals). In addition, MRC is an agency committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and racial equity, as well as innovation and transformation and change, and creating a culture of agility, excellence, and belonging. /_Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):_/ * Oversee staff unit activities and ensure casework plans are distributed appropriately, accurately assessed, documented, and managed in compliance with Agency, State and Federal standards; * Supervise unit staff of QVRC I and II’s who provide professional vocational counseling within a continuum of services to help clients achieve success and to remove barriers by identifying unique strengths, resources, and abilities related to planning and achieving employment outcomes; * Supervise the administration of residual functional capacities assessments, interest tests, aptitude tests, transferable skills analysis and other vocational assessments; * Oversee and approve Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE’s) developed by QVRC I and II’s; * Ensure unit staff engages clients in activities of employment preparedness, job seeking and development and facilitate appropriate concepts, individually or in group settings, to improve skills necessary for all stages of vocational rehabilitation process; * Monitor, evaluate, and track client progress with respect to relevant goals in an accurate and timely manner; * Establish, maintain and monitor close and cooperative relationships with providers and employers in carrying out supportive services; * Partner with staff, vendor organizations and other stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery; * Facilitate the ability of staff to achieve highest level of performance through feedback and evaluation. /_Preferred Qualifications:_/ * Knowledge of counseling and job placement of persons with vocational/occupational barriers, including physical, emotional, psychological and intellectual disabilities; * Familiarity with utilizing psychological tests and other evaluative techniques; * Ability to supervise a team of staff with the capacity to coach/guide, inspire and empower demonstrating confidence and leadership presence; * Critical thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems; * Outstanding organizational, written and oral communications skills; attention to detail; * Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word and Outlook; prior use of client database systems; * Responsible for learning and staying up to date on MRC’s diversity, equity, inclusion and racial equity skills, results and expectations specific to Vocational Rehabilitation programs; * Experience working in a team culture that values inclusivity, performance, transparency, and authenticity; * Knowledge of and experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial equity and effective engagement across differences; * Experience working in a team culture that values inclusivity, performance, transparency, and authenticity; * Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook as well as technologies supporting a remote workplace (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams); * Solid written and oral communication skills and proficiency establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of diverse consumers, families, staff, and organizations. · _Agency Mission:_ MRC provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life on their own terms. Our programs focus on vocational rehabilitation, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do. We envision a Commonwealth that is open to all, where everyone can seize their true potential and contribute fully to our communities and the world. Together with stakeholders, partners, and allies, MRC collaborates, problem-solves, and innovates to bring about a better Massachusetts for everyone—one that is truly equitable, accessible, and inclusive. · For more information about our agency and programs, visit: www.mass.gov/mrc. * Pre-Offer Process:/ /* · A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori · Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. · Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. · If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form · For questions, please the contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4. · Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume forQualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor III requistion. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. * MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) Master's degree or higher in Rehabilitation Counseling from a Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) accredited university program, or a certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification or licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and (B) three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in vocational counseling, job placement, career counseling and guidance, assessment and vocational evaluation, job development and services for employers, of which one (1) year must have been in a supervisory or leadership capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Based on assignment, travel is required; incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. Applicants working with deaf and hard of hearing consumers must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) and may be required to demonstrate ASL proficiency through assessment by agency staff. Substitutions: I. A Master's degree or higher in a related field such a Rehabilitation Administration/Services, Disability Studies, Vocational Assessment/Evaluation, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Counseling (Mental Health, Education, Psychology), or Substance Abuse Therapy and one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in vocational counseling, job placement, career counseling and guidance, assessment and vocational evaluation, job development and services for employers may be substituted for the required (A) education. Relevant internship experience will be considered. _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. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! *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. Job: Community and Social Services* *Organization: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission *Title: *Unit Supervisor-Lowell * Location: *Massachusetts-Lowell - 55 Technology Drive Requisition ID: 240005F3