Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Social Rehabilitation Counselor -Northeast Region - (25000760)

Description

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is seeking a dynamic individual to provide essential case management and supportive counseling services to a diverse caseload of legally blind adults predominantly over the age of 70. The selected candidate will visit with consumers in their homes and/or other community settings, assist clients in identifying their service needs, and develop and implement service plans to ensure that a variety of social rehabilitation services are provided. The selected candidate will maintain a caseload in the Northeastern region of the state.

To be successful in this role, our applicant must have the ability to assist consumers in identifying service needs and goals that are consistent with social rehabilitation practice, have the capacity to exercise independent decision-making while drawing from a rehabilitation/social service knowledge base and knowledge of agency practices, and have the ability to learn and apply state, federal and agency guidelines to properly procure purchase of services for consumers.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Evaluate the need for MCB services including rehabilitation teaching, orientation & mobility, low vision, social and recreation programs, and assistive technology.
• Assess consumer needs for services/benefits outside of MCB’s purview and provide information and referral; utilize and develop community resources to meet independent living goals.
• Develop, implement and monitor individualized service plans for the MCB services needed to facilitate the achievement of consumers’ social rehabilitation goals; provide case management accordingly.
• Support consumers through the rehabilitation process by delivering compassionate counseling to consumers and their family members/support network.
• Consult and coordinate with outside agencies including elder service agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day health programs and health providers.
• Provide community outreach and education to agencies and organizations on behalf of MCB consumers as assigned.
• Complete case documentation, perform electronic consumer tracking functions and maintain case files.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of social work and case management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide supportive counseling to consumers and their families/support network.
• Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational and health issues facing elder individuals who are blind.
• Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.
• Talent for serving diverse populations and familiarity with secondary disabilities in addition to blindness.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to elders and persons with limited financial resources.
• Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Outlook.
• Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.

To Apply:

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

About the Commission for the Blind

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is the point of entry for vocational and social rehabilitation services for residents of the Commonwealth who are declared to be legally blind by an eye professional. Under a newly created category, MCB will expand service to qualifying individuals who have low vision with a progressive visual impairment. These services help individuals to work toward independence and full community participation.

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 Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• A Bachelor's 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.
• A Bachelor's 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.
• 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

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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.

Official Title: Rehabilitation Counselor (A/B)

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Boston - 40 Broad Street

Job

: Community and Social Services

Agency

: Commission for the Blind

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Oct 27, 2025, 8:36:07 PM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 63,790.48 - 86,873.02 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Natasha Lugo(Natasha.Lugo@mass.gov) - 8572830119

Bargaining Unit: 08-SEIU - Local 509 - Social/Rehabilitation

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes

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