1. How long have you been with Vocational Rehabilitation?
Six Months, but I started working with Vocational Rehab. 7 years ago with my Mental Health Clients.
2. What is your title?
Vocational Rehabitation Counselor III
3. In 30 words or less, what do you do?
I get to help people with disabilities find careers. This includes providing counseling, referrals, training, and funding to accomplish this.
4. What types of clients do you serve?
Ages 14 and up. Disabilities include all DSM V TR diagnoses and physical that create barriers to employment.
5. How does what you do help your clients?
In every way possible. Think of a person that suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Typically they have a lot of anxiety, have problems with stress, and may not be able to work in the field that they have spent their life training in. Our counseling helps identifying a solutions to the barrier. Tech that may help or maybe a possible new career path. We can identify other community resources that my help. We can support most things needed for the Client to progress, train, and overcome the barriers that their disability has created. It is truly beautiful to watch and help an individual overcome difficulties that have sometimes destroyed their lives. A little help whether schooling, brief mental health treatment, or just discussing options, can go a long ways toward motivation to success.
6. Can you tell us about a success story that has been especially meaningful?
One gentleman had spent over a year trying to find a new job that he could do with the hearing loss that he had suffered. We were able to help him get hearing aids, create a better resume, connect him with Employ NV Career Hub, and provide a place that he could use a computer to respond to interview offers. Even though this individual was past retirement age he eventually fund a very good paying job and was so excited.
7. What do you like most about your job?
In mental health there is a lot you can help with, but you can not help financially. It is unethical unless you can find an outside source. Sometimes a person needs help and there are not resources that address that area. Vocational Rehab in many cases can be that support. On top of being able to help Clients we also have the support of management. I have never worked for a place that the district manager and above knew my name and were willing to answer questions directly to help Clients. It feels like everyone is trying to find a possible solution instead of making things more difficult.
8. What do you like to do when you aren’t at work?
I do ornamental iron (gates, railing, and art) and restore classic vehicles for my own business and friends.
9. Anything else you’d like for us to know?
Just how luck I feel to be able to do what I love with people that support me. Years without this truly helps you appreciate a health work environment.
