DRS-Counselor Assistant I

This is the entry level in the DRS-Counselor Assistant series. An incumbent in this classification performs paraprofessional work involving the provision of casework services to Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services' clients. The employee functions as assistant to a DRS-Counselor(s) in the development and maintenance of confidential case files. The work includes office management, scheduling client appointments, interviewing clients, composing and typing correspondence relative to clients served, and maintaining a counseling casework budget. The employee exercises considerable independence in performing the duties of the position, including independently advising clients concerning services provided. Supervision is received from a DRS-Counselor(s).
Examples of Work:Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:May assist in arranging for physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and developing rehabilitation plans. Aids in client intake by completing necessary forms on referrals, and writing summary of interview in the case record in accordance with standard agency procedures. Assists in preparing and maintaining records and case files, including documentation such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, and relevant correspondence. Develops and maintains relationships with community referral sources. Receives and routes incoming mail and posts outgoing mail to ensure that all mail is routed to appropriate parties within prescribed time frames. Schedules appointments for clients and notifies clients thereof. Receives and directs telephone calls and visitors to appropriate parties in a courteous and timely manner. Maintains office filing system to ensure ready accessibility to all correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other records and supporting documentation. Types correspondence, memoranda, brief reports, forms, and other materials related to office operations. Initializes accounts payable functions through various computerized systems. Faxes or mails the appropriate forms to the designated person to determine if client is eligible for services. Makes copies of client identification card and social security card to have on file and to assist with making sure the information is sent to his/her physician of choice. Schedules appointments with employers to help aid clients. Notifies clients by phone as to the time of his/her appointment. Assists counselors in maintaining supplies. Assists in preparing PCA time logs for counselor to review before submitting for payment. Assists in preparing vendor authorizations for client services. Assists counselor with input of clients' recertification, quarterly visits, and monthly contacts. Maintains contact with doctors' office for documents needed for client services. Assists in closure of client cases. Assists in entering appropriate information into client case file when client maintains employment. Performs community outreach informing people about the agency. Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: These minimum qualifications have been agreed upon by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in this job class and are based upon a job analysis and the essential functions. However, if a candidate believes he/she is qualified for the job although he/she does not have the minimum qualifications set forth below, he/she may request special consideration through substitution of related education and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Any request to substitute related education or experience for minimum qualifications must be addressed to the Mississippi State Personnel Board in writing, identifying the related education and experience which demonstrates the candidate's ability to perform all essential functions of the position.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Education:
An Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university.

OR

Education:
Graduation from a standard four-year high school or the equivalent (GED or High School Equivalency Diploma);

AND

Experience:
Two (2) years of experience related to the described duties.

Substitution Statement:

Related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis.
Essential Functions:Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring agency. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Assists eligible client(s) with receiving rehabilitation services within an appropriate timeframe. 2. Assists counselor(s) with client case management and office management. 3. Ensures that authorizations for purchases are paid accurately and in a timely manner.