Independent Living Counselor

Dept of Health and Human Services

Blind Services

Rehabilitation Counselor (S)

60043056

NC10

The Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor (ILRC) provides individualized rehabilitation services to people who are visually impaired, blind, or deafblind to support independent living in the home and community. The position serves primarily adults age 55 and older and assists individuals in adapting to sensory loss through assessment, counseling, skills training, case management, and coordination of services.

Work includes determining eligibility, developing individualized service plans, delivering instruction in daily living skills, managing resources, and coordinating supports that promote independence and community engagement. The position also develops partnerships with community organizations and conducts outreach activities to identify individuals who may benefit from services. Through these efforts, the ILRC helps reduce isolation, enhance participation in meaningful activities, and support improved quality of life.


Key Duties Include:
– Conducting outreach activities within the community to identify individuals who may benefit from independent living rehabilitation services.

– Completing comprehensive assessments to evaluate functional limitations, service needs, and barriers to independent living.

– Reviewing and interpreting eye reports to determine levels of visual impairment and support the development of appropriate service recommendations.

– Determining eligibility for independent living services in accordance with program policies and requirements.

– Developing individualized service plans in collaboration with clients that establish goals and objectives to support independence in the home and community.

– Providing guidance, counseling, and ongoing case management services throughout the service-delivery process.

– Coordinating referrals to internal agency programs, specialized service providers, community resources, and external organizations to support achievement of client goals.

– Delivering one-on-one and group instruction in daily living skills, including adaptive technology, communication techniques, personal care, cooking, and other independent living competencies.

– Managing program funds and monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance with established budgetary and policy requirements.

– Recruiting, training, and monitoring vendors who provide daily living skills instruction and other contracted services.

– Coordinating virtual and in-person training programs, workshops, and group learning opportunities for clients.

– Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with community partners, service providers, and advocacy organizations to enhance services and resources available to clients.

Tresha Walker