Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kimberly Pace

Charlotte

Summary

Dynamic Rehabilitation Counselor with extensive experience at the NC Department of Employment and Independence, adept at client advocacy and rehabilitation planning. Proven track record in job placement assistance and staff management, successfully guiding individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals while fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and maintaining professional ethics.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Rehabilitation Counselor In Charge

NC Departmet of Employment and Independence for People With Disabilities
07.2010 - Current

I am responsible for the daily supervision and leadership to 4 counselors, 3 human service coordinators, 2 casework technicians and 2 vocational evaluator. I assists persons with disabilities, that are transitioning from school to work, to find suitable employment, receive training or assist with exploring post-secondary options. I accomplish this by overseeing staff that:

  • Evaluate diagnostic data to determine eligibility and needed services
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals for rehabilitation and supported them in achieving those goals through regular monitoring and encouragement
  • Coordinated referrals to community resources such as vocational training programs, job placement agencies, and support groups
  • Advocated for clients' rights by providing information about disability laws, accommodations, and accessibility options in various settings
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress notes, treatment plans, assessments results, and other relevant records in compliance with legal requirements
  • Participated in case conferences with colleagues to discuss complex cases and develop comprehensive strategies for client care
  • Collaborated with employers to identify reasonable workplace accommodations that would enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions effectively
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions aimed at improving self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall well-being of clients
  • Served as a liaison between clients, potential employers, vocational training centers, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate successful job placements

I also directly:

  • Oversee programs that are designed to help the student explore careers, develop work skills, practice social skills and acquire a network of community supports while the student is in high school of post-secondary education.
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions aimed at improving self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall well-being of clients
  • Developed and delivered educational presentations to community organizations, schools, or businesses on topics related to disability awareness and inclusion
  • Conducted research on best practices in rehabilitation counseling, attended professional development workshops, and maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements
  • Supervised staff reviewing case documentation, provided ongoing training for new and seasoned staff, provided guidance, feedback, and support in their professional growth and development
  • Participated in ongoing professional development activities including conferences, seminars, and webinars

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

NC Department of Employment and Independence for People With Disabilities
01.2005 - 07.2010
I assisted persons with disabilities, that were diagnosed as having a mental health disability, to find suitable employment. I accomplished this by:
  • Evaluating diagnostic data to determine eligibility for services
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals for rehabilitation and supported them in achieving those goals through regular monitoring and encouragement
  • Coordinated referrals to community resources such as vocational training programs, job placement agencies, and support groups
  • Advocated for clients' rights by providing information about disability laws, accommodations, and accessibility options in various settings
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress notes, treatment plans, assessments results, and other relevant records in compliance with legal requirements
  • Collaborated with employers to identify reasonable workplace accommodations that would enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions effectively
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions aimed at improving self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall well-being of clients
  • Counseled family members of individuals with disabilities, to address their concerns, foster understanding, and provide guidance on supporting the rehabilitation process
  • Served as a liaison between clients, potential employers, vocational training centers, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate successful job placements
  • Developed and delivered educational presentations to community organizations, schools, or businesses on topics related to disability awareness and inclusion
  • Conducted research on best practices in rehabilitation counseling, attended professional development workshops, and maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements

Education

Master of Arts - Rehabilitation Counseling

South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC
07-1998

Psychology

South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC
05-1995

Skills

  • Case management expertise
  • Career development planning
  • Professional ethics
  • Client advocacy
  • Job placement assistance
  • Rehabilitation planning
  • Staff management
  • Case management
  • Interdisciplinary teamwork
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multitasking
  • Organizational skills

Timeline

Rehabilitation Counselor In Charge

NC Departmet of Employment and Independence for People With Disabilities
07.2010 - Current

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

NC Department of Employment and Independence for People With Disabilities
01.2005 - 07.2010

Master of Arts - Rehabilitation Counseling

South Carolina State University

Psychology

South Carolina State University
Kimberly Pace