Career Counseling Specialist (VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist)

State of Nebraska • Norfolk, NE

13h • $25 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Looking for work that truly matters? Nebraska VR is hiring a Career Counseling Specialist to join a fun, supportive team and assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining employment. In this role, you’ll provide career counseling, offer guidance on personal and workplace adjustment, and help clients explore their strengths and career options. We’re looking for someone who’s empathic and passionate about helping people grow through meaningful employment opportunities. If you're a great communicator, love solving problems creatively, and enjoy building strong relationships with both clients and community partners, this could be the perfect fit. Come be part of a team that believes in potential and helps people realize theirs. Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located in Norfolk, NE. Pay Rates: The available salary rate for this position is dependent on education and is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate. Successful candidates with a bachelor’s degree will be hired as a Service Specialist, Pay Grade 5: $25.287/hour Successful candidates with a master’s degree will be hired as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Pay Grade 7: $30.597/hour Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $24,500 - $26,900 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more! Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return Thirteen paid holidays per year

Requirements

• Service Specialist : Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of work experience related to the essential functions of the position.
• Rehabilitation Specialist : Master’s degree with emphasis in one of the following areas: Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling and Guidance, or another field that reasonably provides competence in the employment sector, in a disability field, or both.

Nice To Haves

• Service Specialist : Experience working with, and advocating for, people with disabilities. Ability to manage high volume of cases and provide case management services while collaborating with a variety of stakeholders.
• Rehabilitation Specialist : Master’s degree in related field and progressively responsible experience working with, and advocating for, people with significant disabilities. Ability to mentor others in managing high volume of cases and providing quality case management services.

Responsibilities

• Conducts employment discussion and career exploration to assess client strengths and barriers, vocational interests, aptitude, skills, preferences, and values.
• Prepares cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by reviewing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.
• Develops and manages Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.
• Advises and instructs people with disabilities in informed decision making, interpersonal, educational, and vocational skills.
• Monitors and advocates for client progress to support efficient follow through by team members and providers to ensure client success.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with employers, community referral sources, and one-stop centers.
• Provides outreach and information about vocational rehabilitation to the community, including referral sources and schools.
• Visits assigned high schools to meet with school staff and students with disabilities.
• Recommends the purchase of goods and services for clients in accordance with established fiscal policies and procedures.
• Prepares and approves cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by analyzing and synthesizing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.
• Develops, manages, and approves Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees