Placement Specialist (VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist)

State of Nebraska • Grand Island, NE

2d • $25 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Do you enjoy meeting new people? Want to make positive impact? Join Nebraska VR as a Career Placement Specialist! In this role you will build relationships with local businesses, promoting VR services and advocating for clients. Excellent communication skills and the confidence in making cold calls are essential for initiating these conversations. You will also collaborate with people with disabilities to prepare resumes, complete applications, and practice interviewing skills. Our office is teamwork-oriented with a welcoming environment. We are high performers, but also have fun and support each other, creating a low-stress culture. Knowledge of Grand Island businesses and experience in navigating Human Resources processes are beneficial in this role. If you're personable, adaptable, possess high initiative, and excel in communication, we encourage you to apply today! Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located in Grand Island, 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 ($25.603/hour after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026). Successful candidates with a master’s degree will be hired as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Pay Grade 7: $30.597/hour ($30.979/hour after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026). 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. Experience or training providing case management services (documenting observations, writing case notes, locating resources). Bilingual in English/ Spanish.
• Rehabilitation Specialist: Master’s degree in related field and direct experience working with and advocating for persons with significant disabilities. Experience or training providing case management services (documenting observations, writing case notes, locating resources). Bilingual in English/ Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Assists clients in learning how to prepare resumes and applications, and practice effective interviewing skills.
• Provides individualized information about jobs and their requirements to clients and assists with job retention.
• Instructs clients in Job Seeking Skills (JSS) training and job development activities.
• Initiates and develops relationships with employers, human resources, and management.
• Develops and coordinates community-based evaluations, including on-the-job evaluations (OJEs) and on-the-job trainings (OJTs).
• Provides career, personal adjustment, and disability counseling to help clients (adult and high school age students) achieve employment outcomes.
• 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.
• Recommends the purchase of goods and services for clients in accordance with established fiscal policies and procedures.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

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: Entry Level