Rehabilitation Counselor - Sheldon
About The Position
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor for our Sheldon office. In this role, you will help individuals with disabilities explore career possibilities, prepare for employment, and connect with opportunities that support greater independence. You will work alongside participants, families, schools, service providers, employers, and fellow IVRS professionals to develop individualized employment plans and address barriers along the way. This position offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a visible difference in the lives of Iowans. You will help people recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and pursue employment that supports their goals and independence. As part of Iowa Workforce Development, you will join a statewide network of professionals working to connect people with opportunity and strengthen Iowa’s workforce.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human-services-related field; and a total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field, where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field; and a total of twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field.
- Compassionate and effective counseling and communication skills.
- The ability to build trust with people from a variety of backgrounds.
- Sound judgment and the ability to make well-supported decisions.
- Strong organization, time management, and documentation skills.
- A collaborative approach to working with participants, families, schools, providers, and employers.
- A commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.
- The ability to learn and apply detailed program requirements and policies.
- Must be able to complete a criminal background check conducted through the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
- Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Nice To Haves
- Candidates who possess a master’s degree in a related field and relevant professional experience may be considered for a higher starting salary within the pay range, consistent with State of Iowa compensation guidelines.
Responsibilities
- Manage an assigned caseload and partner directly with individuals with disabilities to identify employment goals and create practical plans for achieving them.
- Meet with participants to understand their strengths, interests, abilities, support needs, and employment goals.
- Provide vocational counseling and guidance throughout the rehabilitation and employment process.
- Review medical, psychological, educational, and social information to determine eligibility for services.
- Develop individualized employment plans in partnership with participants.
- Coordinate services, training, accommodations, and other resources needed to support employment success.
- Provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to students who may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.
- Maintain clear, timely, and accurate case documentation.
- Apply program requirements, federal regulations, and agency policies consistently.
- Monitor progress and help participants work through challenges or adjusting their employment plans when needed.
- Develop partnerships throughout Sheldon and the surrounding region.
- Collaborate with schools, community organizations, workforce partners, and service providers.
- Build relationships with employers and help them understand disability inclusion and reasonable accommodations.
- Identify work-based learning, on-the-job training, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities.
- Partner with Iowa Workforce Development’s Business Engagement Team on employer outreach.
- Help align employment opportunities with each participant’s abilities, interests, and goals.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Vacation and sick leave, with no maximum accrual for sick leave
- Nine paid holidays
- IPERS retirement benefits
- Optional retirement savings through deferred compensation
- Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent-care expenses
- Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Employee assistance and discount programs
- Training, professional development, and opportunities for career growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
