Rehabilitation Counselor

State of North Carolina

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Rehabilitation Counselor position delivers vocational rehabilitation or independent living services by evaluating diagnostic data, determining eligibility and functional capabilities, and developing comprehensive, client‑centered service plans. The role functions as an independent practitioner responsible for administering a full range of case services, including plan development, case activations, counseling, information and referral, case budget monitoring, and case closures. The counselor manages a diverse caseload across disability categories such as mental health, intellectual and cognitive disabilities, substance use, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments, including transition‑age youth. Operational duties may include coordinating job development and direct placement activities, guiding support staff involved in case management, and collaborating with clients, families, and providers to achieve competitive employment or improved independent living outcomes.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from an appropriately accredited institution; or a master’s degree in a related human services field from an appropriately accredited institution
• OR A current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in evaluating medical and psychological diagnostic data to determine client eligibility and functional capabilities, applying intermediate‑level interpretation skills to guide service planning.
• Proven skill developing and implementing written rehabilitation or independent living plans that integrate diagnostic findings, client goals, and defined service activities.
• Proficiency managing case service budgets, including encumbering funds, tracking expenditures, and maintaining accurate financial documentation across the service cycle.
• Extensive experience delivering supportive and vocational counseling that aligns client needs with employment or independent living outcomes, using structured, evidence‑based approaches.
• Demonstrated capability coordinating multidisciplinary service delivery by maintaining effective communication with clients, family members, specialty providers, and support staff involved in case management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct diagnostic and functional reviews to determine client eligibility and rehabilitation needs, documenting findings to inform service plans.
• Develop individualized written rehabilitation or independent living plans in collaboration with clients, specifying services, timelines, and measurable goals.
• Activate cases and coordinate information and referral services to connect clients with appropriate community resources and specialty providers.
• Encumber case funds and monitor budgets throughout the service cycle to ensure accurate expenditure tracking and fiscal compliance.
• Provide supportive and vocational counseling that aligns services with client capabilities and employment or independent living outcomes.
• Manage caseloads spanning multiple disability categories, monitor progress, and adjust plans based on client response and changing needs.
• Perform or oversee job development and direct job placement activities, including employer outreach to promote vocational rehabilitation services.
• Guide and direct paraprofessional or support staff in case monitoring, client service coordination, and documentation standards.
• Provide direct instruction to clients to build skills, knowledge, and attitudes that support employment or independent living.
• Mentor new counselors, practicum students, or interns when assigned, ensuring consistent application of casework methodology and service delivery practices.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level