Rehabilitation Counselor - Sioux City

State of Iowa•Sioux City - 51101 - Woodbury County, IA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS), part of Iowa Workforce Development, is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor for its Sioux City, Iowa office. The role supports individuals with disabilities as they explore career possibilities, prepare for employment, and connect with opportunities that promote independence. The counselor manages an assigned caseload and works with participants, families, schools, service providers, employers, and IVRS professionals to develop individualized employment plans and address barriers to employment. The position is based at 2508 4th St., Sioux City, IA. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hybrid telework and alternate scheduling may be available after six months, upon successful completion of training. Regular travel to schools, businesses, service providers, and community locations is required. New hires start at $27.40 per hour ($2,192 bi-weekly; $56,992 annually). Candidates with 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. The successful candidate must complete a criminal background check conducted through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The position is classified as Rehabilitation Counselor, pay grade 28. Candidates appointed with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for compensation up to 85% of the pay grade maximum.

Requirements

Meet at least one of the following minimum qualification pathways:
Pathway 1: Graduate from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human-services-related field, and have a total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or a human services field. Twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate 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.
Pathway 2: Graduate from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and have a total of twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate 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.
Ability to build trust with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Sound judgment and ability to make well-supported decisions.
Strong organization, time-management, and documentation skills.
Collaborative approach to working with participants, families, schools, providers, and employers.
Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.
Ability to learn and apply detailed program requirements and policies.
Ability to complete the required criminal background check.
No current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development unless a payment plan is in place.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a related field and relevant professional experience may support consideration for a higher starting salary within the pay range.
Experience in counseling, human services, social work, psychology, education, workforce development, disability services, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned caseload and partner with individuals with disabilities to identify employment goals and create practical plans.
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 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 participant progress, help address challenges, and adjust employment plans when needed.
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.
Align employment opportunities with each participant’s abilities, interests, and goals.