Rehabilitation Counselor

State of North Carolina

3d

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. The Rehabilitation Counselor, located in the Washington VR Office in Beaufort County, will provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, with a focus on those with mental health and substance use conditions. The counselor evaluates applicants to determine eligibility, develops individualized employment plans, and coordinates service delivery to support successful employment outcomes. Services are provided both in person and remotely and include counseling, guidance, job placement assistance, and collaboration with community partners. This position manages a diverse caseload and documents service delivery in accordance with agency policy. Work is performed under general supervision and contributes to the mission of helping individuals achieve independence through employment. The EIPD helps people with disabilities achieve their goals for competitive employment and more independent living in communities statewide. In collaboration with each client, we help assess skills, interests and abilities and choose a goal for competitive employment or independence. Based on the client’s needs, we create a customized plan of services and supports to help them achieve that goal.

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 Current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Nice To Haves

• Experience evaluating medical, psychological, and vocational records to determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services and document findings in a case management system.
• Experience developing individualized employment plans (IPEs) through comprehensive assessments and client collaboration, including goal setting, service identification, and timeline management.
• Experience providing counseling and guidance to individuals with mental health and substance use disabilities to support vocational adjustment, recovery, and employment readiness.
• Experience coordinating and authorizing services such as medical care, training, adaptive equipment, and job placement supports using agency-approved systems and procedures.
• Experience conducting job development and placement activities, including employer engagement, resume preparation, and interview coaching to support successful employment outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate medical, psychological, and vocational data to determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Develop individualized employment plans (IPEs) based on comprehensive assessments and client-centered planning.
• Provide counseling and guidance to support disability adjustment, recovery, and vocational goal development.
• Coordinate and monitor service delivery, including referrals to rehabilitation providers, job coaches, and evaluators.
• Arrange and authorize services such as medical care, training, adaptive devices, work-related tools, and transportation.
• Prepare clients for employment through job readiness training, resume development, and interview preparation.
• Conduct job development and placement activities, including employer engagement and advocacy for client accommodations.
• Document case progress and service delivery in the agency’s case management system in compliance with policy standards.
• Manage caseloads to meet agency performance goals and ensure timely movement through the rehabilitation process.
• Participate in community outreach, public relations, and professional development activities to enhance service delivery and promote vocational rehabilitation programs.

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees