SENIOR VOCATIONAL REHAB COUNSELOR - 48004291

State of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•$47,840•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor performs advanced-level work under the limited supervision of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Supervisor in the Area 2 Orange Park Unit 08C of the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The position provides professional vocational rehabilitation counseling to individuals with disabilities, including potentially eligible VR youth ages 14–21, to support competitive integrated employment. It coordinates services, provides technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, maintains case records, tracks authorizations and case activities, monitors caseload data, and ensures compliance with agency policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. The counselor works with participants to assess eligibility, develop employment plans, coordinate and monitor services, and support job placement and long-term employment success. The role also involves collaboration with employers, education and workforce partners, community rehabilitation providers, and other stakeholders. The position is onsite in Orange Park, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; telework is unavailable.

Requirements

Four years of professional experience in Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, Business Administration, Special Education, Human Resources, or another related field.
Establish and maintain education and experience requirements related to understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for four years of direct experience.
Applicants must complete the application information and hiring requirements described in the posting; experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifying-question responses must be verifiable.
Level 2 background screening is required as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Both professional and educational experience.
Complete application information and hiring requirements as listed in the advertisement.

Responsibilities

Review referrals; complete applications and initial interviews; explain informed choice; and review medical, psychological, educational, and vocational records to support eligibility determinations.
Determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services and complete required documentation, assessments, and decisions within established timeframes.
Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment in collaboration with participants, identifying an appropriate employment goal and the services needed to achieve employment outcomes.
Authorize, coordinate, and manage services in accordance with the Individualized Plan for Employment, monitoring delivery, expenditures, authorizations, documentation, coding accuracy, and financial compliance.
Conduct job development and placement activities, including labor market research, employer outreach, and business engagement to secure and maintain competitive integrated employment opportunities.
Collaborate with community rehabilitation providers, educational institutions, workforce partners, employers, and other stakeholders to support job placement, retention, training, credential attainment, and employment outcomes.
Provide vocational counseling, case management, progress monitoring, follow-up services, and post-employment support.
Maintain case documentation in agency information systems, including eligibility determinations, service authorizations, case activities, participant progress, and employment outcomes.
Participate in required training, professional development, and continuing education to maintain vocational rehabilitation knowledge, competencies, and applicable certifications.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

State group insurance coverage options.
Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
Student loan forgiveness program, subject to eligibility.
Tuition fee waivers accepted by major Florida colleges and universities.
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
Annual and sick leave benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Ongoing comprehensive training.
Career growth opportunities.
Maternity and parental leave benefits.
Annual leave accrual for full-time Career Service employees, based on years of creditable service.
Sick leave accrual of 8.667 hours per month for Career Service employees.