SENIOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSEL - 48004901

State of Florida•Kendall, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor performs advanced-level work under the limited supervision of the Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor in Area 6 Miami Unit 23K, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The position provides professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services to individuals with disabilities, including potentially eligible youth ages 14–21, to support competitive integrated employment. Work includes coordinating services, providing technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, maintaining case records, tracking open authorizations and case activities, monitoring caseload data, and ensuring compliance with agency policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. The counselor conducts intake and eligibility activities, develops Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), authorizes and coordinates services, and supports job development and placement. The role also includes ongoing counseling, case management, progress monitoring, follow-up and post-employment support, accurate case documentation, and participation in required training and professional development. The position is based in Miami, Florida and requires an on-site schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; telework is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field that reasonably prepares a person to work with consumers and employers.
Two years of experience in one or more qualifying areas: direct work with individuals with disabilities; disability-related advocacy services; experience as an employer or small business owner/operator; self-employment; human resources; recruitment; employee supervision; training; or other activities providing experience in competitive integrated employment environments.
Meet federal requirements for this federally funded position.
Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation guidance and counseling theories and practices, medical and psychological aspects of disability, and employment and vocational rehabilitation resources.
Knowledge of program requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Interviewing skills and ability to administer tests and analyze results.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work productively under tight timeframes, balance competing priorities, and perform under stressful conditions.
Ability to work independently with limited guidance and direction, and to organize information for reports and other written materials.
Ability to provide counseling and career-planning guidance and excellent customer service.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; ability to use automated systems and analyze management information system data.
Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, including interpreting state and federal vocational rehabilitation regulations and policies.
Ability to devise employment strategies for individuals with disabilities, maintain confidentiality, keep an organized work area, and demonstrate reliable and consistent attendance.
Complete the application and provide verifiable information supporting stated experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Pass the required Level 2 background screening as a condition of employment.
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962 must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirement.

Nice To Haves

Applicants with both professional and educational experience are preferred.
Direct case management experience and the ability to efficiently manage a high-volume caseload are preferred.
Completion of application information and hiring requirements listed in the advertisement is preferred.
Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in vocational rehabilitation counseling, law, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, management, public administration, or another field providing relevant confidence in the employment sector, a disability field, or both business-related and rehabilitation-related fields.

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 each participant, identifying an appropriate employment goal and necessary services.
Authorize, coordinate, and manage services under the IPE, monitoring service 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 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, authorizations, case activities, participant progress, and employment outcomes.
Track open authorizations and case activities, monitor caseload data, and ensure compliance with agency policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
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
Flexible Spending Accounts
Ongoing comprehensive training
Career growth opportunities
Maternity and parental leave benefits
Annual leave accrual based on years of creditable service; full-time Career Service employees with up to five years earn 8.667 hours per month, those with five to ten years earn 10.833 hours per month, and those with over ten years earn 13 hours per month
Career Service employees earn 8.667 hours of sick leave per month