Vocational Rehab Counselor

State of Indiana•Lafayette, IN

61d

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works for the Family & Social Services Administration’s Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, which supports children and adults with intellectual, developmental, physical, and cognitive disabilities. The position begins in a Counselor Trainee period; after successful completion of the trainee program, the employee is promoted to Counselor with an increase in salary. The minimum starting salary is $1,820 biweekly ($47,320 annually) as a trainee and $2,047 biweekly ($53,222 annually) after successful completion of the program. The counselor helps clients explore career choices and vocational goals, provides support to promote self-sufficiency, and develops and monitors individualized service plans. The role includes determining eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services, reviewing assessment results with clients, coordinating providers and vendors, authorizing expenditures of state and federal funds, and connecting clients with other agencies and community partners. The position is exempt from overtime compensation. Employees may be required to work more than 75 hours per pay period without additional compensation and must report at least 75 hours of work and/or paid leave per pay period to receive their base biweekly salary. Other duties may be assigned or changed. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field.
At least one year of demonstrated paid or unpaid experience in one or more qualifying areas: direct work with people with disabilities; direct service or advocacy that develops skills in working with people with disabilities; or experience in an employment environment through work as an employer, small business owner or operator, self-employment, human resources, recruitment, employee supervision, training, or related activities.
Awareness of topics such as cultural diversity; medical and psychological aspects of disability; counseling theories; assessment tools; job development and placement; the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act; Social Security; Medicaid, Medicare, and other state and federal programs; Department of Workforce Development programs; rehabilitation technology; economic and labor market trends; community organizations; and financial aid.
Ability to problem-solve, evaluate needs, and recommend services.
Ability to be flexible and handle multiple tasks.
Ability to empathize with clients regarding their career needs.
Ability to interpret psychological and medical evaluation reports and medical terminology.
Familiarity with assistive technology and how to access assistive technology services.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Help clients explore career choices and counsel them on vocational goals and service options.
Provide services and support that promote self-sufficiency and identify and reduce barriers.
Develop, assess, and monitor individualized service plans with clients.
Authorize and approve expenditures of state and federal funds for individualized client services and goods.
Conduct, interpret, and review medical, psychological, assistive technology, benefits, and other evaluation results with clients to support career choices.
Determine vocational rehabilitation eligibility and severity in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Manage and monitor services provided by multiple providers and vendors.
Determine appropriate referrals to other agencies and community partners.
Establish referral sources and educate them about vocational rehabilitation and the referral process.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription drug coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with a biweekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies that include 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.