Vocational Rehab Counselor
About The Position
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor supports people with disabilities in exploring career choices, setting vocational goals, and selecting services that promote self-sufficiency and reduce barriers. The role includes developing and monitoring individualized service plans, determining eligibility and severity under state and federal regulations, and authorizing state and federal funds for individualized services and goods. Counselors review and interpret medical, psychological, assistive technology, benefits, and other evaluation results with clients to support career decisions. They also coordinate services with providers, vendors, agencies, and community partners, and educate referral sources about Vocational Rehabilitation and its referral process. The role begins with a Counselor Trainee period. Successful completion leads to promotion to Counselor and an increase in salary. The position is exempt from overtime compensation; employees may be required to work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
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 individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center; direct service or advocacy activities that provide experience and skills working with individuals with disabilities; or experience as an employer, small business owner or operator, or self-employed person, or experience in human resources, recruitment, employee supervision, training, or other activities in a competitive integrated employment environment.
- Awareness of cultural diversity, medical and psychological aspects of disability, counseling theories, assessment tools, job development and placement, the Rehabilitation Act, the 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 to evaluate and recommend services.
- Ability to be flexible and handle multiple tasks.
- Ability to empathize with clients regarding 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
- Assist clients in exploring career choices and counsel them on vocational goals and service choices.
- 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 services and goods.
- Conduct, interpret, and review evaluation results, including medical, psychological, assistive technology, and benefits evaluations, with clients with disabilities to help them make career choices.
- Determine Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility and severity according to federal and state regulations.
- Manage and monitor services provided by multiple providers and vendors.
- Determine appropriate referrals to other agencies and community partners.
- Establish and educate referral sources about Vocational Rehabilitation and its referral process.
Benefits
- Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, and vision and dental plans.
- Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
- Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
- Two fully funded pension plan options.
- Leave policies including paid New Parent Leave, paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers, paid community service leave, and combined 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.
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Free parking for most positions.
- Free LinkedIn Learning access.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
