DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3

State of Washington • Snohomish County – Lynnwood, WA

15h

About The Position

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3 with the Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, you will help people with disabilities recognize their strengths, explore career options, and work toward meaningful employment. You will manage a caseload, build counseling relationships, identify employment barriers, and develop individualized plans. Customers may need training, accommodations, community resources, or help understanding their options and deciding what to do next.

The role calls for listening well, building trust, helping customers make informed decisions, and balancing individual needs with deadlines, documentation, and a substantial caseload. You will also involve community partners when appropriate. During the first 90 days, you will learn your caseload, build relationships, become familiar with local resources and DVR procedures, and learn assessment tools and employment planning. Success means customers understand their options, have a plan, and receive support to work toward employment.

The position is based in Lynnwood, which offers access to Seattle, light rail, parks, trails, and Puget Sound recreation. Traffic, housing costs, and rainy winters are factors to consider. Applicants must meet one of the listed education or certification pathways and have three years of qualifying paid experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or related work. A background check may be conducted before hire. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license; those using a privately owned vehicle for state business must carry liability insurance.

Requirements

• Hold current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification; or hold a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a related field; or hold a master’s degree with the specified graduate coursework in counseling and vocational rehabilitation.
• Have three years of qualifying paid experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling or related work, including vocational assessment, job placement, disability services, advocacy, or employment services.
• Apply counseling methods to individual customer needs.
• Understand disability-related employment barriers, accommodations, assistive technology, and labor market information.
• Support informed decisions about employment goals.
• Manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Connect customers with community, educational, and employment resources.
• Submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references when applying.
• Have a valid driver’s license if driving on state business; maintain liability insurance if using a privately owned vehicle for state business.

Responsibilities

• Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and manage a caseload of customers with disabilities.
• Determine eligibility and assess employment barriers, strengths, and goals.
• Develop, approve, and update Individualized Plans for Employment.
• Arrange and interpret vocational assessments and diagnostic information.
• Help customers make informed choices about training, accommodations, and services.
• Monitor progress and adjust plans as needs change.
• Coordinate services with schools, employers, and community partners.
• Manage case documentation, deadlines, and closures.
• Help customers obtain and maintain competitive employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level