Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)

State of Oregon•Clackamas, OR

37d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Opportunity awaits! We are hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to join our team. In this position you will increase employment and advancement opportunities for persons with disabilities. If you have a passion to provide culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately and effectively, then this position is for you. Apply today! You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. See our Vocational Rehabilitation video about how we help Oregonians succeed! Welcome to ODHS Vocational Rehabilitation We invite you to join us for an informational session to learn more about the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor role. Wednesday 12/03/2025 from 12:00pm-1:00pm PST Microsoft Teams Need help? Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 254 703 647 528 9 Passcode: sF3tk7n7 Dial in by phone +1 971-277-2343,,876106464# United States, Portland Find a local number Phone conference ID: 876 106 464# For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN For technical assistance, ODHS and OHA employees please contact the OIS Service Desk; guests, please click the "Learn more about Teams" link.

Requirements

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
A master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling OR be certified by either the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), the Certified Insurance Rehabilitation Specialist (CIRS), OR the Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission as a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), AND six months full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services;
OR
A master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities) AND one-year full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services,
OR
A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities AND two years of full-time work experience vocational rehabilitation-related services.
There is no direct experience substitute for a bachelor's degree.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and/or mental health barriers.
Experience preferred working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Experience successfully navigating technology and different computer systems
Experience screening, interviewing, and evaluating medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
Experience supporting job seekers with interview techniques, completing job applications, and resumes, and job placement.
Experience in understanding implementation of Federal laws and regulations
Experience providing culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately, and effectively in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals and communities, protecting and preserving the dignity of each.
Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Perform all functions necessary to manage a full caseload and to contribute to VR performance measures.
Assure that state, federal and agency standards for compliance, timelines, and quality are met for all cases.
Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.
Utilize technology and software to complete VR tasks and provide clients services in an efficient and effective manner. This includes but is not limited to virtual meetings, virtual intake platform, and electronic signatures.
Screen, interview, and evaluate medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
Schedule aptitude and personality interest tests and interpret results of tests.
Gather and evaluate pertinent materials to provide necessary vocational counseling and guidance.
Make determination regarding physical restorative requirements (hearing aids, physical therapy, etc.) necessary for employment.
Determine training necessary for employability and coordinate closely with other agencies and provide career and vocational counseling to clients.
Provide direct job placement to consumers including employer incentive services, tax credit vouchers, state certifications, assistive technology, and work site modifications to assist consumers in reaching their employment outcomes.
Educate local employers about the agency programs, goals, and employment incentives.
Contact employers to place clients in employment suitable to their needs, such as on-the-job training, supportive work, and selective job placement.
Represent the agency in the community by maintaining working relationships with a broad range of organizations and by attending community events.
Contribute to integration of VR services with community partners by providing collaborative case management, consultation and liaison activities with brokerages, mental health providers and supported employment programs.