VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Arizona Department of Administration•Chandler, AZ

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking a highly motivated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) within the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS). DES aims to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life, serving over 3 million Arizonans. This position is crucial in bridging gaps to employment and independence for individuals with disabilities. The counselor will provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance to address employment barriers, helping clients gain skills to enter, secure, or retain employment. The role operates in a hybrid work environment, with options for remote work within Arizona (requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in the office/hoteling). Candidates will be placed into one of three tiers—Entry, Intermediate, or Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor—based on their qualifications and experience. The annual salary ranges from $48,510.17 to $55,440.52, commensurate with education and qualifications. The State of Arizona promotes a flexible work culture, allowing employees to work remotely from home, offices, or hoteling spaces, provided work is performed within Arizona.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a field of study reasonably related to rehabilitation counseling or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with individuals with disabilities and employers and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities (for Entry level)
Master's degree in a field of study closely related to rehabilitation counseling and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities (for Intermediate level)
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification (for Senior level)
Knowledge of Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services
At least one year of case management experience
Experience working with individuals with disabilities
Broad knowledge of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities
Familiar with referral and community resources
Understand computer access technology and assistive aids & devices
Knowledge of occupational opportunities and labor market trends
Ability to motivate clients in achieving goals
Effective oral and written communication
Strong time management skills
Resourceful and problem solver
Excellent interpersonal skills
Subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459
Have or meet the requirements to obtain prior to their first day of employment, a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults
Successfully pass background and reference checks
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)
Possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license (if driving is an essential function)
Complete all required driver training (if driving is an essential function)
Maintain acceptable driving records (if driving is an essential function)
Maintain statutorily required liability insurance (if operating a personally owned vehicle on state business)

Responsibilities

Introduces clients to the vocational rehabilitation program including program eligibility criteria and client’s right and responsibilities
Reviews client’s medical and/or psychological information to identify employment needs and goals as well as available services and resources
Provides vocational counseling, career exploration, and labor market exploration to determine suitable employment goals
Meets with clients on a one-on-one basis to problem solve and establish or modify an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
Provides case management and maintains regular contact with clients, service providers, and collaborative programs, and assess services and IPE progress
Manages fiscal resources including authorizing, reviewing, and payment of services
Provides case management to clients with complex needs and goals
Serves as program liaison for specialized groups
Provides guidance to Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
May serve as back up to the Rehabilitation Supervisor
Provides case management to clients with high complexity level

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities