Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I

State of Vermont • Middlebury, VT

63d • Onsite

About The Position

The Middlebury office of HireAbility Vermont is seeking an experienced human service professional to support high school students and young adults with physical, psychological, or cognitive disabilities. The counselor helps individuals prepare for employment by assessing their interests and skills and facilitating career exploration activities and work experiences.

As students transition from high school, the counselor helps them identify and pursue post-secondary employment, education, and training options. The role involves close working relationships with local high schools and collaboration with community providers. Duties include assessment, guidance and counseling, assistance in finding employment and work experiences, case management, and documentation. Strong computer skills are required, including proficiency with MS Office and video platforms such as MS Teams, Zoom, and FaceTime.

Work takes place in a variety of settings, including Department offices, consumer homes, institutions, work sites, and service-provider premises. Substantial travel is required, and private transportation must be available. Some work outside normal office hours may be required. Candidates must pass applicable background investigations and checks.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, special education, counseling, education with a special education focus, or a related counseling field.
• Good computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and video platforms such as MS Teams, Zoom, and FaceTime.
• Must have private means of transportation available for substantial travel.
• Must pass any background investigation applicable to the position.
• Applicants without a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential or a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling must make a written commitment to complete graduate-level credits in four specified core course areas within three years of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Professional-level experience involving human services casework, preferably with individuals with disabilities.
• A master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.
• Experience in counseling and/or a background in employment services.
• Previous work with adolescents.

Responsibilities

• Assess individuals’ interests and skills to support employment preparation.
• Facilitate career exploration activities and work experiences.
• Help students transitioning from high school identify post-secondary employment, education, and training options and engage in those activities.
• Provide assessment, guidance, and counseling.
• Assist individuals in finding employment and work experiences.
• Perform case management and documentation.
• Collaborate with local high schools and community providers.

Benefits

• 80% state-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State-paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• State defined-benefit pension plan and deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Low-cost group life insurance.
• Incentive-based wellness program.
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

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