DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

State of Washington • Benton County – Kennewick, WA

12d

About The Position

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the VRC1, VRC2, or VRC3 level, with VRC3 as the goal classification. The entry level depends on the applicant’s education and experience. Employees hired at a training level will build their skills through structured training, guidance, supervision, and practical experience while working toward VRC3.

The counselor helps students, youth, and adults with disabilities recognize their strengths, explore career options, and pursue meaningful employment. The role involves counseling and case management, assessing customer needs and goals, determining service eligibility, developing employment plans, coordinating services, and monitoring progress. The first 90 days vary by entry level and include learning DVR procedures, building relationships, understanding local employment resources, and beginning work with customers.

The position is based in the Kennewick area. Applicants should be committed to fairness, access, and social justice in their work with DSHS and the people it serves. A background check may be conducted before hire. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license; employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must have liability insurance.

Requirements

• VRC1 pathway: A bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or a reasonably related field, such as social work, psychology, disability studies, human resources, or education.
• VRC1 pathway: Acceptance or enrollment in an accredited graduate program leading to a qualifying master's degree.
• VRC1 pathway: At least one year of paid or unpaid experience in disability services, advocacy, employment support, human resources, training, or related work.
• VRC2 pathway: Current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification, or a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a related field, or a master's degree with the required graduate coursework in counseling and vocational rehabilitation.
• VRC2 pathway: Two years of qualifying paid vocational rehabilitation or related experience; up to one year may be substituted with qualifying unpaid experience.
• VRC3 pathway: Meet one of the VRC2 education or certification pathways and have three years of qualifying paid vocational rehabilitation counseling or related experience.
• For the graduate-coursework pathway, state specifications identify at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credits, including courses in counseling theory and techniques, vocational rehabilitation topics, and assessment, career development, or case management.
• Submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.
• Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on that vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to apply counseling methods to individual customer needs.
• Knowledge of disability-related employment barriers, accommodations, and assistive technology.
• Ability to help customers make informed employment decisions.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and case documentation.
• Ability to build relationships with employers, schools, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management, with training and supervision appropriate to the employee’s level.
• Assess customers' strengths, employment barriers, interests, and goals.
• Determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Help customers develop and carry out Individualized Plans for Employment.
• Arrange and interpret vocational assessments and diagnostic information.
• Support informed choices about training, accommodations, and employment services.
• Monitor progress and adjust employment plans as needs change.
• Coordinate with employers, schools, and community service providers.
• Maintain case records, manage deadlines, and support employment outcomes.

What This Job Offers

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