Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

AZ Dept. of Economic Security • Cottonwood, AZ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence. DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This position will report to the Supervisor and provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities to address barriers to employment and gain the skills to enter, gain, or retain employment. This position will serve in a hybrid work environment. Based on your qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following tiers: Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Intermediate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, or Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

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)
• At least one year of case management experience
• Knowledge in Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services
• Knowledge of Physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities
• Knowledge of Referral and community resources
• Skill in Working with individuals with disabilities
• Skill in Computer access technology and assistive aids & devices
• Knowledge of occupational opportunities and labor market trends
• Effective oral and written communication
• Time management
• Ability to Resourcefully problem-solve
• Ability to Motivate clients in achieving goals
• Ability to Utilize excellent interpersonal skills
• Must 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
• Must successfully pass background and reference checks
• Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)
• Must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license if driving or using a vehicle is an essential function of the job

Nice To Haves

• Closely related fields are defined by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

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

What This Job Offers

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