Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

AZ Dept. of Economic Security • Cottonwood, AZ

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services, is hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The role provides vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities to address barriers to employment and develop the skills needed to enter, gain, or retain employment. The position reports to a Supervisor and operates in a hybrid work environment. Remote work within Arizona may be available, with at least two days per week in the office or hoteling space; remote arrangements are subject to management approval and may be ended at the agency’s discretion.

Placement and salary tier depend on qualifications. Entry-level counselors need a relevant bachelor’s degree and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Intermediate counselors need a closely related master’s degree and one year of such experience. Senior counselors must meet intermediate requirements and hold Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification. Annual salary ranges from $48,510.17 to $55,440.52, commensurate with education and qualifications.

Travel is required for client meetings, outreach and events, office coverage, and other State business. Employees driving on State business must maintain an appropriate, valid driver’s license, meet training and driving-record requirements, and maintain required liability insurance when using a personally owned vehicle.

Candidates are subject to Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services registry searches, background and reference checks, and must have or qualify to obtain a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card before their first day. Newly hired State employees must successfully complete E-Verify. Employment is contingent on completion of required checks and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate restrictions.

Requirements

• Entry tier: bachelor’s degree in a field reasonably related to rehabilitation counseling or another field that reasonably prepares the candidate to work with individuals with disabilities and employers, plus two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Intermediate tier: master’s degree in a field closely related to rehabilitation counseling, as defined by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, plus one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Senior tier: meet the intermediate tier requirements and hold Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification.
• Knowledge of federal and State laws, statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services.
• Knowledge of occupational opportunities, labor market trends, working with individuals with disabilities, physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities, and referral and community resources.
• Skills in caseload management, counseling persons with disabilities, interpersonal communication, time management, and effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, motivate clients toward goals, be resourceful and solve problems, and understand computer access technology and assistive aids and devices.
• Meet the required Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services registry searches, background and reference checks, and fingerprint clearance card requirements.
• Successfully complete E-Verify.
• If driving on State business, maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, meet required training and driving-record standards, and maintain required liability insurance when using a personally owned vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Introduce clients to the vocational rehabilitation program, including eligibility criteria and client rights and responsibilities.
• Review clients’ medical and/or psychological information to identify employment needs, goals, services, and resources.
• Provide vocational counseling, career exploration, and labor market exploration to determine suitable employment goals.
• Meet one-on-one with clients to problem-solve and establish or modify an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
• Provide case management, maintain regular contact with clients, service providers, and collaborative programs, and assess services and progress on IPEs.
• Manage fiscal resources, including authorizing, reviewing, and paying for services.
• For intermediate counselors: provide case management for clients with complex needs and goals, serve as a program liaison for specialized groups, and guide Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
• For senior counselors: provide case management for clients with high complexity levels and may serve as backup to the Rehabilitation Supervisor.

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 of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Stipend opportunities.
• Infant at Work Program.
• Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
• Career advancement and employee development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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