Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - Southeast Region

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) position involves assisting individuals with disabilities within the community to gain job-related skills and competitive integrated employment (CIE). The VRC provides vocational rehabilitation (VR) counseling, works with support teams, and connects participants with relevant programs. Candidates with specific certifications (CRC, LPC, LPCC, LISW) are eligible for a higher hourly rate. The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) within the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) agency aim to help individuals with disabilities attain and maintain competitive integrated employment, assisting both adults and youth transitioning from high school.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, business administration, human resources, economics or related rehabilitation or human services area AND 24 months experience direct work with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center or 24 months providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities).
• OR Master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, or related rehabilitation or human services area.
• OR Master’s degree in business administration, human resources, law, management, public administration or related field which provides competence in the employment sector &/or the field of disability AND 12 months direct work experience with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center) or 12 months experience providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities.
• Transcripts are REQUIRED for consideration.
• Must provide own transportation or have a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle.
• Must reside at a location that allows for reasonable response time to workplace reporting requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of individuals with disabilities seeking job-related skills and competitive integrated employment.
• Provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) counseling to participants with disabilities.
• Work with participant support teams to connect them with related programs.
• Analyze labor market information and job opportunities.
• Discuss employment barriers and accommodations with participants.
• Interview individuals with disabilities to gather detailed information about their work history and medical situation.
• Determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Interpret diagnostic information to determine participant needs.
• Counsel individuals and their families concerning strengths and limitations based on diagnostic information.
• Counsel individuals toward increased functioning and mutually agreeable vocational goals.
• Collaborate with community providers to assist participants in achieving goals.
• Develop comprehensive individualized plans for employment (IPE) for participants.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS)
• Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

What This Job Offers

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