VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$48,510 - $55,441•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS), Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to provide counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities. The role helps clients address barriers to employment and develop skills to enter, obtain, or retain employment. It reports to a Supervisor and is offered in a hybrid environment, with possible remote work within Arizona requiring at least two days per week in the office or hoteling space. Work must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized. Placement is based on qualifications. Entry-level counselors need a bachelor's degree in a reasonably related field and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Intermediate counselors need a master's degree in a closely related field and one year of such experience. Senior counselors must meet intermediate requirements and hold Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification. Salary is commensurate with education and qualifications, within the stated annual range of $48,510.17 to $55,440.52. The role requires travel for State business. Employment is contingent on required registry searches, fingerprint clearance, background and reference checks, and successful completion of E-Verify. If driving is an essential function, applicable driver licensing, record, training, and insurance requirements apply.

Requirements

Entry tier: Bachelor’s degree in a field reasonably related to rehabilitation counseling or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with people 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 and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Senior tier: Meet intermediate credential requirements and hold Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services; occupational opportunities and labor market trends; and case management.
Skill working with individuals with disabilities, interpersonal communication, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Ability to motivate clients to achieve goals, communicate effectively, and demonstrate strong reading comprehension.
Subject to searches of the Child Protective Services Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry.
Must have, or meet the requirements to obtain before the first day of employment, a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card.
Must successfully pass background and reference checks and complete E-Verify.
Travel is required for State business.
If driving or vehicle use is an essential job function: maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license and acceptable driving record; complete required training; and maintain required liability insurance when using a personally owned vehicle on State business.

Responsibilities

Explain the vocational rehabilitation program, including eligibility criteria and clients’ 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 IPE progress.
Manage fiscal resources, including authorizing, reviewing, and paying for services.
Provide case management for clients with complex needs and goals at the intermediate tier.
Serve as a program liaison for specialized groups at the intermediate tier.
Guide Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors at the intermediate tier.
May serve as backup to the Rehabilitation Supervisor at the senior tier.
Provide case management to clients with high complexity levels at the senior tier.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) participation 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.