VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Tucson, AZ

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov [https://des.az.gov/]; or click on the link here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1YUmZRfgqU] to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team! The Department of Economic Security, 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 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 • Intermediate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Master's degree in a field of study closely related to rehabilitation counseling and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities (Closely related fields are defined by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.) • Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Meets Intermediate credential requirements plus has a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification Annual salary is commensurate with education and qualifications, ranging from $48,510.17 to $55,440.52 This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (minimum 2 days per week in the office/hoteling). 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

Knowledge of Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services
At least one year of case management experience
Experience working with individuals with disabilities
Broad knowledge of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities
Familiar with referral and community resources
Understands computer access technology and assistive aids & devices
Knowledge of occupational opportunities and labor market trends
Ability to motivate clients in achieving goals
Effective oral and written communication
Strong time management skills
Resourceful and problem solver
Excellent interpersonal skills
Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
Candidate shall 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 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Travel will be required for State business. If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on State business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code [A.A.C.] R2-10-207.11).

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