Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

State of Idaho•Idaho Falls, ID

32d•$29•Onsite

About The Position

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) "Qualified Rehabilitation Professional (QRP)" Assigned to General VR Services, base location: 502 Woodruff Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 Salary: $29.00 per hour (40 hours per week) These positions may be filled prior to the closing date on the job posting. STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho's external career website will create duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position. Our Vision An Idaho where all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and employers value their contributions. Our Mission To prepare individuals with disabilities for employment and career opportunities while meeting the needs of the employer. Purpose of Position: This position is the Qualified Rehabilitation Professional (QRP) as defined under Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) regulations. This position will work under the supervision of a supervisor, manager, or leadership team position depending on specific assignment. VRCs provide professional rehabilitation services to participants/students in the areas of intake and eligibility, evaluation, planning and provision of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), plan development, employment development and placement, post-employment services, and case closure. This position develops the plan for services and collaborates on the provision of services by the service team in accordance with federal and/or state regulations. A VRC serves as a liaison with public agencies, schools, employers, and private sector and other community entities. Please make sure you upload a professionally formatted resume with detailed work history that supports you meeting the minimum qualifications for this position, a cover letter is strongly recommended. You must upload documentation of your highest level of education attained. You must upload documentation of any professional license or your CRC that qualifies you for hire for this position. This opening is for General VR Services, but a VR Counselor can be assigned to perform any or all of the listed Key Responsibilities listed below.

Requirements

Current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation obtained through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) or eligibility to sit for the CRC certification exam; or
Graduation from a program accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Commission on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) with a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; or
Current licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (LMFT or LMFT-A) issued by the State of Idaho Division of Occupational Licensing (IDOPL); or
A Doctorate degree in Philosophy, Psychology, Counseling, Education, or Social Work plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; or
Master of Social Work (MSW) degree plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; or
Master of Special Education (MSpEd) plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; or
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.
Working knowledge of office equipment such as printers and scanners typically gained through work experience using this equipment
Working knowledge of an email application (including sending, forwarding, attaching and calendar functions) and word processor software, as well as familiarity with the use of a search engine (e.g., Google, Microsoft Edge, etc.) typically gained by at least one year of experience using these applications on a regular and frequent basis
Familiarity with a case management software system
Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience with budgeting and monitoring expenditures
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload
Ability and willingness to travel (which may include overnight travel) to provide service to customers, and for training, meetings and conferences, as needed.

Responsibilities

Applicant Intake and Eligibility Determination
Conducts applicant interviews and reviews educational, medical, and diagnostic records to assess abilities and needs
Determines eligibility for services, assigns disability priority categories, and ensures compliance with regulations and agency policies
Explains participant rights and responsibilities and provides information regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Provides Pre-ETS to students with disabilities (ages 14-21), including:
Job Exploration Counseling
Workplace Readiness Training
Counseling on Postsecondary Education Options
Instruction in Self-Advocacy
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Coordinates Pre-ETS services with educational entities, workforce partners, and employers
Participates in IEP and person-centered planning meetings and collaborates with local agencies to develop work and training opportunities for students
Ensures smooth transition of Pre-ETS students to general VR services prior to age 22 through coordinated handoff meetings
Case Management and Financial Oversight
Applies the ADRAN (Allowable, Documented, Reasonable, Allocable, and Necessary) standard to all planned services and documents determinations appropriately
Authorizes, monitors, and tracks case expenditures, including ongoing services such as college tuition and CRP supports
Ensures prudent stewardship of public funds by utilizing comparable benefits, following procurement policies, and securing SSA reimbursements when applicable.
Maintains complete, accurate, and confidential case records documenting participant information, services, and counseling activities
Individualized Planning and Counseling
Identifies and coordinates necessary medical, psychological, academic, and vocational assessments for development of Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs)
Uses the State financial calculator to determine participant financial participation requirements
Provides professional counseling and guidance to assist participants with vocational, personal, and psychological adjustments throughout the rehabilitation process.
Evaluates participant progress, modifies IPEs when necessary, and ensures continuous engagement and progress toward employment goals
Collaborates with employers to address barriers to employment (e.g., accessibility, scheduling, transportation) and ensures appropriate job matching based on participant abilities and labor market needs
Collaboration and Outreach
Works collaboratively with Business Services Specialists to engage employers and understand local labor market trends
Represents the VR program and acts as a liaison with public and private entities
Participates in authorized events and initiatives focused on improving systems for individuals with disabilities in Idaho
Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation (PERSI) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
11 paid holidays
Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
Paid parental leave
Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
Employee assistance program