VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Tucson, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to join the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) within the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS). DES works to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life, serving over 3 million Arizonans. This role involves providing vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities to address barriers to employment and gain the skills to enter, gain, or retain employment. The position operates in a hybrid work environment and offers different tiers (Entry, Intermediate, Senior) based on qualifications and experience. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust, with many State employees participating in the Remote Work Program, allowing them to work remotely in their homes, offices, and hoteling spaces within Arizona, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office/hoteling.

Requirements

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 (for Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor tier)
Master's degree in a field of study closely related to rehabilitation counseling and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities (for Intermediate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor tier)
Meets Intermediate credential requirements plus has a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification (for Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor tier)
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
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
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
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)
Possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license if driving or vehicle use is an essential function of the job
Complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks if driving or vehicle use is an essential function of the job
Maintain acceptable driving records if driving or vehicle use is an essential function of the job
Maintain the statutorily required liability insurance if operating a personally owned vehicle on State business

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 (Intermediate and Senior tiers)
Serves as program liaison for specialized groups (Intermediate and Senior tiers)
Provides guidance to Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (Intermediate and Senior tiers)
May serve as back up to the Rehabilitation Supervisor (Senior tier)
Provides case management to clients with high complexity level (Senior tier)

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
Improved work/life balance, higher job satisfaction, and increased productivity through remote work options