Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Erie County, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position with the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services offers a chance to help people move toward meaningful careers. In this role, you will join our Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services team in providing professional counseling to individuals with disabilities that will help them develop the skills they need to set and achieve employment goals. You will work in a collaborative environment that values encouragement and steady progress. Apply and help open doors to new opportunities!

Requirements

• Successful completion of the commonwealth’s Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Intern program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Possession of an active Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certificate issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification; or
• Proof of approval to sit for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification examination, provided by the CRCC, and completion of a master’s degree; or
• A master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, mental health, special education, social work, human services, psychology, business administration, human resources, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.
• Submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Telework may be an option part-time after successful completion of the training period, requiring a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities so they can work toward successful employment.
• Specialize in providing VR services to individuals with ID and/or Autism (and other individuals with disabilities, as needed).
• Typically work with high schools, service providers, and other organizations in Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Clarion counties.
• Help people build confidence and reach their potential.
• Collaborate with schools, county offices, support organizations, and community agencies to identify and contact individuals who are eligible for services.
• Conduct face to face interviews to gather important background information, explain program eligibility requirements and scope of services.
• Develop individualized employment plans by discussing vocational goals with each customer and their team of parents, guardians, and support professionals.
• Arrange for and approve expenditures needed to determine eligibility or make services possible.
• Collaborate with external organizations to ensure the delivery of all services.
• Provide counseling, guidance, and follow up to ensure progress toward the established employment goals.
• Maintain accurate electronic case files, enter service information, prepare reports, and complete required documentation.

Benefits

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
• Work hours are negotiable - 7.5 hour workday and lunch period is 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on work hours.
• The selected candidate may be eligible for Alternate Work Schedules (AWS).
• Opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, after successful completion of the training period.
• Option to report to the headquarters office if unable to telework.
• Starting annual salary of $59,345 (before taxes) for new Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees.

What This Job Offers

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