Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania•Blair County, PA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works for the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Altoona District Office, supporting individuals with disabilities as they pursue meaningful and sustainable employment. The counselor guides customers through the vocational rehabilitation process, identifies their needs and goals, determines rehabilitation potential, coordinates appropriate services, and supports employment planning and job placement. This position serves Blair and Bedford Counties. The position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Typical hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch; the schedule may be negotiable within a 7.5-hour workday, and the position is eligible for an alternate work schedule. Part-time telework may be available after successful completion of the training period, subject to requirements and change. Employees who cannot telework may report to the Altoona headquarters or an approved office in the caseload territory. New Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees will begin at an annual salary of $60,538 before taxes. A conditional offer requires satisfactory criminal history clearances, including Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse history, and FBI fingerprint clearances.

Requirements

Successfully complete the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Intern program or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee program, or an equivalent Commonwealth or Federal Government job title as determined by the Office of Administration; or meet one of the education or certification alternatives.
Have a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation, mental health, special education, social work, human services, psychology, or a closely related field; or hold an active Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certificate issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification; or provide proof of approval to sit for the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor examination and have completed a master's degree.
Applicants may meet the educational requirement if they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Be able to perform the essential job functions.
Submit required satisfactory criminal history clearances following a conditional offer of employment.
Provide relevant, detailed experience and education in the application; applicants claiming education must attach college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Submit the application and required materials by the posting closing date.

Responsibilities

Build relationships with community partners to identify potential customers.
Interview customers to gather information about their needs, backgrounds, and goals.
Review medical, vocational, and psychosocial information to determine eligibility and assess rehabilitation potential.
Arrange evaluations, authorize services, and track progress through completion.
Counsel customers, develop plans, and assist with job placement activities.
Update case notes, manage online files, and prepare required documentation.