Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

ServiceSource, Inc. • Gainesville, FL

23d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provides professional guidance and counseling to people with disabilities to help them attain and maintain competitive employment in the least restrictive environment. The counselor ensures consumer choice throughout the vocational rehabilitation process and coordinates services from intake through plan development and placement. The role provides information to support informed choices about services and employment outcomes.

The position manages eligibility determinations, Individualized Plans for Employment, counseling, case documentation, service coordination, and financial accountability in accordance with state and federal requirements. It also serves youth ages 14–21 under WIOA, including through Pre-ETS services, and collaborates with employers, education and vocational rehabilitation teams, community partners, and rehabilitation service providers. This is a full-time, in-office/on-site position with no remote work eligibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, majoring in a social, behavioral, or rehabilitative science, education, or a related field.
• One year of professional experience in counseling or in a public vocational rehabilitation program; a master’s degree in a social, behavioral, or rehabilitative science or education program may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Valid driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation for work-related travel.
• Eligible drivers must have a good motor vehicle record.
• Ability to interview clients to determine eligibility for VR services.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and practices, effective verbal and written communication, data compilation and analysis, medical and psychological aspects of disability groups, and interviewing techniques.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze medical and psychological data; develop vocational rehabilitation programs; assess test results; plan, organize, and coordinate work; communicate effectively; maintain effective working relationships; conduct fact-finding research; and use problem-solving techniques.
• Must complete a background screening through the Clearinghouse following a conditional offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification.

Responsibilities

• Rehabilitate eligible applicants who are severely or most severely disabled.
• Determine program eligibility in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Write and initiate Individualized Plans for Employment in compliance with state and federal guidelines, with full participation by the customer.
• Serve school youth ages 14–21 under WIOA regulations and provide Pre-ETS services to youth under WIOA guidelines.
• Maintain a caseload in accordance with VR guidelines, policies, and best practices, including managing case alerts, tasks, and days in status.
• Provide and coordinate professional vocational rehabilitation counseling to individuals with diverse disabilities to support their attainment of employment.
• Access client information, maintain case records, produce correspondence, and perform other automated functions within the position’s scope.
• Assess medical, psychological, and vocational information to determine eligibility and the feasibility of employment outcomes.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and use rehabilitation strategies to assess eligibility and employment feasibility.
• Support informed choices about services, service providers, and employment outcomes, and negotiate with customers on plan development.
• Develop employer contacts, serve as a liaison with local employers, and collaborate with DOE/DVR team members on employment services.
• Use community rehabilitation resources to secure appropriate employment services and collaborate with community partners on resource use.
• Manage resources and account for client-service expenditures in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Guide and counsel customers throughout the rehabilitation process and work toward successful rehabilitation in accordance with established goals.
• Document the rehabilitation process in client case files according to federal and state regulations and policies.
• Review and comply with Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Code of Ethics Guidelines.
• Participate in training to enhance professional competency in vocational rehabilitation.
• Complete travel requests, reimbursement submissions, timesheets, and expense reporting accurately and on time.
• Meet WIOA deliverables, including employment rates in the second and fourth quarters after exit, median earnings in the second quarter after exit, credential attainment, measurable skill gains, and effectiveness in serving employers.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and families.
• Company-paid disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with dollar-for-dollar company matching up to 3% of the employee’s contribution.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Paid time off that increases with tenure.

What This Job Offers

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