Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Application Deadline:

12/22/2024

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits! We are hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) with a Youth Focus to join our Vocational Rehabilitation Team in multiple locations. As a VRC, you will increase employment and advancement opportunities for persons with disabilities ages 14-24. The VR counselor position provides Pre-Employment Transition Services to potentially eligible recipients enrolled in school, completes initial interview, eligibility determination, determines the nature and scope of services necessary to address disability barriers, and ensures identified services are provided and/or coordinated with various stakeholders. Apply Today!

Salary Scale for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

AA $4,536 - $6,952 Before PERS participating

AP $4,851 - $7,436 After PERS participating

Employees who are not yet a PERS participating member, will receive the 6.95% pay increase and begin the 6% employee contribution upon participating in PERS.

Summary of Duties

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) with a Youth Focus, you will:

Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.

Screen, interview, and evaluate medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.

Determine need and coordinate medical and psychological assessments with physicians, psychiatrists, and medical/psychological consultants.

Provide direct job placement to consumers including employer incentive services, tax credit vouchers, state certifications, assistive technology, and worksite modifications to assist consumers in reaching their employment outcomes.

Gather and evaluate pertinent materials to provide necessary vocational counseling and guidance to determine the nature and scope of services needed to achieve the stated vocational goal and the employment outcome.

Make determination regarding physical restorative requirements (hearing aids, physical therapy, etc.) necessary for employment; determine training necessary for employability; coordinate closely with other agencies and provide career and vocational counseling to clients.

Contribute to integration of VR services with community partners by providing collaborative case management, consultation and liaison activities with brokerages, mental health providers and supported employment programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

A Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling OR be certified by either the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), the Certified Insurance Rehabilitation Specialist (CIRS), OR the Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission as a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), AND six months full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services.

OR

A Master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities) AND one year full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services.

OR

A Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities AND two years of full-time work experience vocational rehabilitation-related services.

There is no direct experience substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and/or mental health barriers.

Experience preferred working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Experience working with youth and/or students transitioning out of high school into employment or post-secondary training.

Experience screening, interviewing, and evaluating medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.

Experience supporting job seekers with interview techniques, completing job applications, and resumes, and job placement.

Experience providing culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately, and effectively in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals and communities, protecting and preserving the dignity of each.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work. Majority of your work will be conducted in Pendleton and Hermiston area. You will be working in the community school's majority of the time and can work from home.

Daily, work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.

You will have daily interactions with community partners.

Travel is required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes.

Work in an environment with frequent interruptions due to phone calls, and staff or client needs.

Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to complete essential functions of the job.

You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

Background Checks and Requirements

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

Cost of Living Adjustments.

Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

Amazing benefits package.

Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ preference:

Veterans’ preference information.

How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

The recruiter for this position is Marina Nieblas.

Email: Marina.Nieblas@odhs.oregon.gov

Phone (call or text): 503-702-5766