DSHS DVR Rehabilitation Technician 1

State of Washington; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington in Bremerton seeks a Rehabilitation Technician 1 to support DVR Counselors and applicants, handling front desk tasks, program explanations, eligibility prep, and service coordination.

The role requires strong communication and organization, two years of college coursework or equivalent experience, and collaboration with interpreters, vendors, and participants to move toward employment goals.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level coursework and at least one year of experience providing direct customer service in a non-retail setting.
• Combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates ability to perform the work.

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk and office support, including greeting participants and answering calls.
• Explain DVR programs, services, and eligibility requirements to prospective participants.
• Enter new DVR service applications into the Case Management System within five days of sign-up.
• Assist VRCs and participants with gathering information for Employment Plans and quotes.
• Track participant progress and document skill gains and credentials.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Interviews

Relationship building

Education

Two years of college coursework

Experience in non-retail customer service

Tools

Case Management System

Fiscal systems

Job description

DSHS DVR – Rehabilitation Technician 1

Are you someone who enjoys helping people feel welcome, get oriented, and take their next steps with confidence? The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring a Rehabilitation Technician 1 in Bremerton, WA to support people with disabilities as they work toward meaningful employment.

In this role, you’ll provide paraprofessional and technical support to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and other professional staff. As an initial point of contact for applicants with disabilities, you’ll help coordinate customer services, facilitate orientations, prepare eligibility information, support daily operations, and monitor expenditures related to service delivery.

This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys a mix of customer service and behind-the-scenes coordination. If you’re organized, communicate clearly, and find fulfillment in helping others access the services and support they need to reach their goals.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide front desk and office support, including greeting participants, answering multi-line phones, managing lobby sign-ins, maintaining the reception area, distributing mail, and monitoring referral and fax inboxes.
• Explain DVR programs, services, and eligibility requirements to prospective participants.
• Enter new DVR service applications into the Case Management System within five days of the participant signing the application.
• Help Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) and participants gather information for Individualized Plans for Employment, including contacting vendors and obtaining service quotes.
• Support ongoing case management by tracking participant progress, documenting skill gains and credentials, identifying unmet needs, maintaining customer contact, and reinforcing next steps toward employment goals.
• Coordinate appointments with interpreters, service providers, participants, and VRCs. Track case milestones, including collecting eligibility documentation within 30 days, documenting follow-up efforts, and communicating delays to the VRC.
• Monitor Authorizations for Payment (AFPs) for upcoming expiration, coordinate with VRCs on cancellations or reissuance, and review case records before closure to verify documentation, loaned equipment status, and payment reconciliation.
• Identify potential community vendors and explain service provider registration requirements, as directed by the supervisor.
• Prepare and process AFPS or issue payments for customer goods and services within five days of receiving a request or invoice.
• Prepare correspondence for participants, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for professionals who meet one of the following:

• Two years of college-level coursework and at least one year of experience providing direct customer service in a non-retail setting.
• A combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

Note: Current DSHS employees in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) must meet the mandatory training requirements established by DVR policy.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities who may experience communication barriers or other challenges.
• Ability to provide effective customer service, explain complex information in an understandable way, and conduct interviews or presentations as needed.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with participants, coworkers, vendors, and community partners.
• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to connect participants with appropriate services and support.
• Ability to maintain accurate case records, enter participant information, and use case management and fiscal systems effectively.
• Ability to learn and apply DVR policies and procedures, particularly those related to authorizations, purchasing, and payment for goods and services.
• Knowledge of disability-related needs, medical aspects of disabilities, and rehabilitation technology, including how these may affect participants’ employment goals.

Questions?

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, and shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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