DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Lead

State of Washington; Aberdeen (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, is hiring a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4, you will help people with disabilities achieve employment and independence, guiding them to overcome barriers and create opportunities.

You will lead complex work as a subject matter expert, mentor other counselors, and collaborate with employers and partners to expand opportunities. Hybrid work is available after onboarding.

Qualifications

• Four years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar.
• One year of paid experience may be substituted with unpaid experience in related roles.
• Direct experience with people with disabilities or in employment services is valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced vocational rehabilitation counseling tailored to each client.
• Determine eligibility for services by analyzing relevant information.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments including diagnostic testing.
• Develop, approve, and monitor individualized employment plans.
• Train, coach, and mentor other counselors on complex cases.
• Represent the office with employers and community partners to expand opportunities.

Skills

Advanced vocational rehabilitation

Leadership

Time management

Employer engagement

Education

CRCC Certification

Master's in rehabilitation counseling or related field

Master's with rehab counseling courses (18 qtr/12 sem credits)

Tools

Service Tracking and Reporting System

Job description

Description

DSHS's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring for a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Description

DSHS's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring for a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4, you will help people with disabilities achieve their goals of employment and independence. This role is about more than finding jobs—it’s about helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

You’ll lead complex vocational rehabilitation work, serving as a subject matter expert for counselors and staff. Your guidance ensures services are effective, consistent, and tailored to the needs of each client. In this position, you’ll combine professional counseling skills, knowledge of employment resources, and leadership abilities to improve outcomes for Washingtonians.

Flexible hybrid work schedule is available after initial onboarding period is complete.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Provide advanced vocational rehabilitation counseling that is responsive and unique to each client
• Determine eligibility for services by gathering and analyzing relevant information
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including arranging and interpreting diagnostic testing
• Develop, approve, and monitor individualized employment plans that align with client goals and program requirements
• Offer guidance, support, and post-employment services to help clients and employers achieve long-term success
• Obtain and interpret benefit analysis reports to support informed client decision-making
• Manage case service funds responsibly and effectively
• Document and track client progress using the Service Tracking and Reporting System
• Train, coach, and mentor other counselors, providing oversight and support on complex cases
• Represent the office with employers, community partners, and in professional forums to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities

Professionals With The Following Should Apply

Four years of paid experience* as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling. This experience may be gained either before or after obtaining the qualifying education or CRCC certification.

One year of the paid experience may be substituted with unpaid experience consisting of:

• Direct work with people with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center; or
• Direct service or advocacy activities that provide people with experience and skills in working with people with disabilities; or
• Direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self‑employment, or other experience in human resources, recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in integrated employment environments.

And, one of the following:

• Current certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
• Or, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well‑being of people with disabilities)
• Or, a master's degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses

Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For

• Advanced knowledge of DVR service delivery policies: Understanding of policies, procedures, and practices that support successful employment outcomes for individuals living with varied disabilities
• Leadership skills: Demonstrated ability to apply effective leadership practices that support staff and enhance program results
• Knowledge of employer expectations: Awareness of what employers look for when hiring students and individuals with disabilities
• Time management ability: Capacity to handle multiple and competing priorities within required timeframes