GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) in California is seeking a Graduate Student Assistant to support vocational rehabilitation counselors in delivering services to individuals with disabilities. The role involves assisting with orientation, workshop planning, job readiness, and employment resources.

You will work under close supervision, gaining practical experience while contributing to case documentation and liaison activities with employers and community partners.

Qualifications

• Graduate Student Assistant applicants must meet minimum qualifications stated in the classification specification.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required for interaction with consumers and staff.
• Proficiency with standard office software is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in delivering vocational rehabilitation services.
• Help plan, arrange, and coordinate rehabilitation activities and workshops.
• Aid with resume preparation, online applications, and labor market research; may liaise with employers.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Office software

Education

Graduate student eligibility

Approved majors for Graduate Student

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Visio

Job description

GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT

$3,724.00 - $5,810.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/15/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

This position is located in the city of Van Nuys.

Under the close supervision of the Staff Services Manager I, the Graduate Student Assistant (SA) will assist one or more Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in the delivery of a wide range of vocational rehabilitation services. The GSA receives training and gains practical experience from observing and assisting the counseling staff in the district. The GSA assists counseling staff with planning, arranging and coordinating the vocational rehabilitation of persons with physical and mental disabilities, which are substantial impediments to employment. The GSA will assist with applicant orientation, plan development workshops, job readiness workshops, researching job placement resources, as well as, assisting consumers with resume preparation, online applications and computer-based labor market research. They may also assist counseling staff, with liaison assignments.

The GSA assists the VR Service Delivery Team with counseling; planning, arranging, and coordination of vocational rehabilitation services for people with physical and mental disabilities which are substantial impediments to suitable employment. The GSAs analyze and interpret medical, psychological and vocational information for the purpose of assisting the VR counselor with developing rehabilitation plans. They develop and maintain timely and necessary case documentation. Serve as liaison and consultant to employers and community organizations regarding opportunities and considerations related to hiring individuals with disabilities.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

The majority of the work will take place in one of the following locations with consumers, the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders: a DOR open office setting in a cubicle environment, offsite in the community, at events and various partner locations, and/or at an approved alternate work location. The incumbent must have the ability to work in an office setting for up to 40 hours per week and remain at a workstation for extended periods while utilizing a personal computer, peripherals, and other office equipment with or without accommodation. The incumbent will be working in an office setting with both natural and artificial lighting. Strong interpersonal skills are required to interact effectively with consumers, the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Graduate Student Assistants are not allowed to work more than 1500 hours in a calendar year.The

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT

GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT $3,724.00 - $5,810.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Student Assistant

Department Information

If you are interested in becoming a part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) invites you to apply for this employment opportunity.

Join us in our Van Nuys location within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and shops. If you strive to make a difference, we invite you to seek a career with DOR!

DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation program in the country. We have a three-pronged mission to provide services and advocacy that assist people with disabilities to live independently, become employed and have equality in the communities in which they live and work. DOR provides consultation, counseling, and vocational rehabilitation, and works with community partners to assist the consumers we serve.

DOR is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented and skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of communities that exist in California and values fairness and inclusion. Diversity encompasses characteristics including, but not limited to, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, veteran status, criminal history, and family structures.

Our work at DOR is guided by the following core values:

• We believe in the talent and potential of individuals with disabilities.
• We invest in the future through creativity, ingenuity, and innovation.
• We ensure our decisions and actions are informed by interested individuals and groups.
• We pursue excellence through continuous improvement.
• We preserve the public’s trust through compassionate and responsible provision of services.

VISION STATEMENT:

Employment, independence, and equality for all Californians with disabilities.

MISSION STATEMENT:

DOR works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating “preference under Government Code section 18220”. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to communicate with all levels of internal and external contacts in a professional manner, and with integrity and respect;
• Ability to help facilitate expeditious resolution of problems from in-person requests, incoming phone calls and emails;
• Knowledge of DOR resources and processes, RAM, and federal and state Code of Regulations;
• High level of organizational skills and office equipment and processes proficiency;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio
• Knowledge of department's mission and goals;
• Experience communicating with and providing information regarding DOR services to applicants and consumers

There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:

Click here to view more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State employees.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Required Registration as a Graduate Student

Approved Majors:

Rehabilitation Counseling

Counseling

Education with emphasis/ major concentration in one of the following areas:

Rehabilitation Counseling

Special Education

Educational Counseling

Counseling and Guidance

Mental Health Counseling

Community Counseling

School Counseling

Professional Counseling

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Marriage, Family and Child Counseling (MFCC)
Psychology with emphasis/major concentration in one of the following areas:

Social Work (MSW)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.