Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

AZ Dept. of Economic Security; Douglas (AZ); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Economic Security (DES) in Arizona seeks qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors across Entry, Intermediate, and Senior tiers. Duties include client assessment, plan development, and coordination of services to help individuals with disabilities achieve employment goals.

Roles require degrees in related fields with experience; salaries range $48,510.17–$55,440.52, with possible remote work within Arizona and a hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to rehabilitation counseling and two years of experience with individuals with disabilities.
• Master’s degree in a closely related field and one year of experience with individuals with disabilities.
• Senior level requires CRC certification.

Responsibilities

• Introduces clients to the vocational rehabilitation program including eligibility criteria and client rights/responsibilities.
• Reviews medical and/or psychological information to identify employment needs and available services.
• Provides vocational counseling, career exploration, and labor market exploration to determine goals.
• Meets with clients one-on-one to establish or modify an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
• Provides case management and maintains regular contact with clients, service providers, and programs; assesses progress.
• Manages fiscal resources including authorizing, reviewing, and payment of services.
• Provides guidance to Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and serves as program liaison for specialized groups.
• May serve as back-up to Rehabilitation Supervisor and handle high-complexity cases.

Skills

Case management

Communication

Labor market knowledge

Problem solving

Assistive technology

Job description

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov. Our DES team offers professional growth in a supportive environment.

Based on your qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following tiers:

• Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Bachelor's degree in a field of study reasonably related to rehabilitation counseling or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with individuals with disabilities and employers and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Intermediate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Master's degree in a field of study closely related to rehabilitation counseling and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities (Closely related fields are defined by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.)
• Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Meets Intermediate credential requirements plus has a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification

Annual salary is commensurate with education and qualifications, ranging from $48,510.17 to $55,440.52.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (minimum 2 days per week in the office/hoteling). The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

• Introduces clients to the vocational rehabilitation program including program eligibility criteria and client’s right and responsibilities
• Reviews client’s medical and/or psychological information to identify employment needs and goals as well as available services and resources
• Provides vocational counseling, career exploration, and labor market exploration to determine suitable employment goals
• Meets with clients on a one-on-one basis to problem solve and establish or modify an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
• Provides case management and maintains regular contact with clients, service providers, and collaborative programs, and assess services and IPE progress
• Manages fiscal resources including authorizing, reviewing, and payment of services

Intermediate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

Same duties as listed above and the following duties:

• Provides case management to clients with complex needs and goals.
• Serves as program liaison for specialized groups.
• Provides guidance to Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.

Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

Same duties listed above and the following duties:

• May serve as back up to the Rehabilitation Supervisor.
• Provides case management to clients with high complexity level.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services.
• At least one year of case management experience.
• Physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities.
• Referral and community resources.

Skill in:

• Working with individuals with disabilities.
• Computer access technology and assistive aids & devices.
• Knowledge of occupational opportunities and labor market trends.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Time management.

Ability to:

• Resourcefully problem-solve.