Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Messiah College; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

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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.

While these positions do not require bilingual language skills, there is a need in the communities that we serve, and all are encouraged to apply! Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that use a language other than English to fulfill their job duties within their position. Bilingual differential pay is 5% of the employee's base pay. To receive 5% differential pay, you must pass test(s) evaluating your bilingual proficiency.

Opportunity awaits! We are hiring multiple 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: $4,536 - $6,952 Before PERS participation.

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

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

1. Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.
2. Screen, interview, and evaluate medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
3. Determine need and coordinate medical and psychological assessments with physicians, psychiatrists, and medical/psychological consultants.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

1. Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.
2. 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.
3. OR
4. 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.
5. OR
6. 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 providing vocational rehabilitation-related services.

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

We are looking for candidates with:

1. Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and/or mental health barriers.
2. Experience preferred working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
3. Experience working with youth and/or students transitioning out of high school into employment or post-secondary training.
4. Experience screening, interviewing, and evaluating medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
5. Experience supporting job seekers with interview techniques, completing job applications, and resumes, and job placement.
6. 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

Majority of your work will be conducted in the office and in the community. After 6 months, you may have some opportunities for hybrid work condition, but this will need to be discussed with and approved by your manager. 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. Your work schedule will include day and occasional evening work. 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.

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.

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.