Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Bryan)

Texas Workforce Commission; Texas (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals to join their mission in helping people with disabilities gain meaningful employment. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you'll play a vital role in assisting clients to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in their careers. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities while providing a comprehensive benefits package and career advancement opportunities. If you are dedicated to public service and have a background in counseling or related fields, this role could be your chance to contribute to a powerful mission and enjoy a fulfilling career.

Benefits

Health Benefits

Tuition Assistance Program

Flexible Work Schedule

Telework Options

Longevity Pay

Paid Leave and Holidays

Free Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in fields related to vocational rehabilitation is preferred.
• Experience in counseling or related fields is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.
• Develop relationships with community resources and employers.
• Collect and analyze information for eligibility decisions.

Skills

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling

Case Management

Counseling

Job Placement

Knowledge of Disabilities

Education

Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

Bachelor’s Degree in related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online Application Systems

Job description

Job Description - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Bryan) (825448)

Description

For Texas to be GREAT, we need the best and brightest talent like you!

The public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program administered through the Texas Workforce Commission helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP PEOPLE WITH VR

According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.6% in 2020. This jobless rate continues to be much higher than the rate for those without disabilities.

PUBLIC SERVICE IN VR IS FOR YOU…

1. If you want to find meaningful work and contribute to a powerful mission. For more than 100 years VR has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals!
2. If you are looking for career and advancement opportunities. 38% of employees in VR have 15+ years of seniority. There are various positions with career ladders and opportunities to specialize in areas of interest: Autism, Blind & Visual Impairments, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Brain Injury, Foster Youth, Transition Students, Veterans.
3. If you need a comprehensive benefits package that offers competitive pay & benefits from health plans, life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and longevity pay.
4. If you have direct VR Counseling work experience, receive higher starting salary.
5. If you are interested in a flexible work schedule with teleworking as an option.
6. If you want to advance your education with our tuition assistance program.
7. FREE CEUs to maintain CRC credentials and reimbursement for CRC & LPC renewals.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), a Family Friendly Certified Workplace, is seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Trainee - Sr VRC to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Department located at Bryan Field Office 4021 East 29th Street Suite 1114 Bryan, TX.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

Benefits to working for TWC include:

1. Competitive starting salary: $3,410.00 - $4,940.00/month.
2. Salary and position level will be based on experience and demonstrated skills.
3. This is a career ladder position which means each level is required to meet the established career ladder requirements in order to be promoted to the next level.
4. A 5% salary increase will be awarded after successful completion of the VRC Trainee 6 month probationary period and advancing to the VRC I level.
5. Additional benefits for active employees: Health Benefits.

Staff who serve customers directly will be limited to one day of telework per week during their probationary period of employment with TWC VRD, beginning with their first week of work. After successfully completing probation, this position may be approved to telework up to two days per week.

General Duties:

1. Assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, retain, obtain and/or advance in competitive, integrated employment and includes assisting students with disabilities to transition successfully from high school to postsecondary education and employment.
2. Develops and maintains relations with community referral sources, businesses, employers and schools.
3. Collects and analyzes all information necessary to make an accurate eligibility decision (e.g. medical, psychological, school records, employment records, etc.).
4. Assists the customer in choosing an appropriate employment by analyzing information to determine the customer’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests, and matching that information to the current job market.
5. Works with the consumer to develop a plan of services designed to achieve the consumer’s identified employment goals.
6. Ensures timely, cost-effective provision of services and consumer progress toward achievement of their employment goal.
7. Develops and implements a process leading to successful job placement.
8. Applies best value purchasing practices and uses available, comparable benefits and services to ensure effective use of public funds.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree with major in Rehabilitation Counseling or Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from an accredited college or university;
2. OR master’s degree with major in counseling or related degrees such as Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, or Human Services from an accredited college or university plus one-year related work experience.
3. OR Master’s degree with any other major plus two years related work experience;
4. OR Bachelor’s degree with a major in vocational rehabilitation from an accredited college or university plus one-year related work experience;
5. OR Bachelor’s degree with major in Counseling, Education, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Public Health from an accredited college or university plus two years related work experience;
6. OR Bachelor’s degree with any other major plus three years related work experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with customers and employers. No experience required.

All levels: Depending on required qualifications and experience, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) vacancy may be filled at any level from a VRC Trainee to Sr VRC. Factors such as education, credentials, and previous experience with the agency will be considered when establishing the hiring level and starting salary. Experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor must be in accordance with the career ladder requirements of the agency. Related work experience is defined as case management, counseling, job placement and general knowledge of disabilities.

Applicants selected who do not have a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or CRC certificate or LPC credential will be required to meet the CSPD educational requirements within a time frame established upon employment. This will entail taking specific courses that focus on the professional role of a Rehabilitation Counselor. When advancing from the VRC Trainee to the VRC I level, the individual must have 1 year of paid or unpaid experience working with people with disabilities.

Copy of official transcripts, certifications and/or credentials will be requested at the time of interview.

Travel Requirements:

These positions involve up to 30% travel, and method of transportation is the responsibility of employee. Counselors are required to travel to reach their assigned consumers on a regular basis. Thus, travel is required for this position. Duties also include the ability to lift/carry 10 pounds.

HOW TO APPLY: To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.