VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

About the position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for individuals committed to service, community, and teamwork to join their team as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. This position is part of the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) and focuses on providing vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities. The role aims to address barriers to employment and help clients gain the skills necessary to enter, gain, or retain employment. The position may be available for remote work within Arizona, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Introduce clients to the vocational rehabilitation program including program eligibility criteria and client's rights and responsibilities.
• Review client's medical and/or psychological information to identify employment needs and goals as well as available services and resources.
• Provide vocational counseling, career exploration, and labor market exploration to determine suitable employment goals.
• Meet with clients on a one-on-one basis to problem solve and establish or modify an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
• Provide case management and maintain regular contact with clients, service providers, and collaborative programs, and assess services and IPE progress.
• Manage fiscal resources including authorizing, reviewing, and payment of services.
• Provide case management to clients with complex needs and goals.
• Serve as program liaison for specialized groups.
• Provide guidance to Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
• May serve as backup to the Rehabilitation Supervisor.
• Provide case management to clients with high complexity level.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a field of study reasonably related to rehabilitation counseling or another field that prepares individuals to work with individuals with disabilities and employers and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Master's degree in a field of study closely related to rehabilitation counseling and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities for Intermediate level.
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification for Senior level.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services.
• At least one year of case management experience.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Broad knowledge of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities.
• Familiarity with referral and community resources.
• Understanding of computer access technology and assistive aids & devices.
• Knowledge of occupational opportunities and labor market trends.
• Ability to motivate clients in achieving goals.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Resourceful and problem solver.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years.
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Stipend Opportunities.
• Infant at Work Program.
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy.
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities.
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance.