What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position at Department of Human Services?
Initial Posting Date:
04/08/2025
Application Deadline:
04/15/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Job Description:
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.
Summary of Duties
As an employee working within the ODHS
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
(VR), you will support Oregonians with disabilities in achieving and maintaining employment and independence.
As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), you will:
- Perform all the functions necessary to manage a full caseload and to contribute to VR performance measures.
- Assure that state, federal and agency standards for compliance, timelines, and quality are met for all cases.
- Utilize technology and software to complete VR tasks and provide clients services in an efficient and effective manner. This includes but is not limited to virtual meetings, virtual intake platform, and electronic signatures.
- Screen, interview, and evaluate medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
- Provide direct job placement to consumers including employer incentive services, tax credit vouchers, state certifications, assistive technology, and work site modifications to assist consumers in reaching their employment outcomes.
- Develop and implement rehabilitation plans with each client and track progress through successful termination of case.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
OR
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.
OR
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 in vocational rehabilitation-related services.
There is no direct experience substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
- Knowledge of commonly accepted treatment for mental and/or physical impairments.
- Experience in interviewing and providing vocational guidance, job analysis, vocational evaluation, or job development and placement.
- Experience communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people by answering questions and explaining information.
- Knowledge of physical, mental, emotional, and learning impairments and the effect that such impairments have on functionality.
Attention all candidates! An attached cover letter is required in order to be considered for this position. 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.
Note: “The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.”
Working Conditions
- The work location is East Portland-Multnomah County. General private office environment with a hybrid working schedule.
- Must be able to travel occasionally and possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
- Daily, work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.
- Work in an environment with frequent interruptions due to phone calls, and staff or client needs.
- You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and exhibit challenges with their emotional response.
Background Checks and Requirements
- If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.Additional background check information.
- 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.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Groupcommunities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- Amazingbenefits package.
- Possible eligibility for thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference:
- Veterans’ preference information.
- How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.
General Information
- 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 Bonnie Nyssen.
- Email: bonnie.nyssen@odhs.oregon.gov
