Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Initial Posting Date

03/24/2025

Application Deadline

04/13/2025

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.

Opportunity awaits! We are hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) with a Youth Focus to join our Vocational Rehabilitation Team in Warrenton. As a VRC, you will increase employment and advancement opportunities for persons with disabilities. The VR counselor position 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 Scale: Employees who are not yet PERS members (AA) will also get the 6.95% pay increase and start the 6% contribution when they join PER (AP).

• AA: $4,833 - $7,407
• AP: $5,169 - $7,923
  
  

Summary Of Duties

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

• Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.
• 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.
• Determine need and coordinate medical and psychological assessments with physicians, psychiatrists, and medical/psychological consultants.
• Schedule aptitude and personality interest tests and interpret results of tests.
• Work closely with employers to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities and maintain current and comprehensive knowledge of community resources available for clients.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

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 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 physical, mental, emotional and learning impairments and the effect that such impairments have on functional limitations.
• Skill in communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people answering questions and explaining information or decision processes.
• Experience screening, interviewing, and evaluating medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
• Experience supporting job seekers determining the need and coordinating, medical and psychological assessments and partnerships with contractors to ensure successful employment outcomes.
  
  

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.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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

• Your work will be conducted in an office, and you must have the ability to navigate an in-person and virtual branch, our branch consists of three satellite offices. You will have to be able to navigate technology to provide office support.
• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to complete essential functions of the job.
• 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 will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
  
  

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 Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public 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 Marina Nieblas
• Email: Marina.Nieblas@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 503-702-5766