Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Initial Posting Date

03/28/2025

Application Deadline

04/06/2025

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 Counselor (VRC) to join our Vocational Rehabilitation Team in Hermiston. As a VRC, you will Increase employment and advancement opportunities for persons with disabilities. The VRC 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!

Summary Of Duties

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you will:

• Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position or you must have an appropriate form of transportation.

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:

• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and/or mental health barriers.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Experience screening, interviewing, and evaluating medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
• Experience supporting job seekers with interview techniques, completing job applications, and resumes, and job placement.
• Experience working with an equitable and trauma-informed approach.
  
  

Attention all candidates! 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

• Hybrid work. Majority of your work will be conducted in the Hermiston office and area.
• With your work being mostly conducted in the office, you will also be working in the community and in the schools. You will have some option to work from home if approve by your manager.
• Daily, work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or intellectual disabilities.
• You will have daily interactions with community partners.
• 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.
  
  

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): 503-507-5766