• Job Description

  Req#: REQ-143736

  Initial Posting Date:

  12/06/2023

  Application Deadline:

  12/20/2023

  Agency:

  Department of Human Services

  Salary Range:

  $4,536 - $6,952

  Position Type:

  Employee

  Position Title:

  Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

  Job Description:

  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their fully authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

  Are you looking to make a difference in people's lives? Do you want to learn and grow professionally while experiencing meaningful work? If so, we would love to hear from you!

  Our team is hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to join our Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation team in Portland. In this position, you will Increase employment and advancement opportunities for persons with disabilities. You will determine the nature and scope of services necessary to address disability barriers, and ensure identified services are provided and/or coordinated with various stakeholders. This is a hybrid position, up to 16 hours a week remote work.

  Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!

  • When you join the ODHS , you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.

  • Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.

  • We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The Equity North Star has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.

  • We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and competitive benefits packages including health, dental, vision and much more!

  What you need to qualify

  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 and skill in working with individuals experiencing physical, mental, emotional, and learning impairments and the effect impairments have on functional performance.

  • Knowledge of commonly accepted treatments for mental and physical impairments.

  • Knowledge of occupational and labor market resources and trends.

  • Understanding and honoring the lived experiences of clients, colleagues, and communities.

  • Skills in interviewing and providing vocational counseling and guidance.

  • Experience communicating verbally and in writing to diverse groups ensuring clarity of understanding of information.

  • Demonstrated skill and experience with outreach to develop and maintain effective partnerships.

  Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.

  Your duties at a glance

  Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation assists Oregonians with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independence.

  Services include:

  •Vocational Counseling and Guidance

  •Evaluation

  •Physical Restoration

  •Vocational and other training services

  •Information and referral

  •Job Development and Job Search Assistance

  VR is a state and federally funded program that works in partnership with the community and with business to develop employment opportunities for people who have disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation programs are custom designed for each individual. VR consists of approximately 390 employees in offices throughout Oregon.

  As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you will:

  • Responsible to perform all of 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.

  • 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 the 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.

  • 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.

  • Contact local employers to become familiar with the local job market.

  • Develop and implement Individualized Plan for Employment with each client and track progress through closure of the case.

  • Educate local employers about the agency programs, goals, and employment incentives.

  • Contact employers to place clients in employment suitable to their needs, such as on-the-job training, supportive work, and selective job placement.

  • Represent the agency in the community by maintaining working relationships with a broad range of organizations and by attending community events.

  • Able to organize and prioritize work tasks.

  • Contribute to integration of VR services with community partners by providing collaborative case management, consultation and liaison activities with brokerages, mental health providers and supported employment programs.

  • Make and justify decisions for expenditure of funds to meet specific individual client needs.

  Working conditions

  • General cube-like office environment when in office. May be able to work a Hybrid Work condition with ability to perform portions of counselor responsibilities remotely – how much and which duties will be determined by your supervisor.

  • Daily, work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.

  • Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes. Local or out of town travel is necessary at times. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

  • 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 in controlling their emotions.

  Application instructions & requirements

  Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position.

  • A cover letter is required. Attach a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications and essential attributes for the position.

  • Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

  • Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.

  • If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this application instructional video.

  • After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.

  Additional requirements

  • Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and substance abuse checks. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.

  • 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.

  • Either possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles or be able to travel to work-related trainings, meetings, conferences, and client appointments using alternative modes of transportation. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

  Helpful information

  • This position is represented by the Union (SEIU).

  • This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

  • Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our Oregon job opportunities page.

  • If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process or have questions about the job duties or application process, please contact, Marina.Nieblas@odhs.oregon.gov via email. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.

• About the company

  Oregon (/ˈɒrɡən/ ORR--gən) is a state in the Pacific Northwest region on the West Coast of the United States.

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