Rehabilitation Counselor I - Portland

Department of Labor - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Job Class Code: 3081

Grade: 19 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $40,060 - $53,372 

Location: Lewiston, ME

Opening Date: April 3, 2024

Closing Date:  April 28, 2024

Do you enjoy working with a team?

Do you have successful experience facilitating workshops or groups?

Do you like working on a variety of tasks?

Are you able to organize and prioritize your work independently?

The Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation believes our employees should reflect the diversity of the people we serve. We welcome and encourage all applicants interested in this position and who meet the minimum qualifications to apply today!

Position may be subject to fingerprinting. 

Primary Tasks: 

•    Developing relationships applicants and clients
•    Conducting intake meetings
•    Completing Releases of Information for various providers with applicant
•    Securing medical and other pertinent records needed to determine eligibility
•    Facilitating workshops with individuals and groups
•    Providing job coaching support as necessary
•    Developing collaborative working relationships with community organizations and employers

This position requires:

• Ability to successfully use technology (MS Office programs)
• Ability and willingness to learn
• Adaptability to changing work environments and policies
• Organization and Prioritization skills
• Passion for working with individuals with disabilities
• Strong communication skills (oral and written; English)
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Working on-site in the Portland VR office at 151 Jetport Blvd, Portland, ME
  frequent local and occasional statewide travel

Minimum qualifications:

A four (4) year combination of training, experience, and/or education in vocational rehabilitation program development and implementation.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Multilingual candidates encouraged to apply

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Samantha Fenderson, DVR Acting Director at Samantha.j.fenderson@maine.gov or 207-754-1726

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.