Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II

Overview

HireAbility Vermont (Vermont's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) is looking for an experienced human service professional with an ability to support high school students and young adults with physical, psychological, or cognitive disabilities. The VR counselor would assist individuals in preparing for employment through surveying their interest and skills and facilitate career exploratory activities and work experiences. As the student transitions from high school, the VR counselor would help the student identify post-secondary employment, education, and training options, and assist them in engaging in these activities. The position involves a close working relationship with local area high schools. Experience in counseling and/or background in employment services is beneficial. Previous work with adolescents is extremely helpful.

Job duties include assessment, guidance, and counseling, assisting in finding employment and work experiences, case management, documentation, and collaboration with many community providers. Good computer skills are required and must be proficient in MS Office as well as various video platforms (MS Teams, Zoom, Facetime, etc.). Frequent local travel will be expected. HireAbility provides a supportive work environment with a strong team ethic and is a great place to work. All staff are encouraged to engage in regular opportunities for training, professional development, and to explore career advancement within the organization.

For more information on HireAbility's mission and programs, visit https://www.hireabilityvt.com.

NOTE: This position is being recruited at 3 levels: VR Counselor I & II which require a Master's degree, and the VR Associate Counselor, which requires a Bachelor's degree. The preferred degree is a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling. Candidates with degrees in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Education, and other related fields will be considered.

Who May Apply

This position, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II (Job Requisition #48194), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Associate Counselor: 48164

Counselor I: 48193

Counselor II: 48194

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Maria.Burt@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in a variety of settings including Department offices, consumer homes, institutions, work sites, and premises of service providers. Substantial travel is required, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, special education or counseling, education with a special education focus, or a related counseling field AND one (1) or more years of experience at a professional level in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.

Special Requirements

Candidates without a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling will be expected to demonstrate successful completion of the following graduate level coursework:
1. Medical or Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities
2. Vocational Counseling
3. Vocational Assessment and Evaluation
4. Job Placement or Occupational Information

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.