Vocational Rehab Counselor

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA):

The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services manages the delivery of services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has two overarching responsibilities: to facilitate partnerships that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities; and to provide them with continuous, life-long support.

Salary:

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position includes a Counselor Trainee period and upon successful completion, promotion to Counselor with an increase in salary. The minimum starting salary for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee is $ 1820.00 bi-weekly / equates to an annual salary of $ 47,320.00; upon successful completion of the Counselor Trainee program, the salary will increase to $ 2047.00 bi-weekly / $ 53,222.00 annually.

Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Assist clients in exploring career choices and counsel on vocational goal and service choices.
• Provide service and support to promote self-sufficiency and identify and reduce barriers.
• Develop, assess, and monitor progress of individualized service plans with clients.
• Authorize and approve expenditure of state and federal funds for individualized services and goods for clients.
• Conduct, interpret, and review various evaluation (medical, psychological, assistive technology, benefits, etc.) results with clients with disabilities in making career choices.
• Determine VR eligibility and severity based on federal and state regulations.
• Manage and monitor services provided by multiple providers and vendors.
• Determine appropriate referrals to other agencies and community partners.
• Establish and educate referral sources about VR and the referral process.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Awareness of some or all of the following:
  • cultural diversity
  • medical and psychological aspects of disability
  • counseling theories
  • assessment tools
  • job development and placement
  • Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
  • Social Security
  • Medicaid, Medicare and other state and federal programs
  • Department of Workforce Development programs
  • rehabilitation technology
  • economic and labor market trends
  • community organizations
  • financial aid
• Ability to problem-solve to evaluate and recommend services.
• Ability to be flexible and handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to emphasis with clients on career needs.
• Ability to interpret psychological/medial evaluation reports and medical terminology.
• Familiarity with Assistive Technology and how to access AT services.
• Effective communication skills.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field with at least 1 year of demonstrated paid or unpaid experience consisting of:
  o Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center
  o Direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individual with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities
  o Direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in human resources, recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in competitive integrated employment environment.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.