Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Date Posted: Nov 25, 2024

Requisition ID: 452403

Location:

Elkhart, IN, US, 46514

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse 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.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, 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.

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.

This role is based in Gary, Indiana.

Salary Statement:

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position includes a counselor trainee period. After successful completion, you will be promoted to Counselor with a salary increase. The minimum starting salary for the Trainee is $47,320 annually ($1,820 biweekly). When promoted to Counselor, salary increases to $53,222 annually ($2,047 biweekly).

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are: 

• Assist clients in exploring career choices and counsel on vocational goals and service choices.

• Provide service and support to promote self-sufficiency and identify and reduce barriers.

• Develop, assess, and monitor the 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 results (medical, psychological, assistive technology, benefits, etc.) with clients with disabilities to help them make 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.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field.

• Must have one (1) year of paid or unpaid experience consisting of:

• Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center

• Direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individuals with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities

• 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 a competitive integrated employment environment.

• 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, evaluate, and recommend services.

• Ability to be flexible and handle multiple tasks.

• Ability to empathize with clients on career needs.

• Ability to interpret psychological/medical evaluation reports and medical terminology.

• Familiarity with Assistive Technology and how to access AT services.

• Effective communication skills.

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 benefits 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

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k 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

• 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. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

  Current Employee? Click here (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=indianaoff) to apply.