Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist

Initial Posting Date:

03/05/2025

Application Deadline:

03/16/2025

Agency:

Commission for the Blind

Salary Range:

$5,066 - $7,774

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist

Job Description:

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist

At the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB), we are keenly aware that we are in an unprecedented and uncertain time and we want to assure potential candidates that we are still committed to hiring highly qualified and passionate staff who are excited to work with our population to help them navigate through these uncertainties and continue to forge a future full of possibility, independence and employment.  We need candidates with education and experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation more than ever to support Oregonians who experience vision loss in gaining/retaining work in this new landscape.  If you have education /experience in this field and a passion for this work, we need you on our team and we strongly encourage you to apply for this Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position.

As the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist, you will provide vocational rehabilitation counseling for eligible clients who experience blindness, assisting them in adjustment to vision loss and providing services that prepare them for employment.  Counselors assist clients in identifying training and employment opportunities, and work with employers to develop appropriate employment opportunities.

For a full review of the position duties, details, and working conditions, please click here.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Four years of experience working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor providing services in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other federal rehabilitation regulations, which includes interviewing, counseling, assessing, evaluating, writing rehabilitation plans, and placing persons with disabilities in suitable employment.

Two years of the required experience must show skill in applying vocational aspects of complex disabilities involving one or more of the following disabilities or processes:

• Head injuries

• Long-term psychiatric illnesses

• Developmental disabilities

• Spinal cord injuries

• Blind, vision loss or visually impaired

• Deaf or hearing impairments

• Traumatic brain injuries

• School-to-work transition

• Caseload management

• Multi-cultural approaches in vocational rehabilitation

May also be filled as:

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (SR 25)

• 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

• 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 12 months full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services, OR

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities, and three years of full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services to individuals with disabilities.

Desired Attributes:

• Skilled professional who thrives on innovation and quality customer service.

• Excellent organizational skills, strong time management skills and commitment to attending to detail.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively as part of a team.

• Demonstrated experience working with adults of all ages who experience blindness and co-occuring, sometimes multiple, barriers to employment.

• Collaborative teammate with exceptional analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

• Case Management experience

Preference Statement:

Preference may be given to candidates with Certification in Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC), education and experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC.)

Application Details and Instructions

Your candidate profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect place to display your interest in the position and highlight the skills and experience you will bring, making you the best candidate for the position. Submissions are screened for consistency of information and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.).

• Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application. Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and attach a current copy of your cover letter and resume.  If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday account.

• This announcement is for 1 (one), full-time, permanent, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Specialist (Classification: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist) position and may be used to fill future vacancies.

• Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline. If you have questions about the announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact the Recruiter, Nancy Karnas at: [email protected]    | 971-719-3083.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

For Oregonians who are blind and visually impaired, our services are nothing short of life changing. They help people be more independent, continue their education, and be a fully connected part of their communities. We welcome you to visit the Oregon Commission for the Blind website to learn more!

Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.

• Live, work, and play in Portland, Oregon.

Additional Details

• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.

• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity