Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4/South Region (In-Training)

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Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4/South Region (In-Training)

Salary

$4,738.00 - $6,217.00 Monthly

Location

Clark County – Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2020-DSB-003

Department

Dept. of Services for the Blind

Opening Date

11/16/2020

Closing Date

Continuous

Description


~ This position is assigned to our Vancouver location; however, all positions are currently teleworking daily for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.~
 
Candidate evaluation will be ongoing and DSB may make a hiring decision at any time. It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. This recruitment will close when the position is filled.
 
The goal of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is to assist in the stable employment and increased independence of Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision participants, many of whom have other disabilities in addition to visual imparment. DSB provides training, counseling, and support to help Washington residents of all ages, who are blind or visually impaired, pursue employment, education, and independent living.

DSB is seeking a qualified individual to take on the role of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4 (VRC4).  This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training from a VRC3 to a VRC4.  This is your opportunity to learn and grow within an agency in competitive employment, and help lead the way in the advancement of our mission:  Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for People with Visual Disabilities.

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with DSB, you will play a key role as facilitator for determining and procuring rehabilitation services for a participant's successful independence and/or employment outcome.  You will work as a member of a multi-disciplinary vocational rehabilitation and independent living work team to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to visually impaired and blind adults. The VRC4 level counselor is characterized by demonstrated superior counseling skills and ability to successfully facilitate the specialized rehabilitation needs presented by a caseload of Blind, Low Vision and/or Deaf Blind participants.  The VRC4 level counselor assumes responsibility for training other professional staff at both the local and statewide levels as needed.

The South Regional Team shares responsibility for participants in the following counties: Pierce, Thurston, Jefferson, Mason, Kitsap, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Lewis, Clark, Skamania, Wahkiakum, and Klickitat.  

This position will be housed in the Vancouver office and will be primarily responsible for participants in the Clark, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Lewis, Klickitat, Pacific and Skamania areas.

Duties

Some of what you will enjoy doing:

  • Counsel and guide participants throughout the rehabilitation process with respect to adjustment to blindness and issues related to secondary disabilities
  • Inform participants of their rights for appeal and their responsibilities of active participation
  • Identify and develop external and community resources
  • Establish collaborative working relationships with Worksource/One stop centers
  • Manage and monitor case flows at all stages of process
  • Document all participants' activities in electronic case management system
  • Conduct initial assessment interviews to complete an application for services
  • Interpret medical and other documentation necessary to determine visual as well as other disabilities and eligibility for services
  • Manage, collect, and synthesize disparate elements of a Comprehensive Vocational Assessment to identify participants' skills, experience, aptitude, interests and abilities towards selection of an appropriate vocational goal
  • Coordinate activities of the Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Rehabilitation Teacher, Assistive Technology Specialist, and Rehab Tech team members to provide planned services
  • Develop with participant a plan for services, identifying necessary services, timelines, progress measurements and responsibilities for life of plan
  • Monitor the progress of participants in completing the objectives and services of active plans; Review plans on annual basis with participants
  • Amend vocational plan services, objectives, or goals as needed
  • Facilitate the placement of participants into competitive and integrated employment, with or without supports
  • Provide post-placement services to insure a satisfactory relationship
  • Develop relationships with employers to increase disability awareness and employment opportunities for participants
  • Participate in management of team's case services budget
  • Ensure relationship between participants and employer is stable, intervening if and when necessary to preserve the relationship needs of the employer and participants

Qualifications

We may hire at any step.  Your advancement will be based upon the successful completion of the In-Training Plan.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3: (Range 53 - $4,286 to $5,630)

  • A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling OR a current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification; AND
  • Three (3) years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling; AND
  • Demonstration of skill and ability in facilitating specialized vocational rehabilitation needs for a Blind, Low Vision and/or Deaf Blind caseload
 - OR - 
  • Three (3) years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Washington; AND
  • Demonstration of skill and ability in facilitating specialized vocational rehabilitation needs for a Blind, Low Vision and/or Deaf Blind caseload
 
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4: (Range 57 - $4,738-$6,217 per month)
  • A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling OR a current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification; AND
  • Four (4) years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling; AND
  • Demonstration of skill and ability in facilitating specialized vocational rehabilitation needs for a Blind, Low Vision and/or Deaf Blind caseload
  - OR - 
  • Four (4) years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Washington; AND
  • Demonstration of skill and ability in facilitating specialized vocational rehabilitation needs for a Blind, Low Vision and/or Deaf Blind caseload

Supplemental Information

Please attach the following documents, failure to do so may result in not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
  • Current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
You will want to ensure you have a current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information attached or available to provide at the time of interview.

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
 
NOTE:
  • Prior to new appointment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  • This position is in a bargaining unit and falls under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the state of Washington and the Washington Federation for State Employees (WFSE).
The State of Washington celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or jobs@des.wa.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Are you currently employed by the Department of Services for the Blind?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Select how you meet the requirements for this position:
  • A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling AND four (4) years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling
  • A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling AND three (3) years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling
  • A current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification AND four (4) years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling
  • A current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification AND three (3) years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling
  • Four (4) years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Washington AND Demonstration of skill and ability in facilitating specialized vocational rehabilitation needs for a Blind, Low Vision and/or Deaf Blind caseload AND demonstration and skill in DSB specific policy and procedure
  • Three (3) years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Washington AND Demonstration of skill and ability in facilitating specialized vocational rehabilitation needs for a Blind, Low Vision and/or Deaf Blind caseload AND demonstration and skill in DSB specific policy and procedure
  • None of these apply
04
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Friend
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Other
05
If you selected College Job Board or Other, please let us know the name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specific job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

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