Vocational Rehabilitation 4 (In-Training VRC 2, 3, or 4)/ Seattle Office

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Vocational Rehabilitation 4 (In-Training VRC 2, 3, or 4)/ Seattle Office

Salary

$4,083.00 - $6,217.00 Monthly

Location

King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-DSB-009

Department

Dept. of Services for the Blind

Opening Date

10/15/2021

Closing Date

Continuous

Description


---This posting has been extended for the SEATTLE office only---
The hiring manager may make a decision at any time.  It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.

If you think you don’t quite meet the qualifications at the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4 (VRC4) level – do not be discouraged!  We are willing to train you!

Schedule: Mon-Thurs 7:30-6 (4/10s)

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 VRC2 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 North Regional Team shares responsibility for participants in the following counties: King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties. This position is primarily responsible for participants in Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Suan Juan areas.  

Duties

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.

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 2: (Range 51 - $4,083 to $5,361

  • Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, 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), 
 - OR - 
A current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC),
- OR - 
 A Master’s degree with at least 18 quarter and 12 semester credit hours specified as follows:
1. ONE graduate course with a primary focus on the Theories and Techniques of Counseling, AND
2. THREE graduate courses, each with a primary focus on one of the following areas:
a. Occupational Information
b. Job Development and Placement
c. Medical Aspects of Disabilities
d. Foundations of Rehabilitation
e. Psychological Aspects of Disabilities
f. Personal and Vocational Adjustment,
3. TWO graduate courses, each with a primary focus on one of the following areas:
a. Assessment
b. Research Methodology
c. Vocational and Career Development
d. Community Resources
e. Case Management
f. Delivery of Rehabilitation Services,
AND
Two 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. This experience may be gained either before or after obtaining the qualifying education or CRCC certification. One year of the paid experience may be substituted with unpaid experience consisting of:
a. Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center,
b. Direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individuals with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities; or
c. 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 environments.
**Upon successful completion of the VRC 2 Training Plan, the VRC 2 will advance to the VRC 3 level.

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
**Upon successful completion of the VRC 2 Training Plan, the VRC 3 will advance to the VRC 4level.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4: (Range 57 - $4,738 to $6,217)
A Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling OR a current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification,
AND
Four 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; OR four years 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 provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
 

  • A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; 
  • A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and 
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references, with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.  

Opportunity for All: 
The Department of Services for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities 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.
 
Contact Information:
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
 
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email 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 twelve* 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
 
Juneteenth
June 19

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
Select How you meet the requirements for this position:
  • Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, 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 Two 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. (This experience may be gained either before or after obtaining the qualifying education or CRCC certification--see qualifications on posting)
  • A current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) AND Two 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. (This experience may be gained either before or after obtaining the qualifying education or CRCC certification--see qualifications on posting)
  • A Master's degree with at least 18 quarter and 12 semester credit hours (specified in the posting at the VRC2 level) AND Courses (listed at the VRC2 level on posting) AND two 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. (This experience may be gained either before or after obtaining the qualifying education or CRCC certification--see qualifications on posting)
  • 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
  • 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
  • A Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling OR a current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, AND Four 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; OR four 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.
  • None of these apply
03
For what position(s) are you applying? If you aren't considered for the higher level, we may still consider you at a lower level.
  • VRC2
  • VRC3
  • VRC4
04
How did you hear about this posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Other Job Board
  • Friend
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Monster
  • 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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