DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

고용형태: Full Time - Permanent

SeattleKR Job Analysis

DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Key Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

Vocational rehabilitation counseling

Case management services

Conducting comprehensive assessments

Developing Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)

Interpreting diagnostic testing results

Assisting with employment goal planning

Leading group orientations and workshops

Soft Skills

Commitment to economic prosperity of people with disabilities

Effective communication with clients and stakeholders

Building and maintaining working relationships

Promoting DVR programs to employers and the public

Outreach and community engagement

Empathy and support for clients with disabilities

Qualifications

Current CRCC certification or master's degree in rehabilitation counseling

Master's degree with 18 quarter/12 semester credit hours in rehabilitation counseling

6 months of vocational counseling or related experience

Bachelor's degree with master's program enrollment and 1 year of relevant experience

Experience working with people with disabilities

Experience in job placement or vocational assessment

Physical Requirements

No specific physical requirements mentioned in the job description.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1: Describe a time when you developed an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) for a client with disabilities. How did you ensure the plan addressed their specific needs and employment goals?

In my previous role, I worked with a client with a physical disability who aimed to transition into a customer service position. I conducted a comprehensive assessment, including diagnostic testing and interviews, to identify barriers such as mobility limitations and lack of computer skills. I collaborated with occupational therapists to recommend ergonomic adjustments and partnered with local employers to secure accessible work environments. The IPE included short-term goals like completing a computer literacy course and long-term objectives such as securing a full-time position. I monitored progress through bi-weekly check-ins and adjusted the plan based on feedback, ensuring the client achieved their employment goal within six months.

Question 2: How would you handle a situation where a client’s diagnostic assessment results indicate complex mental health challenges that may impact their ability to maintain employment?

First, I would review the assessment results with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists and mental health counselors, to fully understand the client’s needs. I would then develop a tailored support strategy, such as connecting them with counseling services, adjusting their IPE to include phased work arrangements, and providing resources for stress management. For example, in a past case, a client with anxiety required flexible scheduling and mindfulness training. I coordinated with their employer to implement a gradual return-to-work plan and provided ongoing counseling to build resilience, which helped the client maintain employment successfully.

Question 3: Explain how you would collaborate with external agencies and employers to ensure a client’s successful integration into the workforce.

I would establish clear communication channels with external partners, such as community organizations and employers, to align on the client’s needs and available resources. For instance, when working with a client with autism, I coordinated with a job coach to provide on-the-job training and arranged for an employer to offer a structured work environment with visual schedules. I also facilitated workshops for employers to educate them on disability accommodations, which increased their willingness to hire individuals with disabilities. By maintaining regular updates and fostering partnerships, I ensured the client received consistent support and successfully transitioned into a competitive job.

Original Job Description

Description

DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1-3 In Training in Bellevue

The job of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is suited for the person that has a commitment to the economic prosperity of students, youth and adults with disabilities who are seeking good-paying jobs and advancement in their careers. You provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management services to assist people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. Join the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and our hard-working team of professionals as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1-3 in Training.

We are seeking motivated people committed to providing vocational rehabilitation services to clients with disabilities.

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

In cooperation with other agencies and service providers, you will work with customers to complete comprehensive assessments and develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to achieve their employment goals. In this role, you will independently provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management to a caseload of students, youth, and adults with disabilities to assist them in achieving a competitive employment outcome.

Some of what you will be doing

You will learn to serve a caseload of 50-110 DVR customers
Determine each customer’s eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services necessary to achieve their employment goal
Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and support
Conduct comprehensive assessments of customer needs identifying the disability-related barriers to employment that require VR services
Arrange and interpret results of diagnostic testing and other vocational rehabilitation assessment tools; obtain benefit reports and interpret results to assist and counsel customers
Assist customers in developing and implementing an Individual Plan for Employment and monitor progress toward completion of employment goals
Maintain close working relationships with those who jointly serve DVR customers; promote DVR programs to the public and employers and conduct outreach in the community to share information about DVR services
Lead group orientations, workshops, and related activities to facilitate informed choices and prepare customers for employment

Who should apply

Current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
Or a 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 people with disabilities).
Or a master's degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses, plus 6 months of paid/unpaid vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling experience.

Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or reasonably related field, and accepted or enrolled in a rehabilitation counseling or related master's program that will be completed within two years, plus one year paid/unpaid experience consisting of:

Direct work with people with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center.
Or direct service or advocacy activities that provide you with experience and skills in working with persons with disabilities.
Or direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in education, human resources, recruiting, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in integrated employment environments or in areas that assist others find employment (i.e. WorkSource).

Click here for a complete list of desired qualifications. If you are currently enrolled (or accepted to an accredited vocational rehab master’s program), you may qualify for tuition reimbursement. Please discuss this at the time of interview.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Apply technical knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of disabling conditions, labor market information, transferable skills evaluations, assistive technology, and job modifications
Assist customers in exercising informed choices to make collaborative decisions that are consistent with appropriate vocational rehabilitation practice
Support customers in developing a wide variety of social, educational, and financial resources to reach their employment goals by applying multiple counseling techniques to meet the varied needs of customers
Manage multiple and competing priorities within prescribed time limits
Negotiate with vendors and collaborate with other rehabilitation professionals

The goal class for this role described above is for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3. We may consider applicants at the VRC1 or VRC2 level, with a training plan to advance to a VRC3. Education and experience are the difference between qualifications at each level and evaluated by the hiring team. Starting salary depends on your qualifications. Thoroughly submitted application documents will assist in determining your experience and education in this area.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.

Questions? Please contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and reference #08259.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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접수기간/방법

7일 09:30:37

시작일 11/21/2025 (금)

마감일 11/30/2025 (일)

11:59 PM 마감

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