DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

고용형태: Full Time - Permanent

SeattleKR Job Analysis

DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Key Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

Conduct comprehensive assessments of participant needs

Develop and implement Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE)

Interpret diagnostic testing and vocational rehabilitation assessment tools

Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management

Monitor progress toward employment goals

Lead group orientations, workshops, and related activities

Arrange and interpret benefit reports

Promote DVR programs to employers and the public

Soft Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Empathy and patience when working with individuals with disabilities

Teamwork and collaboration with agencies and service providers

Public speaking and outreach abilities

Advocacy for clients with disabilities

Leadership in facilitating group activities

Problem-solving and adaptability in case management

Qualifications

Current CRCC certification or master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or related field

Master's degree with 18 quarter/12 semester credit hours in rehabilitation counseling plus 6 months relevant experience

Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling with 1 year of experience working with people with disabilities

Accepted/enrolled in a rehabilitation counseling master's program (eligible for tuition reimbursement)

Experience in vocational counseling, job placement, or advocacy for individuals with disabilities

Knowledge of eligibility determination for vocational rehabilitation services

Physical Requirements

No specific physical requirements mentioned in the job description.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1: Describe your experience with conducting comprehensive assessments to identify disability-related barriers to employment, and how you would use this information to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

In my previous role as a Rehabilitation Counselor, I conducted assessments using tools like the Vocational Assessment for Individuals with Disabilities (VAID) and the Comprehensive Assessment of Rehabilitation Outcomes (CARO). I evaluated participants' strengths, barriers, and goals, then collaborated with occupational therapists and employers to create IPEs tailored to their needs. For example, I once helped a participant with PTSD by integrating job coaching and workplace accommodations into their IPE, resulting in successful employment in a supportive work environment.

Question 2: How would you handle a situation where a participant is not meeting their employment goals outlined in their IPE, and what steps would you take to address this?

If a participant isn't meeting their IPE goals, I would first review the IPE to identify potential barriers or unmet needs. I would then conduct a follow-up assessment with the participant and their support network to reassess their situation. For instance, in a past case, a participant struggled with transportation to their job. I coordinated with local transit services to secure discounted passes and connected them with a peer mentor, which improved their attendance and job performance. Regular check-ins and adjusting the IPE as needed are critical to ensuring progress.

Question 3: Explain your approach to collaborating with community partners and employers to promote DVR services and support participants in achieving competitive employment outcomes.

I prioritize building relationships with local employers, community organizations, and vocational training programs to create partnerships that support participants. For example, I organized a series of employer outreach workshops to educate businesses on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, which led to several job placements. I also worked with community centers to host job fairs and provide resources to employers. By maintaining open communication and aligning efforts with community needs, I ensure participants have access to diverse employment opportunities and support systems.

Original Job Description

Description

DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1-3 In Training in Spokane

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.

In cooperation with other agencies and service providers, you will work with participants 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 participants
Determine each participant's eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services necessary to achieve their employment goal
Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and support
Conduct comprehensive assessments of participant 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 participants
Assist participants 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 participants; 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 participants 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 participants in exercising informed choices to make collaborative decisions that are consistent with appropriate vocational rehabilitation practice
Support participants 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 participants
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 #08335.

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 12/1/2025 (월)

마감일 12/8/2025 (월)

11:59 PM 마감

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