Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Bilingual In English/Spanish Encouraged)

Initial Posting Date:

09/25/2024

Application Deadline:

10/16/2024

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,536 - $6,592

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Bilingual in English/Spanish Encouraged)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

While these positions do not require bilingual language skills, there is a need in the communities that we serve, and all are encouraged to apply! Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that use a language other than English to fulfill their job duties within their position. Bilingual differential pay is 5% of the employee's base pay. To receive 5% differential, pay, you must pass test(s) evaluating your bilingual proficiency.

Opportunity awaits! We are hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to join our Vocational Rehabilitation Team in St. Helens Oregon serving Columbia County. You will work in St. Helens and serving all of Columbia County so there will be some travel involved in that area. As a VRC, you will help people with disabilities gain, maintain or advance employment through our rehabilitation process. In this position, you will complete the initial interview and eligibility determination. You will work with the client to develop an employment goal, plan for services and resources necessary to address barriers to employment, and ensure services are provided and/or coordinated with various stakeholders. Apply today!

Salary Scale for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

• AA $4,536 - $6,952

• AP $4,851 - $7,436

Employees who are not yet a PERS participating member, will receive the 6.95% pay increase and begin the 6% employee contribution upon participating in PERS.

Summary of Duties

As a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor, you will:

• Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.

• Utilize technology and software to complete VR tasks and provide clients services in an efficient and effective manner. This includes but is not limited to virtual meetings, virtual intake platform, and electronic signatures.

• Screen, interview, and evaluate medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.

• Schedule aptitude and personality interest tests and interpret results of tests.

• Make determination regarding physical restorative requirements (hearing aids, physical therapy, etc.) necessary for employment.

• Determine training necessary for employability and coordinate closely with other agencies and provide career and vocational counseling to clients.

• Provide direct job placement to consumers including employer incentive services, tax credit vouchers, state certifications, assistive technology, and work site modifications to assist consumers in reaching their employment outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

A 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

A 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 one year full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services

OR

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

There is no direct experience substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and/or mental health barriers.

• Experience preferred working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

• Experience screening, interviewing, and evaluating medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.

• Experience supporting job seekers with interview techniques, completing job applications, and resumes, and job placement.

• Customer service skills de-escalating angry customers and addressing their concerns in a professional manner.

• Case management experience working with diverse populations to manage a caseload and connect clients with appropriate employment related services.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

Working Conditions

• Majority of your work will be conducted in the office. After 6 months, you may have some opportunities for hybrid work condition, but this will need to be discussed with and approved by your manager.

• You will work in St. Helens and serving all of Columbia County so there will be some travel involved in that area.

• Daily, work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.

• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes.

• Work in an environment with frequent interruptions due to phone calls, and staff or client needs.

• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and exhibit challenges with their emotional response.

• Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to complete essential functions of the job.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans' preference:

• Veterans' preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Marina Nieblas. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-159985

• Email: Marina.Nieblas@odhs.oregon.gov