Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Job Location:

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
11420 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85029
www.azdes.gov 

Posting Details:

Salary: $48,510.17 - $55,440.52 annually 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received. 

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This position will report to the Supervisor and provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities to address barriers to employment and gain the skills to enter, gain, or retain employment. This position will serve in a hybrid work environment.

Based on your qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following tiers:

• Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Bachelor's degree in a field of study reasonably related to rehabilitation counseling or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with individuals with disabilities and employers and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities

• Intermediate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Master's degree in a field of study closely related to rehabilitation counseling and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities (Closely related fields are defined by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.)

• Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Meets Intermediate credential requirements plus has a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification

Annual salary is commensurate with education and qualifications, ranging from $48,510.17 to $55,440.52

Travel will be required for client meetings, outreach/events and office coverage.

Travel will be required for State business. If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on State business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code [A.A.C.] R2-10-207.11).

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (minimum 2 days per week in the office/hoteling).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
• Introduces clients to the vocational rehabilitation program including program eligibility criteria and client’s right and responsibilities
• Reviews client’s medical and/or psychological information to identify employment needs and goals as well as available services and resources
• Provides vocational counseling, career exploration, and labor market exploration to determine suitable employment goals
• Meets with clients on a one-on-one basis to problem solve and establish or modify an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
• Provides case management and maintains regular contact with clients, service providers, and collaborative programs, and assess services and IPE progress
• Manages fiscal resources including authorizing, reviewing, and payment of services

Intermediate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
• Same duties as listed above and the following duties:
• Provides case management to clients with complex needs and goals
• Serves as program liaison for specialized groups
• Provides guidance to Entry Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
• Same duties listed above and the following duties:
• May serve as back up to the Rehabilitation Supervisor
• Provides case management to clients with high complexity level

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to vocational rehabilitation services
• At least one year of case management experience
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Broad knowledge of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities
• Familiar with referral and community resources
• Understands computer access technology and assistive aids & devices
• Knowledge of occupational opportunities and labor market trends
• Ability to motivate clients in achieving goals
• Effective oral and written communication
• Strong time management skills
• Resourceful and problem solver
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Please see the qualification tiers listed above.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• Candidate shall have or meet the requirements to obtain prior to their first day of employment, a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Lizbeth Alarcon at (480) 521-0391 or email Lizbethalarcon@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (480) 521-0391 or emailing Lizbethalarcon@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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