Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

Would you like an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of Oregonians? Do you want to work with a diverse team serving the community to develop employment opportunities for people who have disabilities? If so, we’d love to hear from you

We are seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to join our Vocational Rehabilitation Team at Beaverton Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Beaverton. As a VRC, you will help people with disabilities gain, maintain or advance employment through our rehabilitation process.

We offer bilingual differential pay, which is an extra 5% of the employee’s base pay upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in a language other than English. Bilingual language skills are not required for this position, but preference will be given to Spanish/English bilingual skills.

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.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference

• When you join the , you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.

• Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision. 

• We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.

• We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and including health, dental, vision and much more

What you need to qualify

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 in vocational rehabilitation-related services.

OR

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.

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 working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

• Experience providing culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully and compassionately

• Ability to resolve conflict and experience with problem solving using communication skills when conflict arises

Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.  

Your duties at a glance

 The Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR) mission is to assist Oregonians with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independence. VR is a state and federally-funded program that works in partnership with the community and with businesses to develop employment opportunities for people who have disabilities. Services include:

• Vocational Counseling and Guidance

• Case management

• Evaluation

• Physical Restoration

• Vocational and other training services

• Information and referral

• Job Development and Job Search Assistance

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

• Perform all the functions necessary to manage a full caseload and to contribute to VR performance measures.

• Assure that state, federal, and agency standards for compliance, timelines, and quality are met for all cases.

• Use an automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information promptly and accurately.

• Utilize technology and software to complete VR tasks and provide clients services in an efficient and effective manner.

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

• Determine needs and coordinate medical and psychological assessments with physicians, psychiatrists, and medical/psychological consultants.

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

• Gather and evaluate pertinent materials to provide necessary vocational counseling and guidance to determine the nature and scope of services needed to achieve the stated vocational goal and the employment outcome.

• Make a determination regarding physical restorative requirements (hearing aids, physical therapy, etc.) necessary for employment; determine training necessary for employability; 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.

• Make and justify decisions for the expenditure of funds to meet specific individual client needs.

• Contact local employers to become familiar with the local job market.

• Educate local employers about the agency programs, goals, and employment incentives.

• Work closely with employers to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities and maintain current and comprehensive knowledge of community resources available for clients.

• Contribute to the integration of VR services with community partners by providing collaborative case management, consultation, and liaison activities with brokerages, mental health providers, and supported employment programs.

Working conditions

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

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

• Travel (local or out of town) may be required to meet business needs or to attend training or other meetings. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

• May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals, and those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.

• May be assigned to other branch offices as needed.