DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

About the Role

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), you'll help students, youth, and adults with disabilities recognize their strengths, explore career options, and work toward meaningful employment. This is a VRC1–VRC3 in-training opportunity, with VRC3 as the goal classification. Depending on your education and experience, you may begin at VRC1, VRC2, or VRC3. Those entering at a training level will develop their skills through structured training, guidance, and practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management, with training and supervision appropriate to your level.
• Assess customers' strengths, employment barriers, interests, and goals.
• Determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Help customers develop and carry out Individualized Plans for Employment.
• Arrange and interpret vocational assessments and diagnostic information.
• Support informed choices about training, accommodations, and employment services.
• Monitor progress and adjust employment plans as needs change.
• Coordinate with employers, schools, and community service providers.
• Maintain case records, manage deadlines, and support employment outcomes.

Qualifications

We may consider applicants at the VRC1, VRC2, or VRC3 level.

VRC1 – In-Training

• A bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or a related field (e.g., social work, psychology, disability studies, human resources, or education).
• Acceptance or enrollment in an accredited graduate program leading to a qualifying master's degree.
• At least one year of paid or unpaid experience in disability services, advocacy, employment support, human resources, training, or related work.

VRC2 – In-Training

Meet One Of These Education Or Certification Pathways:

• Current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification.
• A master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• A master's degree with required graduate coursework in counseling and vocational rehabilitation (at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credits, including courses in counseling theory, vocational rehabilitation, assessment, career development, or case management).

And

• Two years of qualifying paid vocational rehabilitation or related experience (up to one year may be substituted with unpaid experience).

VRC3 – Goal Classification

• Meet one of the VRC2 education or certification pathways.
• Three years of qualifying paid vocational rehabilitation counseling or related experience.

Preferred Knowledge and Abilities

• Apply counseling methods to individual customer needs.
• Understand disability-related employment barriers, accommodations, and assistive technology.
• Help customers make informed employment decisions.
• Manage competing priorities and case documentation.
• Build relationships with employers, schools, and community partners.

Location

Kennewick, WA, offers access to the Columbia River, waterfront parks, and walking/biking trails in the Tri-Cities. The area is known for sunshine and outdoor recreation, though summers can be hot and transportation considerations are important due to the spread-out layout.

Application Requirements

• Your resume.
• Your cover letter.
• Three professional references.

Questions? Email recruiter Kris George at kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 08516.