DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Lead

About the role

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) within the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. This role involves helping individuals with disabilities achieve employment and independence through a combination of professional counseling, employment resource knowledge, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Assigns work, instructs, checks the work, and coaches other DVR staff within the office; maintains office coverage and acts in the absence of the VR Supervisor
• Maintain current and accurate knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) and its impact on current partnership practices with other WIOA partners
• Integrate DVR service delivery with other core programs within the WIOA that co-enroll DVR customers in to their services
• Provide advanced vocational rehabilitation counseling that is responsive and unique to each client
• Determine eligibility for services by gathering and analyzing relevant information
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including arranging and interpreting diagnostic testing
• Develop, approve, and monitor individualized employment plans that align with client goals and program requirements
• Offer guidance, support, and post-employment services to help clients and employers achieve long-term success
• Obtain and interpret benefit analysis reports to support informed client decision-making
• Manage case service funds responsibly and effectively
• Document and track client progress using the Service Tracking and Reporting System
• Train, coach, and mentor other counselors, providing oversight and support on complex cases
• Represent the office with employers, community partners, and in professional forums to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities

Requirements

• Four years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling
• One year of the paid experience may be substituted with 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 people with experience and skills in working with people with disabilities; or Direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in human resources, recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in integrated employment environments
• One of the following current certifications as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
• 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)
• A master's degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses

Qualifications

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of DVR service delivery policies
• Demonstrated ability to apply effective leadership practices that support staff and enhance program results
• Awareness of what employers look for when hiring students and individuals with disabilities
• Capacity to handle multiple and competing priorities within required timeframes
• Skill in clearly conveying information through both written and oral presentations
• Ability to use office computer tools such as MS Word, Outlook, internet browsers, and DVR-specific applications
• Ability to apply a variety of counseling methods to meet the diverse needs of customers

Skills

Desirable qualifications include:

• Advanced knowledge of DVR service delivery policies
• Demonstrated ability to apply effective leadership practices that support staff and enhance program results
• Awareness of what employers look for when hiring students and individuals with disabilities
• Capacity to handle multiple and competing priorities within required timeframes
• Skill in clearly conveying information through both written and oral presentations
• Ability to use office computer tools such as MS Word, Outlook, internet browsers, and DVR-specific applications
• Ability to apply a variety of counseling methods to meet the diverse needs of customers

Benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including:

• Medical, dental, and basic life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance
• Dependent care assistance
• Auto, boat, home, and renter insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• PERS (Public Employees' Retirement System) retirement plan
• Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Holidays
• Sick leave
• Vacation