DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Lead

About the role

DSHS's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring for a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Puyallup, Pierce County. This role supports people with disabilities in achieving their employment and independence goals.

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.
• Integrates DVR service delivery with other core programs within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that co-enroll DVR customers in to their services.
• Provides advanced vocational rehabilitation counseling that is responsive and unique to each client.
• Determines eligibility for services by gathering and analyzing relevant information.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments, including arranging and interpreting diagnostic testing.
• Develops, approves, and monitors individualized employment plans that align with client goals and program requirements.
• Offers guidance, support, and post-employment services to help clients and employers achieve long-term success.
• Obtains and interprets benefit analysis reports to support informed client decision-making.
• Manages case service funds responsibly and effectively.
• Documents and tracks client progress using the Service Tracking and Reporting System.
• Trains, coaches, and mentors other counselors, providing oversight and support on complex cases.
• Represents 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), or 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), or a master's degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses.

Qualifications

Click here for a complete list of desirable qualifications. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for: Advanced knowledge of DVR service delivery policies; Leadership skills; Knowledge of employer expectations; Time management ability; Communication skills; Technology proficiency; Counseling techniques.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of DVR service delivery policies: Understanding of policies, procedures, and practices that support successful employment outcomes for individuals living with varied disabilities.

Leadership skills: Demonstrated ability to apply effective leadership practices that support staff and enhance program results.

Knowledge of employer expectations: Awareness of what employers look for when hiring students and individuals with disabilities.

Time management ability: Capacity to handle multiple and competing priorities within required timeframes.

Communication skills: Skill in clearly conveying information through both written and oral presentations.

Technology proficiency: Ability to use office computer tools such as MS Word, Outlook, internet browsers, and DVR-specific applications.

Counseling techniques: Ability to apply a variety of counseling methods to meet the diverse needs of customers.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work schedule is available after initial onboarding period is complete.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Interested?

To apply, please visit www.dshs.wa.gov.

Contact

If you have questions, please contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and reference #01609.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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