Rehabilitation Counselor or Senior Rehabilitation Counselor

Agency: Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services • Location: Sioux Falls, SD • Pay: $28.24-$31.38 hourly, depending on qualifications • Full-time, 40 hours weekly

About DHS

The South Dakota Department of Human Services encompasses a broad field dedicated to offering services that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Our programs promote independence and inclusion through person-centered services. DHS comes together with the common goal of bettering the lives of South Dakotans. DHS strives to create an environment where people are inspired and challenged to create excellence, grow their skills, discover advancement opportunities, and are rewarded for their contributions.

About the role

A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provides services to individuals with disabilities who need assistance to obtain or maintain employment. Key job functions consist of making eligibility decisions, developing employment plans, approving services, and providing vocational rehabilitation counseling. Travel will be required to deliver services in the assigned territory. This position is typically 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Make eligibility decisions for vocational rehabilitation services
• Develop employment plans for individuals with disabilities
• Approve services to support employment goals
• Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling
• Travel to deliver services in the assigned territory
• Prepare clear, informative reports
• Manage a full caseload of clients independently and timely
• Work effectively with businesses, service providers, and clients
• Understand medical, academic, and vocational reports
• Establish effective working relationships with individuals with disabilities, family members, and various professionals
• Maintain composure in stressful situations and constructively resolve conflict
• Analyze occupational and labor market data
• Collaborate with community resources in development of employment planning
• Use a computerized case management and filing system

Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation or human services
• Experience and understanding of service options for people with disabilities
• Knowledge of social, economic, and vocational issues impacting individuals with disabilities
• Knowledge of effective techniques for working with people who have a variety of disabilities and want to enter the workforce
• Understanding of cultural differences when working with people of diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of disability assessments and their applications
• Knowledge of technology and accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment settings
• Knowledge of services and resources available in the community for individuals with disabilities
• Ability to learn counseling techniques used in the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities

Benefits

• 15 days/120 hours of vacation leave
• 14 days/112 hours of sick leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Employee health insurance with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage
• Flexible benefits: dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness, and more
• Paid parental and family medical leave
• 6% fully matched retirement plan
• Reduced tuition for in-state colleges/universities
• Employee wellness program
• Continued education and training opportunities

Additional Information

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit it with your application. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota uses E-Verify for employment eligibility verification.