Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Deaf and Hard of Hearing

About the Role

Join the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Reading District Office as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and help individuals move toward meaningful employment. This role focuses on supporting people who are deaf or hard of hearing in achieving their employment goals, fostering independence, and creating long-term opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Community Outreach: Build referral sources and gather information to identify individuals who may benefit from services.
• Customer Communication: Use sign language and other communication tools to exchange information with customers and partners.
• Eligibility Review: Evaluate medical, social, and vocational information to determine a customer's potential for rehabilitation.
• Plan Development: Work with customers to create individualized plans outlining goals and needed services.
• Service Coordination: Arrange assessments, authorize services, and monitor progress toward employment goals.
• Case Management: Maintain accurate records, update case notes, and complete required documentation in CWDS (Commonwealth Workforce Development System).

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Intern program or the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee, Deaf and Hard of Hearing program.
• Possession of an active Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certificate issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
• Proof of approval to sit for the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification examination and completion of a master’s degree.
• Master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, deaf education, mental health, special education, social work, human services, psychology, or a closely related field.
• Ability to communicate at the intermediate sign communication level, as determined by a sign language proficiency evaluation approved by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Work Schedule

Full-time employment with typical work hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday (37.5 hours per week). The schedule may be negotiable, including a 7.5-hour workday with a 30-minute lunch period. The position is eligible for an alternate work schedule (AWS). Coverage is provided in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

Telework

Opportunity to work from home part-time after successful completion of the training period. Requires a securely configured high-speed internet connection and an approved location within Pennsylvania. If unable to telework, the option to report to the headquarters office in Reading or an approved office in the caseload territory is available. Telework eligibility is subject to change.

Salary

Starting annual salary of $66,074.00 (before taxes) for candidates new to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Legal Requirements

This position falls under the Child Protective Services Law. A conditional offer of employment requires submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

Application Details

Submit your application by the posting closing date. Include relevant, detailed experience/education on the application. Attach unofficial college transcripts if claiming education. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed. Late applications will not be accepted.