VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR - MASTERS - 08112026 - 79844

Location: Chattanooga, TN – Department of Human Services, Hamilton County (hybrid position). This role serves individuals with disabilities in Hamilton, Bradley, Meigs, and surrounding counties.

Pay

$4,057 – $5,078 per month ($48,684 – $60,936 annually).

Schedule

Full-time.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, or
• Master’s or doctoral degree in a related field (rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development) and, within 90 days of hire:
  • Submit an educational plan for approval and apply for admission to an accredited university for enrollment in the following required courses (at your own expense):
    • Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities
    • Theories & Techniques of Counseling

    All courses must be satisfactorily completed within thirty-six months from the date of hire.

  • or, within 90 days of hire, submit a request for a pre-review (at your own expense) to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) that confirms eligibility to test for the Certified Rehab Counselor Certification and provide official notification from the CRCC.
  • or, hold an active Certified Rehab Counselor Certification from the CRCC.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form and agree to release all criminal records to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample for a TBI-based criminal history records check.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license (required for some positions).
• Provide a transcript at the time of application verifying degree and courses completed.

Responsibilities

• Collect customers’ medical and psychological information to determine eligibility for services.
• Monitor local labor market trends to facilitate effective job placement and maximize employment outcomes.
• Conduct assessments to evaluate customers’ skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals.
• Review assessment data to identify appropriate goals and direct customers toward suitable employment opportunities.
• Use counseling and guidance to interpret and explain medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers, empowering them to make informed decisions about their goals.
• Collaborate with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans aligned with their vocational goals.
• Evaluate customers’ progress and employment readiness, amending plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
• Arrange appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate customer participation in vocational programs.
• Request authorizations for services and ensure vendors receive payment.
• Investigate complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns.
• Document customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case management systems.
• Educate employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities, promoting qualified applicants to employers.
• Cultivate professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants, available resources, and promote rehabilitation services.

Skills

• Competencies: Decision Quality, Resourcefulness, Communicates Effectively, Instills Trust, Situational Adaptability.
• Knowledges: Customer and Personal Service.
• Skills: Active Learning and Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.
• Abilities: Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning, Problem Sensitivity, Originality.
• Tools & Equipment: General office equipment, computer/laptop/tablet, multifunction printer (print/copy/scan/fax), cell phone.