Title: PERT Rehabilitation Counselor - #WWRW0097
State Role Title: Counselor II
Hiring Range: Anticipated Starting Salary: $58,345, commensurate with experience.
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs
Location: Wilson Wkfc Rehab Ctn
Agency Website: https://www.wwrc.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
About the Agency
We provide people with disabilities comprehensive, individualized services to realize optimal personal independence and employment. We apply our shared values; Ethical, Engaged and Effective, to everything we do.
About the Position
The Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center’s Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition (PERT) program is seeking a Vocational Counselor. This role develops, implements, and manages vocationally focused services; coordinates Individualized Plans for Employment that outline goals, services, costs, and sponsors; and supports clients in minimizing or adjusting to disability‑related barriers to achieve employment, career advancement, and upward mobility. The position also integrates PERT on‑site evaluations, transition services, and virtual instruction within WWRC, while promoting a proactive, collaborative, client‑centered transition process aligned with PERT goals and agency priorities. In addition, the Vocational Counselor leads Monday PERT intakes and co‑leads Sunday Credential Week intakes with fellow counselors, serves as a substitute for the Center Testing Coordinator when needed, and completes other responsibilities, special projects, and assignments as directed by the supervisor.
Key Duties
Caseload Management & Direct Service
Review existing information and obtain additional assessments to determine appropriate vocational goals. Provide guidance and counseling to support informed vocational choices. Identify comparable benefits, determine financial participation, and authorize WWRC‑funded services.
Case Documentation
Document services clearly and concisely, reflecting customer input and meeting federal, agency, and WWRC documentation standards.
Employment Planning & Coordination
Work closely with customers and service providers to develop employment plans and coordinate timely, effective services. Monitor progress and provide counseling to support successful employment outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications
Considerable knowledge of the social, economic, medical, vocational, and emotional issues impacting persons with disabilities; interviewing, evaluation, and counseling techniques; methods and tools for career counseling and exploration; ADA compliance requirements. Knowledge of the transition process and related programs. Knowledge of education and rehabilitation needs of youth and young adults with disabilities and their families in the transition process. Collaborative problem-solving skills and abilities. Working knowledge of Windows based computer software. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and the professional community. Ability to organize and manage multiple and sometimes unrelated responsibilities in a timely manner; to prioritize duties and exercise responsible judgment with minimal supervision.
Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification Required for Entry into Position:
Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field or current CRC credential required.
In accordance with 34 CFR 361.10, 34 CFR 361.11, and Virginia’s Combined State Plan under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), applicants are required to have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field. Applicants within a semester of completing their master's may also be considered. Master’s level transcripts or copy of current certification, if applicable, must accompany the application. Please note that the transcripts must display the date that the degree was awarded.
Additional Considerations
As needed contact with students, parents, school-based transition staff, service providers, and the public both inside and outside of State government. The purpose of contacts is to provide coordination of services leading to employment for persons with disabilities.
Special Instructions
Master’s or bachelor's level transcripts or copy of current certification, if applicable, must accompany the application. Please note that the transcripts must display the date that the degree was awarded. Copies of degree are not accepted in lieu of the above.
This position has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2 1201.1.
A fingerprint based criminal history check will be required of the finalist.
Benefits:
WWRC offers a comprehensive benefits package to include your choice of health insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, VRS retirement, employer paid basic group life insurance, employee paid optional group life, 13 paid holidays, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Family Personal Leave, employee discount programs, and much more!
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.
Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.