Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor / Trainee (Mixed Caseload) - #ARS00958 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

State Role Title: Counselor I

Hiring Range: See Notation

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs

Location: Aging & Rehab Svcs

Agency Website: https://www.dars.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Fredericksburg residents commute to work by car, bus, and rail to Washington, D.C., and Richmond, as well as Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington counties. It offers residents an urban suburban mix feel, and most residents rent their homes. In Fredericksburg there are a lot of restaurants, and parks. If you enjoy working with others and love Fredericksburg, then come and work with us.

Job Duties:

In partnership with people with disabilities, the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) assists individuals with disabilities to make informed choices that will maximize their employment through coordinated service delivery. DRS staff will assist the Virginia Career Works Network to deliver quality workforce services to individuals with disabilities who want to work and employers seeking to hire them.

We are seeking to hire a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor / Trainee (Mixed Caseload) to provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services in compliance with federal/state laws and agency policies/procedures that result in employment and enhanced independent living. Core services may include guidance and counseling, employment training, education, physical/mental restoration, and job placement services. Caseload consists of individuals (students and adults) with disabilities.

Caseloads range from 90-140 clients consisting of individuals (students and adults) with a variety of disabilities that create barriers to employment.

The agency has the option of filling this job at the Counselor I (Trainee) level if fully qualified applicants are interviewed and not selected. The minimum for a Counselor I (Trainee) is $48,648. The minimum for a Counselor II (fully qualified) is $.54,370.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field required. Applicants who are within a semester of completion of a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field will be considered a fully qualified candidate if the application is accompanied by a transcript that verifies the anticipated graduation date. To be considered as a Counselor I (Trainee), individuals must have a bachelor’s degree in a human services or related field and applicable work experience.

An individual hired as a Counselor Trainee will be required to sign a Conditions of Employment and must already be enrolled in a program to obtain a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or must enroll within six months of being hired in an academic program to obtain a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field.

Demonstrated 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.

Additional Considerations:

Current CRC credential.

Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requirements. Skilled in Windows based computer usage and the ability to learn proprietary software for case management/case documentation purposes.

Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, 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.

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.

• This 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 candidate.
• The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment (Va. Code § 2.2-3114).

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, Americorp, 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 a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is 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.