Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Student & Youth Case Load) - #ARS00226

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: Starting minimum $56,372 commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs

Location: Aging & Rehab Svcs

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

If working on a team with a focus on client success sounds like something you are interested in, then this is the place to be!

Why Join Us?
✅ Purpose-driven work
✅ Inclusive, supportive teams
✅ Great state benefits

Job Duties:

*This position is subject to close 10-business days (excluding holidays) from the opening date”.

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 a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Student and Youth) to provide pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) which result in successful transitions of students and youth with disabilities to postsecondary life. This includes successful transitions to postsecondary education/training, competitive integrated employment and enhanced independent living outcomes. Caseload consists of students and youth with all types of disabilities.

Other duties/special projects as assigned. Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.

This position services students with disabilities in Pulaski, Giles and Floyd Counties and the City of Radford. The caseload currently serving 120 students. 

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

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. Transcripts must accompany the application, and they must display the date that the degree was awarded.

Considerable knowledge of social, economic, medical, vocational, educational and emotional issues impacting students with disabilities; interviewing and counseling techniques; methods and tools for career counseling and exploration; and the principles and practices of vocational service delivery to students with disabilities age 14-24.

Additional Consideration:

• Current CRC credential. 
• Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated skill in leading groups of students; providing training and technical assistance; facilitating meetings and team processes; team building and collaborative problem-solving; negotiating diverse community organizations, agencies, and other resources; and client-focused advocacy.
• Skilled in Windows based computer usage and the ability to learn proprietary software for case management/case documentation purposes. 
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, LEAs and community organizations.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple and sometimes unrelated responsibilities in a timely manner; prioritize duties; and exercise responsible judgment with minimal supervision.

Special Instructions:

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.

• 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.