Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Student and Youth Counselor) - #ARS00731

Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Student and Youth Counselor) - #ARS00731

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: Minimum starting salary is $53,136 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!

Job Duties:

In partnership with people with disabilities, the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) is a division with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). 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. In partnership with persons with disabilities and in compliance with federal, state, and agency policy and procedures, provides 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. 

The incumbent in this position will work out of our Roanoke DRS office, which provides services to individuals (students and adults) with multiple disabilities in the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Alleghany, Craig and the cities of Salem and Roanoke.

Minimum Qualifications:

*Telework is limited*

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 Masters’ degree in order to be qualified for this position.  Applicants within a semester of completing their master's may also be considered."

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field required. Transcripts must accompany the application and they must display the date that the degree was awarded. Applicants who are within a semester of completion of a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field will be considered if the application is accompanied by a transcript that verifies the anticipated graduation date. 

Demonstrated 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 Considerations:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of vocational service delivery to persons with disabilities. Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requirements. 

Skills/Abilities:

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. 

Current CRC credential preferred.

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. You will be provided 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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.