VR Evaluator/ Trainee - #WWRW0370

Title: VR Evaluator/ Trainee - #WWRW0370

State Role Title: Counselor I

Hiring Range: See Notation

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs

Location: Wilson Wkfc Rehab Ctn

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties:

Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) provides people with disabilities comprehensive, individualized services to realize optimal personal independence and employment. We strive to be the preferred provider of comprehensive vocational rehabilitation for Virginians with Disabilities.

The Vocational Evaluation Department is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a VR Evaluator/Trainee. This job will involve choosing and using assessment tools, such as, but not limited to, changing or designing assessment tools and work samples to include reasonable accommodations, finding and incorporating reasonable accommodations, and assistive technology needs in the assessment process. Other duties and responsibilities will include career counseling and guidance to clients regarding their employment goals; providing career counseling and guidance to clients regarding their employment goals; reviewing and discussing the client’s work history and medical, educational, and psychological data, physical strengths, and barriers to employment; reviewing and analyzing client data to assist in determining viable vocational outcomes; conducting initial interviews with clients to discuss individual interests and goals; reviewing the student’s Individual Vocational Evaluation Plan (IVEP), and providing an overview of the activities the student will be expected to complete. Assist in developing comprehensive, individualized vocational evaluation reports and related documentation. Write a daily actual service entry in AWARE. Score all tasks and summarize the student’s performance on the skill sheet and in the vocational recommendation.

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:

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.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Considerable knowledge of the social, economic, medical, and psychological issues which impact persons with disabilities.
• Considerable knowledge of various occupations and occupational requirements, the regional employment market, and job analysis techniques. 
• Considerable knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques, testing and evaluation systems and techniques, community resources, rehabilitation/assistive technology, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to select, administer, and interpret assessment tools/techniques and work samples that address academic achievement levels, aptitudes, interests, physical abilities, and related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ability to interpret results and develop logical, meaningful recommendations regarding the vocational rehabilitation needs of clients and make accurate, independent decisions and observations regarding a client’s potential to function successfully in a job placement or training program. 
• Ability to design new or modify existing work samples. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from varying social and economic environments. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and write concise and comprehensive vocational evaluation reports. 
• Ability to prioritize duties, exercise good judgment with minimal supervision, and represent the agency professionally. 
• Proficient in the use of PC software applications.
  

Additional Considerations:

• Possession of a CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) or CVE (Certified Vocational Evaluator) or eligibility to sit for the certification examination may substitute for the educational requirement.
• Assessment and counseling experience directly related to assisting individuals with diverse disabilities to achieve employment.

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).
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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.