Voc Rehab Counselor (Palestine)

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), a Family Friendly Certified Workplace, is seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) I-Sr VRC to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Department located at 500 E Murchison St, Palestine, 75801-2369.

Benefits to working for TWC include:
- Competitive starting salary: $3,385.00- $6,579.42/month.
- Salary and position level will be based on experience and demonstrated skills.
- This is a career ladder position which means each level is required to meet the established career ladder requirements in order to be promoted to the next level.
- Additional benefits for active employees: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) I-Sr VRC performs routine to senior-level vocational rehabilitation work in support of the mission, goals and values of the Texas Workforce Commission. VRC I-Sr VRC applies critical thinking skills and sound decision making in performance of routine rehabilitation work in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. This program assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, retain, obtain and/or advance in competitive, integrated employment and includes assisting students with disabilities to transition successfully from high school to postsecondary education and employment.

The ideal candidate will perform work using the applicable policy, guidance, and the electronic case management system. The VRC I-Sr VRC is hired by the VR Supervisor with the approval of the VR Manager, and works independently, with moderate to minimal supervision by the VR Supervisor.

GENERAL DUTIES:
- Assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, retain, obtain and/or advance in competitive, integrated employment and includes assisting students with disabilities to transition successfully from high school to postsecondary education and employment
- Develops and maintains relations with community referral sources, businesses, employers and schools
- Collects and analyzes all information necessary to make an accurate eligibility decision (e.g. medical, psychological, school records, employment records, etc.)
- Assists the customer in choosing an appropriate employment by analyzing information to determine the customer's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests, and matching that information to the current job market
- Works with the consumer to develop a plan of services designed to achieve the consumer's identified employment goals
- Ensures timely, cost-effective provision of services and consumer progress toward achievement of their employment goal
- Develops and implements a process leading to successful job placement
- Applies best value purchasing practices and uses available, comparable benefits and services to ensure effective use of public funds
- Performs other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree with major in Rehabilitation Counseling or Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from an accredited college or university; 
OR master's degree with major in counseling or related degrees such as Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, or Human Services from an accredited college or university plus one-year related work experience.  
OR Master's degree with any other major plus two years related work experience; 
OR Bachelor's degree with a major in vocational rehabilitation from an accredited college or university plus one-year related work experience; 
OR Bachelor's degree with major in Counseling, Education, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Public Health from an accredited college or university plus two years related work experience; 
OR Bachelor's degree with any other major plus three years related work experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Depending on required qualifications and experience, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) vacancy may be filled at any level from a VRC I to Sr VRC. Factors such as education, credentials, and experience will be considered when establishing the hiring level and starting salary. Hiring managers will use the following Minimum Qualifications Guidelines to determine the hiring level.
No experience required to meet minimum qualifications if candidate meets Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD).

- VRC I
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, rehabilitation, or a related field. 
- VRC II
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, rehabilitation, or a related field plus one year of experience in vocational rehabilitation services. 
- VRC III
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, rehabilitation, or a related field plus three years of experience in vocational rehabilitation services. 
- VRC IV
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, rehabilitation, or a related field plus five years of experience in vocational rehabilitation services plus meet the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) educational requirements. 
- Sr VRC
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, rehabilitation, or a related field plus six years of experience in vocational rehabilitation services plus meet the Comprehensive Systems of Personnel Development (CSPD) educational requirements.

All levels:
Experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor cited above must be in accordance with the career ladder requirements of the agency.
Related work experience is defined as case management, counseling, job placement and general knowledge of disabilities.

Applicants selected who do not have a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or CRC certificate or LPC credential will be required to meet the CSPD educational requirements within a time frame established upon employment. This will entail taking specific courses that focus on the professional role of a Rehabilitation Counselor.

Copy of official transcripts, certifications and/or credentials will be requested at the time of interview.

This position involves up to 30% travel, and method of transportation is the responsibility of employee. Counselors are required to travel to reach their assigned consumers on a regular basis. Thus, travel is required for this position. Duties also include the ability to lift/carry 10 pounds.

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_SocialServices.pdf.

HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or submit by email to HRHelpDesk@twc.state.tx.us or Taleo.

At this time, TWC is not considering applications from persons who require immediate or future sponsorship for an employment visa to maintain work authorization eligibility.

A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.