Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - Hybrid Potential

Empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.

Now accepting applications for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

 Hourly: $26.50

or

$28.92 for candidates who possess the following certifications:

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

Most positions offer the flexibility of a hybrid schedule that combines working from home with regular in-office and/ or community presence.  In-person work requirements may change for training, meetings, and other operational needs.  Employees must reside at a location that allows for reasonable response time to workplace reporting requirements.  

Locations Available: 

OMJ Ross County - 475 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

Who We Are:

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. It is accomplished through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). A fourth area is the Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS), which is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.

What We Do:

OOD works with partners in businesses, education, and non-profit organizations to facilitate customized employment plans for Ohioans with disabilities; helps Ohio companies recruit and retain employees with disabilities; and is the sole agency determining medical and vocational Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs in Ohio. To learn more about OOD, please visit our website:  ood.ohio.gov 

Our Guiding Principles:

In striving for excellence in service, we will:

• Listen first
• Act with a sense of urgency
• Honor diversity
• Foster inclusiveness
• Value collaboration
  
• Inspire innovation
  
• Be transparent
  
• Be accountable
  
• Celebrate success

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Overview:

OOD's Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) provide Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible individuals with disabilities to assist them to attain and maintain competitive integrated employment.  OOD works with adults seeking to enter the workforce or retain a job, and with youth beginning at age 14 to assist them as they transition from high school into college and/or the workplace.  For more information click here.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Position Overview: 

As a VRC, you will learn about rehabilitation counseling, programs related to individuals with disabilities, labor market job opportunities, and employment barriers & accommodations.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Duties:

• Counsel individuals toward increased functioning and mutually agreeable vocational goals.
• Interview individuals with disabilities to gather detailed information about their work history, medical situation, and more.
• Interpret diagnostic information.
• Counsel individuals and their families concerning strengths and limitations based upon diagnostic information.
• Determine eligibility for services.
• Develop comprehensive individual written VR plans.

A Successful Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

• Is highly organized with efficient time management skills. 
• Is able to conduct research, analyze technical material and results.
• Has outstanding public relations and customer service skills.
• Has excellent interviewing techniques & computer skills.
• Is able to work collaboratively and develop rapport.

• Has an understanding of the local labor market.

What's in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans. 

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave 
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

• The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees.  The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement.  The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee's salary.  Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Mission Statement:

OOD is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and is actively engaged in continual DEIA improvement. OOD is amongst the top-ranked state agencies implementing DEIA planning and programming into businesses operations and services. 

OOD strives to hire, sustain, and promote a workforce that not only embraces this mission but is also reflective of the rich diversity of the Ohioans we serve. OOD is intentional in cultivating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued, as demonstrated by the way we treat all individuals.

Bachelor's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, business administration, human resources, economics or related rehabilitation or human services area AND 24 months experience direct work with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center) or 24 months providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities. 
OR

Master's degree in in Vocational Rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, or related rehabilitation or human services area.

OR

Master's degree in business administration, human resources, law, management, public administration or related field which provides competence in the employment sector &/or the field of disability AND 12 months direct work experience with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center) or 12 months experience providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities.

Note: Education & experience per Code of Federal Regulations Title 34-Subtitle B-Chapter III-Part 361-Subpart B-361.18.

    
Job Skills:Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling and Rehabilitation, Human Services, Public Relations, Budgeting, Organizing and Planning, Collaboration, Time Management, Intercultural Communication, Analyzation