Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)
“Qualified Rehabilitation Professional” (QRP)
Assigned to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Base location: 650 Addison Avenue West, Suite 102
Salary: $29.00 per hour (40 hours per week)
This position may be filled prior to the closing date on the job posting.
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Our Vision
An Idaho where all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and employers value their contributions.
Our Mission
To prepare individuals with disabilities for employment and career opportunities while meeting the needs of the employer.
Purpose of Position:
This position is the Qualified Rehabilitation Professional (QRP) as defined under Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) regulations. This position will work under the supervision of a supervisor, manager, or leadership team position depending on specific assignment. VRCs provide professional rehabilitation services to participants/students in the areas of intake and eligibility, evaluation, planning and provision of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), plan development, employment development and placement, post-employment services, and case closure. This position develops the plan for services and collaborates on the provision of services by the service team in accordance with federal and/or state regulations. A VRC serves as a liaison with public agencies, schools, employers, and private sector and other community entities.
Minimum Qualifications (MQs ):
At the time of hire (appointment):
- Current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation obtained through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) or eligibility to sit for the CRC certification exam.
- Graduation from a program accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Commission on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; or
- Current licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (LMFT or LMFT-A) issued by the State of Idaho Division of Occupational Licensing (IDOPL); or
- A Doctorate degree in Philosophy, Psychology, Counseling, Education, or Social Work plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; or
- Master of Social Work (MSW) degree plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; or
- Master of Special Education (MSpEd) plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; or
- Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; or
- Master of Forensic Psychology plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience
MQs Specialties:
- Working knowledge of office equipment such as printers and scanners typically gained through work experience using this equipment
- Working knowledge of an email application (including sending, forwarding, attaching and calendar functions) and word processor software, as well as familiarity with the use of a search engine (e.g., Google, Microsoft Edge, etc.) typically gained by at least one year of experience using these applications on a regular and frequent basis
- Familiarity with a case management software system
- Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills
- Experience with budgeting and monitoring expenditures.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload.
- Ability and willingness to establish and maintain positive working relationships with participants, coworkers, managers, and others in a team environment.
- Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis. Agency vehicle is provided, as available
You must possess the minimum qualifications listed above to be considered for this position.
Please make sure you upload a professionally formatted resume with detailed work history that supports you meeting the minimum qualifications for this position, a cover letter is strongly recommended.
You must upload official transcripts for your highest level of education attained. You must upload documentation of any professional license or your CRC that qualifies you for hire for this position.
This opening is for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), but a VR Counselor can be assigned to perform any or all of the listed Key Responsibilities listed below.
Key Responsibilities:
Applicant Intake and Eligibility Determination
- Conducts applicant interviews and reviews educational, medical, and diagnostic records to assess abilities and needs
- Determines eligibility for services, assigns disability priority categories, and ensures compliance with regulations and agency policies
- Explains participant rights and responsibilities and provides information regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
- Provides Pre-ETS to students with disabilities (ages 14–21), including:
- Job Exploration Counseling
- Workplace Readiness Training
- Counseling on Postsecondary Education Options
- Instruction in Self-Advocacy
- Work-Based Learning Experiences
- Coordinates Pre-ETS services with educational entities, workforce partners, and employers
- Participates in IEP and person-centered planning meetings and collaborates with local agencies to develop work and training opportunities for students
- Ensures smooth transition of Pre-ETS students to general VR services prior to age 22 through coordinated handoff meetings
Case Management and Financial Oversight
- Applies the ADRAN (Allowable, Documented, Reasonable, Allocable, and Necessary) standard to all planned services and documents determinations appropriately
- Authorizes, monitors, and tracks case expenditures, including ongoing services such as college tuition and CRP supports
- Ensures prudent stewardship of public funds by utilizing comparable benefits, following procurement policies, and securing SSA reimbursements when applicable.
- Maintains complete, accurate, and confidential case records documenting participant information, services, and counseling activities
Individualized Planning and Counseling
- Identifies and coordinates necessary medical, psychological, academic, and vocational assessments for development of Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs)
- Uses the State financial calculator to determine participant financial participation requirements
- Provides professional counseling and guidance to assist participants with vocational, personal, and psychological adjustments throughout the rehabilitation process.
- Evaluates participant progress, modifies IPEs when necessary, and ensures continuous engagement and progress toward employment goals
- Collaborates with employers to address barriers to employment (e.g., accessibility, scheduling, transportation) and ensures appropriate job matching based on participant abilities and labor market needs
Collaboration and Outreach
- Works collaboratively with Business Services Specialists to engage employers and understand local labor market trends
- Represents the VR program and acts as a liaison with public and private entities
- Participates in authorized events and initiatives focused on improving systems for individuals with disabilities in Idaho
- Performs other duties as assigned
Special Notification:
This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
Recruitment Contact:
Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Julie Davis, Human Resource Business Partner I, 208-287-6451 or [email protected]
Benefits: In addition to salary, the state contributes an average of nearly 40% of an employee’s annual salary toward comprehensive benefits, creating a competitive total compensation package!
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including but not limited to:
- One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation ( PERSI ) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
- 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
- Paid parental leave
- Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
- Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
- Employee assistance program
Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
