Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)

Initial Posting Date:

08/18/2025

Application Deadline:

08/29/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833 - $7,407

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits!

Imagine being a guiding light for those in need. You have an opportunity to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect as you build trust during difficult moments. Make a difference in people's lives today!

Summary of Duties

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), you will:

• Perform all the functions necessary to manage a full caseload and to contribute to VR performance measures.

• Assure that state, federal, and agency standards for compliance, timelines, and quality are met for all cases.

• Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update, and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.

• Screen, interview, and evaluate medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.

• Gather and evaluate pertinent materials to provide necessary vocational counseling and guidance to determine the nature and scope of services needed to achieve the stated vocational goal and the employment outcome.

• Develop and implement rehabilitation plans with each client and track progress through successful termination of case.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling OR be certified by either the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), the Certified Insurance Rehabilitation Specialist (CIRS), OR the Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission as a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), AND six months full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services.

OR

A Master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities) AND one-year full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services.

OR

A Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities AND two years of full-time work experience vocational rehabilitation-related services.

There is no direct experience substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Knowledge of commonly accepted treatment for mental and/or physical impairments.

• Experience in interviewing and providing vocational guidance, job analysis, vocational evaluation, or job development and placement.

• Experience communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people by answering questions and explaining information.

• Knowledge of physical, mental, emotional and learning impairments and the effect that such impairments have on functional limitations.

Attention all candidates!  A cover letter is required in order to be considered for this position.  Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

Note: “The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.”

Working Conditions

• Private office environment with daily work in a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities.

• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes.

• Local or out of town travel is necessary at all times.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.  Reasonable accommodates per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

• May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals as wells as those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.

• May be able to work remotely to complete portions of counselor responsibilities-how much and which duties will be determined by your supervisor.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ preference:

• Veterans’ preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a full time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Bonnie Nyssen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

• Email: bonnie.nyssen@odhs.oregon.gov