Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Employment Benefits

In addition to the starting salary, the State of Kansas offers a significant benefits package that is available the first day of employment.

All benefits eligible, full-time employees may elect to enroll in :

• Health Insurance including medical; dental; vision (plus optional partner / dependent coverage at reduced cost)
• Creation of and contribution to your, personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit
• 9-10 paid, annual holidays
• 12 paid, annual vacation days
• 12 paid, annual sick days
• 1 paid Discretionary Day
• Your personal life insurance policy equal to 150% of your starting salary
• This benefits package represents additional annual compensation.

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is hiring innovators and leaders. If you believe people have the capacity to progress, succeed, grow, and do well in life, you can discover your purpose here! Find more than just a job with DCF.

You can be part of the growth and opportunity for our team to help serve the individuals and families in your community.

Thrive With Us and find your career and purpose!

Conducts in-depth counseling interviews with persons with disabilities to obtain information regarding medical and family history, social functioning, education, work experience, self-perception, attitudes, financial resources, and vocational interests in order to assess each applicant’s employment-related assets and barriers.

Works with the medical community and vocational assessment experts to obtain appropriate medical, psychological, and vocational diagnostic services needed for eligibility determination.

Explains agency services, eligibility guidelines, and client’s rights and responsibilities.

Counsels with client to negotiate and develop an IPE, placing emphasis on the determination and achievement of an appropriate vocational goal through client participation.

Facilitates suitable vocational placement in competitive, integrated employment. Interprets labor market data. Provides labor market information to clients and trains them in job seeking skills.

Explains job incentives such as on-the-job training and tax credits for employers.

Establishes and maintains liaison relationships and provides technical assistance regarding disability and independence through employment to clients, their family and support systems, community resources, businesses, government agencies, schools, health care facilities, attorneys, physicians, and social workers to educate and advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities.

View the full position description : http : / / content.dcf.ks.gov / hr / careers / K0236272.pdf

Qualifications

Education : Minimum Standard Requirements : A bachelor’s degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with consumers and employers;

and demonstrated paid or unpaid experience, for not less than one year, consisting of

i) Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center : or

ii) Direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individual with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities; or

iii) Direct experience in competitive integrated employment environments as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in human resources or recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities

Additional education requirement for minimum Standards : Candidates selected under the Minimum Standards will be required to complete additional graduate level courses within five years of their employment start date, as follows : (minimum of SEVEN graduate courses) :

Priority to complete : ONE integrated OR TWO separate graduate courses with the primary focus on Theories of Counseling AND Techniques of Counseling

Priority to complete (medical and psychosocial aspects) : TWO with the individual or combined primary focus on 1) Medical Aspects of Disabilities;

2) Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities; AND 3) Multicultural Issues

ONE on Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling

ONE on Assessment

ONE on Occupational Information OR Job Placement

ONE on Case Management AND Rehabilitation Services

Standard #3- A master’s or doctorate degree in Counseling, Rehabilitation Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Clinical Social Work plus the additional education requirements described below : or

Standard #4- A master’s or doctorate in one of the following closely related fields, majors or disciplines plus the additional education requirements described below :

Behavioral Health

Behavioral Science

Business Administration

Clinical Social Work

Counseling

Counseling Psychology

Disability Studies

Education

Human Relations

Human Services

Management

Marriage and Family Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Psychology

Psychometrics

Public Administration

Rehabilitation Administration / Services

Rehabilitation Psychology

Social Work

Special Education

Vocational Assessment / Evaluation

Additional education requirements for Standard #3 and #4 : Candidates selected under Standards 3 and 4 will be required to complete additional graduate level courses within three years of their employment start date, as follows :

One integrated or two separate courses in the Theories of Counseling and the Techniques of Counseling; and

One integrated or two separate courses in the Medical Aspects of Disability and the Psychosocial Aspects of Disability.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements :

Security Clearance : A background check (KBI - criminal background, welfare fraud, driver's license and Child / Adult Abuse and Neglect Central Registry) is required for all positions with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of employment, which may include fingerprinting and FBI check.

Security clearance must be obtained prior to employment with DCF. Must maintain security clearance throughout employment.

Tax Clearance : Candidates offered employment in a State of Kansas position will need to apply for a Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days of being offered a position.

For more information, visit the KDOR Tax Clearance Request Information page.