VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR - MASTERS - 06232026- 78672

Job Information Opening Date/Time: 06/23/2026 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date/Time: 07/06/2026 11:59PM Central Time Salary (Monthly): $4,057.00 - $5,078.00 Salary (Annually): $48,684.00 - $60,936.00 Job Type: Full-Time Location: Chattanooga, TN (Department of Human Services, Hamilton County) Position Type: Hybrid – requires a criminal background check. Qualifications and Requirements Education and Experience: Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling OR Master’s or doctoral degree in a related field that emphasizes rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development AND (1) Within 90 days of hire must submit an educational plan for approval and apply for admission to an accredited university to enroll in required courses; within six months of hire must enroll at own expense in Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling and complete all within thirty‑six months from hire; (2) Within 90 days of hire submit a request for a pre‑review at own expense to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) to confirm eligibility to test for Certified Rehab Counselor Certification and provide official notification; or (3) Have an active Certified Rehab Counselor Certification from the CRCC. Necessary Special Qualifications: Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority. Agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI for criminal history records check. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment (in some positions). All applicants must produce a transcript at application time verifying their degree and courses completed; individuals who do not hold a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling must complete additional requirements outlined above within specified timeframes. Position Overview The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, seeks a VR Counselor to provide employment‑focused rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. Services include counseling, training, transportation, transition services, job placement and post‑employment services to help clients enter and succeed in the competitive labor market. Under the supervision of a VR Deaf Services Field Supervisor, the VR Counselor will primarily work with individuals in Middle Eastern Tennessee, especially in Hamilton, Bradley, and Meigs counties, and may receive cases statewide. The role involves counseling clients on career goals, assessing skills and interests, developing personalized plans, and connecting them to resources and employment opportunities. Responsibilities Collect customers’ medical and psychological information and determine eligibility for services; monitor labor‑market trends to facilitate job placement. Conduct assessments to evaluate customers’ skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals; review assessment data to identify appropriate goals and opportunities and direct them toward suitable employment. Use counseling and guidance to interpret and explain medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers, empowering them to make informed decisions about their goals. Collaborate with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans that align with their goals; evaluate progress and amend plans as needed. Arrange appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate participation in vocational programs; request authorizations for services and ensure vendors receive payment. Investigate complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns; document customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case‑management systems. Educate employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities, promoting qualified applicants to employers. Cultivate professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants or resources and promote rehabilitation services. Competencies Decision Quality Resourcefulness Communicates Effectively Instills Trust Situational Adaptability Knowledge Areas Customer and Personal Service Skills Active Learning and Listening Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Time Management Abilities Deductive Reasoning Inductive Reasoning Problem Sensitivity Originality Tools & Equipment General Office Equipment Computer/Laptop/Tablet Multifunction Printer (print/copy/scan/fax) Cell Phone #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Tennessee