Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Agency: 805 Department of Rehabilitation Services. Supervisory Organization: Department of Rehabilitation Services. Job Description Basic Purpose: Perform complex professional work in program consultation, guidance and counseling, client training, specialized job placement, evaluation of work capacities, assistive technology services, and vocational aptitude testing for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, blindness, or visual impairments. Typical Functions Provides services to clients addressing personal, social, and vocational adjustment problems. Interprets and analyzes physical or mental conditions, functional limitations, educational background, and personality traits to determine disability extent and rehabilitation possibilities. Consults with physicians, psychologists, and other disability professionals; administers and interprets psychological tests when indicated; determines eligibility for services; assists clients in formulating a rehabilitation plan. Plans and arranges rehabilitation services and approves expenditures within specified limits. Collaborates with employers to establish job opportunities, aids clients in securing suitable employment, and monitors client progress. Maintains case records and controls case service expenditures. Guides employers and businesses on ADA accommodation guidelines. Administers and develops work samples and situational assessments. Reviews medical, psychological, legal, and educational data to determine need for further diagnostics. Prepares written vocational evaluation plans and advises counselors on decisions. Orients clients to the evaluation process; administers tests to determine aptitudes and limitations; recommends goals and services. Taught basic vocational skills and led diverse group sessions; developed job sample assessments. Assisted clients with selecting, acquiring, or using assistive technology devices. Prepared comprehensive evaluation reports detailing test results, job sample findings, and client attitudes. Level Descriptors Level I - Entry‑level responsibilities under direct supervision, including case maintenance, vocational counseling, eligibility determinations, plan development, referrals, and progress monitoring. Level II - Professional responsibilities with moderate supervision, including signature authority for eligibility, plan amendments, evaluation reports, assistive technology assessments, and service authorizations. Level III - Expert responsibilities with full caseload ownership, serving as subject‑matter resource and consultant on specialty areas such as Home/Vehicle Modifications, Ticket to Work, and disability legislation. Level IV - Leadership responsibilities with full caseload, team leading, supervision of lower‑level staff, project management, and initiative development. Education and Experience Level I: Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, vocational evaluation, counseling, or one year experience in a related field. Level II: Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, or related field, or eligibility to sit for professional licensure exams (e.g., CRC, LPC, CVE, PVE, LBP, LFMT, School Counselor, Special Education). Level III: Same as Level II plus two years of professional experience in counseling, job placement, or vocational evaluation. Level IV: Same as Level II plus four years of professional experience; incidental or unreflective experience not accepted. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Level I: Knowledge of disabilities, case‑management principles, placement practices, computer use, and client interaction. Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate effectively. Level II: Knowledge of vocational counseling, psychological issues, ADA, and agency policies. Ability to analyze data and establish partnerships. Level III: Same as Level II plus specialized knowledge in a specialty area and ability to provide consultation. Level IV: Same as Level III plus project‑management knowledge and ability to train and guide others. Special Requirements Proficiency in American Sign Language demonstrated by competency test (if required). Willingness to perform all job‑related travel. Positions may be safety‑sensitive as defined by O.S. 427.8. Benefit Highlights State paid benefit allowance for insurance premiums. Wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre‑existing condition exclusions. Flexible spending accounts for health care or dependent care. Employee assistance and health/fitness programs. 11 paid holidays. 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in the first year. Retirement savings plan with generous match. Longevity bonus for years of service. 5% additional pay for professional certification or licensure. Training opportunities for continuing education units. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr