Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation CounselorMake an Impact. Empower Careers. Strengthen Communities.Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to join our IVRS team. This role is more than a job-it is an opportunity to partner with individuals with disabilities as they build meaningful, sustainable employment and greater independence.If you are motivated by purpose-driven work, collaboration, and helping others reach their full potential, we encourage you to apply.Domicile will be determined based on the hired candidate's location in Sioux City or Sheldon, IA IVRS office.Position DetailsLocation: Sioux City or Sheldon, IASchedule: Full-time | Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMWork Flexibility: Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment and training have been completed.What You'll DoAs a Rehabilitation Counselor, you will provide counseling, coordination, and comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. You will guide participants through career exploration, planning, and placement while collaborating with families, schools, providers, and employers to remove barriers and create pathways to competitive, integrated employment.Core ResponsibilitiesDeliver Pre-Employment Transition Services to potentially eligible studentsInterview applicants and support teams; gather medical, psychological, educational, and social informationDetermine eligibility and Significance of Disability classificationsDevelop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) tailored to each participant's goals, interests, and abilitiesProvide counseling and guidance to support informed career decisions and long-term employment successCoordinate and authorize services necessary to achieve employment goalsInterpret and apply federal regulations and agency policies consistently across casesMaintain accurate and timely case documentation within the case management systemCollaborate with internal teams to meet compliance standards, timeframes, and agency goalsBusiness & Community EngagementBuild partnerships with employers, community providers, schools, and workforce organizationsEducate businesses on disability inclusion and reasonable accommodationsDevelop on-the-job training, work-based learning, and apprenticeship opportunitiesCollaborate with the Iowa Workforce Development Business Engagement Team for employer outreachSupport job carving and customized employment aligned with participant strengths and goalsAdditional ExpectationsTravel statewide to schools, rehabilitation facilities, businesses, and community locationsParticipate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activitiesSuccessfully complete a criminal background check through the Iowa Department of Public SafetyWhat We're Looking ForStrong counseling, communication, and interpersonal skillsAbility to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and document decisions clearlyCommitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive employment practicesCollaborative mindset and comfort working with diverse stakeholdersOrganizational skills and attention to compliance and timelinesAbout the AgencyIowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) operates within Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence through employment.IWD is a statewide agency focused on connecting job seekers with opportunities and supporting employers in building strong, skilled workforces. Through Iowa WORKS centers and partner offices across the state, IWD delivers demand-driven workforce services that strengthen Iowa's economy and communities.Benefits of Working for the State of IowaJoining IVRS means becoming part of a mission-driven public service team with a comprehensive benefits package:Health, Dental, and Vision InsuranceGenerous Paid Time Off- vacation, sick leave (no accrual cap), and nine paid holidaysIPERS Retirement Plan plus optional deferred compensation savingsFlexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent careLife Insurance & Long-Term Disability CoverageEmployee Assistance & Discount ProgramsProfessional development and career growth opportunitiesClick here to learn more about all of the amazing benefits the State of Iowa offers.The successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.The current Rehabilitation Counselor pay grade is 28. For Rehabilitation Counselor positions with a bachelor's degree, the position will be capped at 85%.Why This Role MattersEvery plan you build, every partnership you create, and every individual you support contributes to a more inclusive workforce and stronger Iowa communities. This position offers the chance to see direct, lasting impact in the lives of others while building a meaningful public service career.If you're ready to combine purpose with profession, we'd love to meet you.The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify; a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit applicant for employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. Selected positions will be subject to a criminal background check.Minimum Qualification RequirementsApplicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:All of the following (a and b): (a) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human-services-related field; and (b) A total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field, where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.All of the following (a and b): (a) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field; and (b) A total of twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field.Additional Qualification RequirementsTravel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.BenefitsWhy Choose the State of Iowa?At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:Competitive Compensation:Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.Health and Wellness:Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.Retirement Planning:We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.Paid Time Off:Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual,