SENIOR VOCATIONAL REHAB COUNSELOR

Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

This position performs advanced-level work under the limited supervision of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Supervisor in Area 6 Miami Unit 23F, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Position provides professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services to individuals with disabilities, including potentially eligible VR youth ages 14–21, to support the achievement of competitive integrated employment.

Responsibilities include coordinating vocational rehabilitation services, providing technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, maintaining case records, tracking open authorizations and other case-related activities, monitoring caseload data, and ensuring compliance with agency policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has an open position that is responsible for executing the following functions:

• Conduct intake and application activities for individuals with disabilities by reviewing referrals, completing applications, conducting initial interviews, explaining informed choice, and reviewing medical, psychological, educational, and vocational records to support eligibility determinations.
• Determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services and complete all required documentation, assessments, and eligibility decisions within established timeframes.
• Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in collaboration with the participant, ensuring the plan identifies an appropriate employment goal and the services necessary to achieve successful employment outcomes.
• Authorize, coordinate, and manage vocational rehabilitation services in accordance with the IPE, including monitoring service delivery, expenditures, authorizations, documentation, coding accuracy, and financial compliance.
• Conduct job development and placement activities, including labor market research, employer outreach, and business engagement to secure and maintain competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborate with community rehabilitation providers, educational institutions, workforce partners, employers, and other stakeholders to support job placement, retention, training, credential attainment, and successful employment outcomes.
• Provide ongoing vocational counseling, case management, progress monitoring, follow-up services, and post-employment support to promote long-term employment success.
• Maintain and complete case documentation by recording eligibility determinations, service authorizations, case activities, participant progress, and employment outcomes within agency information systems.
• Participate in required training, professional development, and continuing education activities to maintain vocational rehabilitation knowledge, professional competencies, and applicable certifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required Licensure/Registration/Certification/Experience or Education:

Being able to meet the federal requirements for this federally funded position which includes:

• Bachelor's Degree: Attainment of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 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 psychology disability studies business administration human resources special education supported employment customized employment economics another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with consumers and employers
• Two (2) years of experience consisting of: Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center Direct service for advocacy activities that provide such individuals with experience working with individuals with disabilities Direct experience as an employer Direct experience as a small business owner or operator Direct experience in self-employment Experience in human resources Experience in recruitment Experience in supervising employees Experience in training Experience in other activities that provide experience in competitive integrated employment environments

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferences will be given to: Applicants who have both professional and educational experience. Applicants who have direct experience with case management and the ability to manage high-volume caseload efficiently. Applicants who complete application information and hire requirements listed in the advertisement to completion. Master's Degree: Attainment of a Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in field of study such as: Vocational rehabilitation counseling Law Psychology Disability studies Business administration Human resources Special education Management Public administration Another field that reasonably provides confidence in: The employment sector In a disability field Or in both business-related and rehabilitation-related fields

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the theories and practices in vocational rehabilitation guidance and counseling. Knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of disability groups. Knowledge of employment resources and vocational rehabilitation resources. Knowledge of program requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Skilled in interviewing techniques. Skilled in administering tests and analyzing results. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities and maintain goal Ability to work and perform under stressful conditions. Ability to demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unit. Ability to work independently and perform tasks and responsibilities with limited guidance and direction. Ability to gather, analyze and organize information into logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials. Ability to provide counseling and guidance in career planning. Proficient in using Microsoft Office software, such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word Ability to provide excellent customer service. Ability to maintain work area in an organized and clean manner. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to use and analyze information from the management information system. Ability to interpret state and federal vocational rehabilitation regulations and policies. Ability to devise employment strategies for individuals with disabilities. Ability to use automated systems. Ability to demonstrate reliable and consistent attendance.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers. Our Mission is "to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence." Our Vision is "to become the first-place people with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees."

Working for the State of Florida has benefits! State Group Insurance coverage options+ Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required) Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities) Retirement plan options, including employer contributions ( Annual and Sick Leave Benefits Flexible Spending Accounts Ongoing comprehensive training provided Career Growth Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits Highly skilled, professional environment

Leave Information: (CS) Annual Leave: All full-time Career Service employees filling established positions earn annual leave in varying increments dependent upon years of creditable service. Employees with up to 5 years of creditable service earn 8.667 hours per month, with 5 to 10 years earn 10.833 hours per month and those with over 10 years of service earn 13 hours per month. Sick Leave: Career Service employees earn 8.667 hours of sick leave credits per month.

Background Screening Requirement It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 Background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. No applicant for a designated position will be employed, contracted, or permitted to volunteer until the Level 2 screening results are received, reviewed and approved by the Department. Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, finger printing for all purpose and checks under this requirement, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement.

Selective Service System (SSS) and Requirement Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service (CS), or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. For more information, please visit the Selective Service website.

Special Note Please note that this position requires an on-site schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telework is not available for this role.

Applicant Information & Hiring Requirements Application Information: Your Candidate Profile (application) must be complete in its entirety. Work History (in easy to review chronological order) Consists of: Any position held by a State of Florida agency Any position held by a Florida University All periods of employment from high school graduation All periods of current or prior unemployment Gaps 3 months of more must be accounted for* Any Education Any Volunteer Experience Your resume and application must match *Gaps 3 months of more must be addressed – you will need to account for and explain any gaps in employment including unemployment. It is unacceptable to use the statement "See Resume" in place of entering work history. Your candidate profile will be converted to your official application. Include your supervisor names and phone numbers for reference checks or the contract information for your Human Resources office to verify current or former employment