Caseload Coverage Voc Rehab Counselor (Temporary - Austin)

Caseload Coverage Voc Rehab Counselor (Temporary - Austin)

For Texas to be GREAT, we need the best and brightest talent like you! The public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program administered through the Texas Workforce Commission helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. Make a difference and help people with VR. According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.6% in 2020. This jobless rate continues to be much higher than the rate for those without disabilities. Public service in VR is for you…

• If you want to find meaningful work and contribute to a powerful mission. For more than 100 years VR has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals!
• If you are looking for career and advancement opportunities. 38% of employees in VR have 15+ years of seniority. There are various positions with career ladders and opportunities to specialize in areas of interest: Autism, Blind & Visual Impairments, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Brain Injury, Foster Youth, Transition Students, Veterans.
• If you need a comprehensive benefits package that offers competitive pay & benefits from health plans, life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and longevity pay.
• If you have direct VR Counseling work experience, receive higher starting salary.
• If you want to advance your education with our tuition assistance program.
• FREE CEUs to maintain CRC credentials and reimbursement for CRC & LPC renewals.

The mission of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity. To support our mission, we are seeking to fill a Part-time/Full-time TEMPORARY Caseload Coverage Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CCVRC) position to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Department. This position is located at 1411 Brazos St, Austin, Texas. TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

The CCVRC performs senior-level vocational rehabilitation work in support of the mission, goals and values of the Texas Workforce Commission. CCVRC applies critical thinking skills and sound decision making in performance of routine rehabilitation work in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program covering vacant caseloads. This program assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, retain, obtain and/or advance in competitive, integrated employment and includes assisting students with disabilities to transition successfully from high school to postsecondary education and employment. The ideal candidate will perform work using the applicable policy, guidance, and the electronic case management system. The CCVRC is hired by VR Program Operations with consultation with the appropriate regional staff, and works independently, with moderate to minimal supervision by the manager.

General duties include:

• Assist eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, retain, obtain and/or advance in competitive, integrated employment and includes assisting students with disabilities to transition successfully from high school to postsecondary education and employment.
• Develop and maintain relations with community referral sources, businesses, employers and schools.
• Collect and analyze all information necessary to make an accurate eligibility decision (e.g. medical, psychological, school records, employment records, etc.).
• Assist the customer in choosing an appropriate employment by analyzing information to determine the customer's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests, and matching that information to the current job market.
• Work with the consumer to develop a plan of services designed to achieve the consumer's identified employment goals.
• Ensure timely, cost-effective provision of services and consumer progress toward achievement of their employment goal.
• Develop and implements a process leading to successful job placement.
• Apply best value purchasing practices and uses available, comparable benefits and services to ensure effective use of public funds.
• Mentor new VR Counselors.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
• Meet the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) educational requirements and considered a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, rehabilitation, or a related field plus five years of experience in vocational rehabilitation services. Must meet the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) educational requirements.
• Related work experience is defined as case management, counseling, job placement and general knowledge of disabilities. Copy of official transcripts, certifications and/or credentials will be requested.

This position may involve up to 30% travel, and method of transportation is the responsibility of employee. Counselors are required to travel to reach their assigned consumers on a regular basis. Thus, travel is required for this position. Duties also include the ability to lift/carry 10 pounds.

You gain:

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
• Competitive starting salary: $6,066.67 a month/ full-time
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
• Medical Insurance
• Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave