Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

Job Location:  Columbia District Office, 900 W. Nifong Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia, MO 65203

Please note: The salary listed in this job description is a base salary. Applicants eligible for years-of-service adjustments or shift differentials may exceed salary range listed above.

Why You’ll Love This Job:  You will experience a culture of support, encouragement, and care for one another and our clients. The work we do is life-changing for Missouri citizens with disabilities, as we collaborate with them on their journey toward employment. Our clients find the sense of purpose and independence we all seek in life.  Join our team to find fulfillment in helping others achieve their employment goals!

Job Summary: Utilize various counseling techniques to guide people with disabilities to find and keep meaningful jobs.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

Essential Job Duties:

• Utilize counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing, active listening, goal-setting, and strengths-based counseling to help individuals clarify career goals and increase readiness for employment
• Build trusting, supportive relationships that encourage self-advocacy, autonomy, and informed decision-making
• Conduct individualized assessments to identify interests, skills, barriers, and support needs related to employment
• Determine eligibility for services by reviewing medical, psychological, and educational records
• Develop individualized plans for employment with clients
• Provide guidance and coaching related to job searching, resumes, applications, interviewing, and workplace expectations
• Support individuals in addressing barriers to employment, including confidence, work history gaps, accommodations, and adjustment to the workplace
• Coordinate with employers, community partners, and support services to create employment opportunities and promote successful job retention
• Maintain accurate documentation and case notes in compliance with program and funding requirements
• Draft authorizations for goods and services and complete verification of services before recommending approval for payment
• Travel within the community and for training is required

Qualifications - All you need for success

Master’s degree required from an accredited college or university in rehabilitation counseling, guidance and counseling, psychology, social work, or closely related field

• Minimum educational requirements are defined by the Code of Federal Regulations, 361.18(C)(II)(A(1). 

Other qualifications and experience, which in the opinion of the Assistant Commissioner of Education meet the requirements of the position, may be accepted in lieu of the above.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of the social, psychological, and physical aspects of disability
• Basic knowledge of occupations, including required skills, physical demands, training, and working conditions
• Basic knowledge of community resources and eligibility for services
• Basic knowledge of case management methods, documentation, and evaluation
• Basic understanding of occupational and labor market trends
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, schools, colleagues, and vendors
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining an active caseload
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Listening, presenting, and building rapport

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

• Health insurance 1st of the month following start date
• Generous amounts of annual and sick leave each month
• 13 paid holidays
• Retirement and deferred savings programs with up to $25 match
• Ongoing opportunities for training and professional development

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

If you have questions about this position, please contact: Human Resources at 573-751-3251 or by email: [email protected]

To our applicants with disabilities: For assistance with any phase of the application process, please contact Human Resources at 573-751-3251. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate requested needs. TTY/TDD users: Relay Missouri Service: 573-751-0881.

Notice to Applicants: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas through INS.

This description may not include all the duties, knowledge, skills or abilities associated with this classification.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.