HireAbility VT is looking for an experienced human service professional with a passion for supporting high school students and young adults with physical, psychological, or cognitive disabilities. Focus for youth is around career exploration, work readiness, self-advocacy, and post-secondary exploration. As the student transitions from high school, the HireAbility counselor would help the student identify post-secondary employment, education and training options, and assist them in engaging in these activities.

The position involves a close working relationship with local area high schools. Experience in counseling, post-secondary education, special education, and/or background in employment services is beneficial. Previous work with adolescents is extremely helpful.

Job duties include:

• Assessment, guidance, and counseling, and assisting in finding employment and work experiences
• Case management, documentation, and collaboration with many community partners
• Good computer skills are required and must be proficient in MS Office as well as various video platforms
• Frequent travel will be expected to local schools

This position is being recruited at 3 levels: VR Associate Counselor, and VR Counselor I & II which requires a Masters Degree. The preferred degree is a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, but Masters in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Education and others will be considered. Applicants must apply for each of the levels which they qualify and wish to be considered. For more information about employment with HireAbility, watch this video.

This position, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I (Job Requisition #50081), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Associate Counselor: 50044

Counselor I: 50081

Counselor II: 50082

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Melissa.Conly@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed in a variety of settings including Department offices, consumer homes, institutions, work sites and premises of service providers. Substantial travel is required, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, special education or counseling, education with a special education focus, or a related counseling field.

Professional level experience involving human services casework, preferably with individuals with disabilities.

Successful applicants without a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or master's degree in rehabilitation counseling will be required to make a written commitment to secure, within three years of hire, graduate level credits in the following core courses:
1. Medical or Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities
2. Vocational Counseling
3. Vocational Assessment and Evaluation
4. Job Placement or Occupational Information

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.