Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid
location_onThe Park at Surprise, 14630, West Parkwood Drive, Surprise, Maricopa County, Arizona, 85374, United States
About the Department
The Department of Economic Security (DES) partners with families, community organizations, advocates, and state and federal partners to realize a collective vision: a thriving Arizona. Serving more than 3 million Arizonans, our mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.
The Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS), specifically the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence. We are looking for individuals committed to service, community, and teamwork to join our mission.
About the Role
As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you will provide counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities to address barriers to employment. Your work will focus on helping clients gain the skills necessary to enter, gain, or retain employment. You will serve in a hybrid work environment, balancing office presence with remote flexibility.
Depending on your qualifications, you will join the team at the Entry, Intermediate, or Senior level. Entry counselors introduce clients to the program and assist with initial planning. Intermediate counselors manage complex cases and serve as liaisons for specialized groups. Senior counselors provide high-complexity case management and may serve as backup to the Supervisor. Regardless of tier, you will be part of an amazing team dedicated to helping Arizonans thrive.
Work Environment & Culture
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. This position is available for remote work within Arizona, with a minimum requirement of two days per week in the office or hoteling space. All work, including remote work, must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.
By offering flexible full-time or part-time remote schedules, we aim to improve work-life balance, job satisfaction, and productivity. Remote work is a management option designed to support our mission, not an employee entitlement.
Hiring Process & Application
To apply, please review the qualification tiers based on your education and experience. Candidates must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card prior to employment. All newly hired State employees are subject to background checks, reference checks, and the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Xavier Martinez at (480) 952-5930 or email xmartinez@azdes.gov.
Equal Opportunity
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format, by contacting the number or email listed above. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
Work location
Work model: Hybrid
The Park at Surprise, 14630, West Parkwood Drive, Surprise, Maricopa County, Arizona, 85374, United States
Surprise, Arizona
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleReview medical and psychological information to identify employment needs and goals
- check_circleProvide vocational counseling and labor market exploration to determine suitable employment
- check_circleMeet with clients to establish or modify Individualized Plans for Employment
- check_circleIntroduce clients to vocational rehabilitation programs and explain eligibility criteria
- check_circleManage cases and maintain regular contact with clients and service providers
- check_circleProvide specialized case management for clients with complex or high-complexity needs
- check_circleAuthorize, review, and process payments for client services and resources
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field (Entry tier)
- verifiedMaster's degree in rehabilitation counseling or closely related field (Intermediate tier)
- verifiedTwo years experience working with individuals with disabilities (Entry tier)
- verifiedOne year experience working with individuals with disabilities (Intermediate tier)
- verifiedCertified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification (Senior tier)
- verifiedValid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card
- verifiedValid class-appropriate driver's license (if driving required)
- verifiedE-Verify eligibility
- verifiedPass background and reference checks
- verifiedPass Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services registry searches
Benefits & Perks
check_circleAffordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance planscheck_circleParticipation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability planscheck_circle10 paid holidays per yearcheck_circlePaid vacation and sick timecheck_circlePaid Parental Leave up to 12 weeks per year for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted childcheck_circleDeferred compensation plan for tax-deferred retirement investmentscheck_circleWellness planscheck_circleTuition Reimbursementcheck_circleStipend Opportunitiescheck_circleInfant at Work Program
