Career Counseling Specialist (VR Service Or Rehabilitation Specialist)

Career Counseling Specialist (VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist) (Open)

Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (Nebraska VR) is seeking a Career Counseling Specialist to join our team in downtown Omaha. In this role, you will partner with adult clients to achieve meaningful employment outcomes through career counseling, personal adjustment guidance, and career exploration. You will also support clients in utilizing technology to enhance workplace performance when needed. You will be part of a collaborative and experienced team that provides extensive training, strong resources, and ongoing support to help you succeed. We are seeking someone who values working independently, thrives on problem-solving, and demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. If you have a proactive mindset, think creatively to overcome barriers, enjoy building meaningful relationships, and are passionate about supporting others in their career journey, we would love to hear from you.

This position is assigned to our office located at 13th & Farnam St, Omaha, NE.

The available salary rate for this position is dependent on education and is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.

Successful candidates with a bachelor's degree will be hired as a Service Specialist, Pay Grade 5: $25.287/hour.

Successful candidates with a master's degree will be hired as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Pay Grade 7: $30.597/hour.

In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $24,500 - $26,900 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement

79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!

Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types

156% state-matched retirement (yes, that's $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return

Thirteen paid holidays per year

Conducts employment discussion and career exploration to assess client strengths and barriers, vocational interests, aptitude, skills, preferences, and values.

Prepares cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by reviewing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.

Develops and manages Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.

Advises and instructs people with disabilities in informed decision making, interpersonal, educational, and vocational skills.

Monitors and advocates for client progress to support efficient follow through by team members and providers to ensure client success.

Develops and maintains partnerships with employers, community referral sources, and one-stop centers.

Provides outreach and information about vocational rehabilitation to the community, including referral sources and schools.

Recommends the purchase of goods and services for clients in accordance with established fiscal policies and procedures.

Rehabilitation Specialists also perform the Essential Functions below:

Prepares and approves cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by analyzing and synthesizing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.

Develops, manages, and approves Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.

This position requires approximately 80% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 20% of work time is spent in the community. Employees may be asked, within reason, to use their own personal vehicles for travel. There is also approximately two days of overnight travel per year.

Minimum Qualifications:

Service Specialist: Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least one year of work experience related to the essential functions of the position.

Rehabilitation Specialist: Master's degree with emphasis in one of the following areas: Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling and Guidance, or another field that reasonably provides competence in the employment sector, in a disability field, or both.

Preferred Qualifications:

Service Specialist: Experience working with, and advocating for, people with disabilities. Ability to manage high volume of cases and provide case management services while collaborating with a variety of stakeholders.

Rehabilitation Specialist: Master's degree in related field and progressively responsible experience working with, and advocating for, people with significant disabilities. Ability to mentor others in managing high volume of cases and providing quality case management services.

If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/.