Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)

Initial Posting Date

11/26/2025

Application Deadline

12/10/2025

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,833 - $7,407

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)

Job Description

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits! We are hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to join our team. In this position you will increase employment and advancement opportunities for persons with disabilities. If you have a passion to provide culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately and effectively, then this position is for you. Apply today!

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language.

See our Vocational Rehabilitation video about how we help Oregonians succeed! Welcome to ODHS Vocational Rehabilitation

We invite you to join us for an informational session to learn more about the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor role. Wednesday 12/03/2025 from 12:00pm-1:00pm PST

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Summary Of Duties

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you will:

• Perform all functions necessary to manage a full caseload and to contribute to VR performance measures.
• Assure that state, federal and agency standards for compliance, timelines, and quality are met for all cases.
• Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Utilize technology and software to complete VR tasks and provide clients services in an efficient and effective manner. This includes but is not limited to virtual meetings, virtual intake platform, and electronic signatures.
• Screen, interview, and evaluate medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
• Schedule aptitude and personality interest tests and interpret results of tests.
• Gather and evaluate pertinent materials to provide necessary vocational counseling and guidance.
• Make determination regarding physical restorative requirements (hearing aids, physical therapy, etc.) necessary for employment.
• Determine training necessary for employability and coordinate closely with other agencies and provide career and vocational counseling to clients.
• Provide direct job placement to consumers including employer incentive services, tax credit vouchers, state certifications, assistive technology, and work site modifications to assist consumers in reaching their employment outcomes.
• Educate local employers about the agency programs, goals, and employment incentives.
• Contact employers to place clients in employment suitable to their needs, such as on-the-job training, supportive work, and selective job placement.
• Represent the agency in the community by maintaining working relationships with a broad range of organizations and by attending community events.
• Contribute to integration of VR services with community partners by providing collaborative case management, consultation and liaison activities with brokerages, mental health providers and supported employment programs.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• A master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling OR be certified by either the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), the Certified Insurance Rehabilitation Specialist (CIRS), OR the Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission as a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), AND six months full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services;
  
  

OR

• A master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities) AND one-year full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation-related services,
  
  

OR

• A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities AND two years of full-time work experience vocational rehabilitation-related services.
• There is no direct experience substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
  
  

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and/or mental health barriers.
• Experience preferred working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Experience successfully navigating technology and different computer systems
• Experience screening, interviewing, and evaluating medical and psychological information to determine potential eligibility for services.
• Experience supporting job seekers with interview techniques, completing job applications, and resumes, and job placement.
• Experience in understanding implementation of Federal laws and regulations
• Experience providing culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately, and effectively in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals and communities, protecting and preserving the dignity of each.
• Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.
  
  

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Your working hours are Monday- Friday 8:00- 5:00pm, can fluctuate based on business needs
• Majority of your work will be conducted in the office. After 6 months, you may have some opportunities for hybrid work condition, but this will need to be discussed with and approved by your manager.
• Daily work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• Travel may be necessary to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes. Local or out of town travel is necessary at times. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
• Work in an environment with frequent interruptions due to phone calls, and staff or client needs.
  
  

Background Checks And Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
  
  

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
  
  

Employment Preference

Veterans’ Preference

• Veterans’ preference information.
• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.
  
  

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
  
  

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Cris Jansen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-.191188
• Email: Crista.Jansen@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 503-826-6988