Job Description

Posting number: 2026-01031

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DVR

Job classification: VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services

DSHS's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring for a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 4, you will help people with disabilities achieve their goals of employment and independence. This role is about more than finding jobs—it’s about helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

You’ll lead complex vocational rehabilitation work, serving as a subject matter expert for counselors and staff. Your guidance ensures services are effective, consistent, and tailored to the needs of each client. In this position, you’ll combine professional counseling skills, knowledge of employment resources, and leadership abilities to improve outcomes for Washingtonians.

Flexible hybrid work schedule is available after initial onboarding period is complete.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide advanced vocational rehabilitation counseling that is responsive and unique to each client
• Determine eligibility for services by gathering and analyzing relevant information
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including arranging and interpreting diagnostic testing
• Develop, approve, and monitor individualized employment plans that align with client goals and program requirements
• Offer guidance, support, and post-employment services to help clients and employers achieve long-term success
• Obtain and interpret benefit analysis reports to support informed client decision-making
• Manage case service funds responsibly and effectively
• Document and track client progress using the Service Tracking and Reporting System
• Train, coach, and mentor other counselors, providing oversight and support on complex cases
• Represent the office with employers, community partners, and in professional forums to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities

Professionals with the following should apply:
Four years of paid experience* as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling. This experience may be gained either before or after obtaining the qualifying education or CRCC certification.*One year of the paid experience may be substituted with unpaid experience consisting of:

• Direct work with people with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center; or
• Direct service or advocacy activities that provide people with experience and skills in working with people with disabilities; or
• Direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in human resources, recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in integrated employment environments.

And, one of the following:

• Current certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
• Or, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of people with disabilities)
• Or, a master's degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses

Click here for a complete list of desirable qualifications.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Advanced knowledge of DVR service delivery policies: Understanding of policies, procedures, and practices that support successful employment outcomes for individuals living with varied disabilities
• Leadership skills: Demonstrated ability to apply effective leadership practices that support staff and enhance program results
• Knowledge of employer expectations: Awareness of what employers look for when hiring students and individuals with disabilities
• Time management ability: Capacity to handle multiple and competing priorities within required timeframes
• Communication skills: Skill in clearly conveying information through both written and oral presentations
• Technology proficiency: Ability to use office computer tools such as MS Word, Outlook, internet browsers, and DVR-specific applications
• Counseling techniques: Ability to apply a variety of counseling methods to meet the diverse needs of customers

Interested? Apply today!

To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov

Questions? Please contact sean.brauner@gmail.com and reference #01031.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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