Job Description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Job Class Code: 3082

Grade: 22 (Professional/Technical)

Salary: $26.36 - $33.73 (Hourly- includes a 2% stipend)

Location: Portland, ME

Opening Date: November 3, 2026

Closing Date: November 18, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Do you have experience helping people with disabilities achieve their goals?

Are you a skilled communicator who can think creatively and develop strong partnerships with many different stakeholders?

Are you able to effectively organize and prioritize multiple tasks and manage time-sensitive details successfully?

If so, the Rehabilitation Counselor II position may be a great career opportunity for you!

The Portland Vocational Rehabilitation office seeks qualified candidates for two full-time Rehabilitation Counselor II positions. Apply today if you are seeking a supportive, team environment in which you can learn and grow professionally while helping to strengthen communities!

The candidates selected for these positions will work from the Vocational Rehabilitation office co-located with the Greater Portland CareerCenter at 151 Jetport Blvd. in Portland.

The Rehabilitation Counselor II will serve adult clients with various disabilities in Cumberland and York counties to achieve their employment goals. You will collaborate with clients, community partners, employers, and various team members to support each client's vocational rehabilitation process. Learn more about the role of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor by visiting this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch-v=J6pVu-TT8Rs

Primary Responsibilities:

• Establishing a counseling relationship and partnership with consumers and their teams
• Evaluating and interpreting medical and psychological information, assessing client needs, and identifying available resources and services to develop and implement a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation plan leading to competitive, integrated employment
• Building partnerships within the workforce development system to support clients in competitive, integrated employment matching their skills, abilities, and interests
• Maintaining timely, accurate documentation using a computer-based client data system

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Client-centered philosophy and approach
• Adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team
• Excellent prioritization, organization and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail and completion of time-sensitive tasks by established deadlines
• Knowledge of the local labor market
• Frequent local and occasional statewide travel

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a field related to vocational rehabilitation and 2 years’ experience demonstrating knowledge and abilities related to assisting individuals with disabilities, employers and other stakeholders with their employment and workforce needs.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Samantha Fenderson, DVR Director at samantha.j.fenderson@maine.gov

To request a paper application, please contact Stephanie Hayes via email at recruiting.sesc@maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE

If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.