Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Adult Caseload) - #ARS00403
State Role Title: Counselor II
Hiring Range: See Notation
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs
Location: Aging & Rehab Svcs
Agency Website: https://www.dars.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
If making a real impact on the lives of clients energizes you, we want you on our team! We’re hiring at both the Counselor I (Trainee) and Counselor II levels, giving qualified candidates options that fit their experience. Join a mission‑driven organization, work with a supportive and inclusive team, and enjoy outstanding state benefits.
Why Join Us?
✅ Purpose-driven work
✅ Inclusive, supportive teams
✅ Great state benefits
Job Duties:
In partnership with people with disabilities, the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) is a division with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). DRS assists individuals with disabilities to make informed choices that will maximize their employment through coordinated service delivery. DRS staff will assist the Virginia Career Works Network to deliver quality workforce services to individuals with disabilities who want to work and employers seeking to hire them.
We are seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor / Trainee (Adult Caseload) to provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services in compliance with federal/state laws and agency policies/procedures that result in employment and enhanced independent living.
Core services may include guidance and counseling, employment training, education, physical/mental restoration, and job placement services. The caseload will serve 100 + adults with disabilities in Culpeper and surrounding areas.
Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
In accordance with 34 CFR 361.10, 34 CFR 361.11, and Virginia’s Combined State Plan under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), applicants are required to have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field. Applicants within a semester of completing their master's may also be considered. Transcripts must accompany the application, and they must display the date that the degree was awarded.
Demonstrated knowledge of the social, economic, medical, vocational, and emotional issues impacting persons with disabilities; interviewing, evaluation, and counseling techniques; methods and tools for career counseling and exploration.
The agency has the option of filling this job at the Counselor I (Trainee) level if fully qualified applicants are interviewed and not selected. The minimum for a Counselor I (Trainee) is $50,107. The minimum for a Counselor II (fully qualified) is $ 56,372.
Additional Considerations:
Special Instructions
Master’s or bachelor's level transcripts or copy of current certification, if applicable, must accompany the application. Please note that the transcripts must display the date that the degree was awarded.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.
Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. PageUp provides a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position. You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information:
Name: Human Resources
Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
