Transition/Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Hiring Event (Austin)

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), a Family Friendly Certified Workplace, will be holding a hiring event to fill multiple Transition and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (T/VRC) to Senior T/VRC positions to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Division, South Capital Area Management Unit, located at 1215 Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN APPLYING:
- Competitive starting salary: External candidates with a qualifying bachelor’s degree will start at $4,725.00/month and candidates with a qualifying master’s degree will start at $4,961.25/month.
- Internal candidates will be brought in with a starting salary commensurate with their education, current job level and the Comptroller Agency’s salary guidelines. 
- External candidates will be brought in as a VRC Trainee and complete a 6-month probationary period.
- Internal candidates’ position level will be based on education, experience, and demonstrated skills.
- Candidates are required to attach a copy of their official transcripts, certifications, and/or credentials, and a resume when applying for these positions. 

WHO WE ARE:
The VRC and TVRC program assist eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, retain, obtain and/or advance in competitive, integrated employment and includes assisting students with disabilities to transition successfully from high school to post-secondary education and employment.

WHO YOU ARE:
The ideal candidate will perform work using the applicable policy, guidance, and the electronic case management system and applies critical thinking skills and sound decision making in the performance of routine rehabilitation work in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. The T/VRC Trainee to Sr T/VRC works independently, with moderate to minimal supervision by the VR Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The T/VRC Trainee performs highly complex to highly advanced (senior-level) case management work in support of the mission, goals and values of the Texas Workforce Commission.

GENERAL DUTIES:
- Assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, retain, obtain and/or advance in competitive, integrated employment and includes assisting students with disabilities to transition successfully from high school to postsecondary education and employment.
- Develops and maintains relations with community referral sources, businesses, employers and schools.
- Collects and analyzes all information necessary to make an accurate eligibility decision (e.g. medical, psychological, school records, employment records, etc.).
- Assists the customer in choosing an appropriate employment by analyzing information to determine the customer’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests, and matching that information to the current job market.
- Works with the consumer to develop a plan of services designed to achieve the consumer’s identified employment goals.
- Ensures timely, cost-effective provision of services and consumer progress toward achievement of their employment goal.
- Develops and implements a process leading to successful job placement.
- Applies best value purchasing practices and uses available, comparable benefits and services to ensure effective use of public funds.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree with major in Rehabilitation Counseling or Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from an accredited college or university; or,
- Master’s degree with major in counseling or related degrees such as Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, or Human Services from an accredited college or university plus one year of related work experience; or,
- Master’s degree with any other major plus two years’ related work experience; or,
- Bachelor’s degree with a major in vocational rehabilitation from an accredited college or university plus one year of related work experience; or,
- Bachelor’s degree with major in Counseling, Education, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Public Health from an accredited college or university plus two years’ related work experience; or,
- Bachelor’s degree with any other major plus three years’ related work experience.
- Related work experience is defined as case management, counseling, job placement and general knowledge of disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with customers and employers; AND,
- 6 months of paid or unpaid experience consisting of direct work with individuals with disabilities; Direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individual with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities; or Direct experience in competitive integrated employment environments as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in human resources or recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities.

All levels:
- This is a career ladder position, which means each level is required to meet the established career ladder requirements in order to be promoted to the next level.
- Applicants selected who do not have a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or CRC certificate or LPC credential will be required to meet the CSPD educational requirements within a time frame established upon employment. This will entail taking specific courses that focus on the professional role of a Rehabilitation Counselor. 
- Travel is required for this position and may involve up to 30% travel. The method of transportation is the responsibility of employee. Counselors are required to travel to reach their assigned consumers on a regular basis. Duties also include the ability to lift/carry 10 pounds.

BENEFITS TO WORKING WITH TWC:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.  
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan 
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts 
- Medical Insurance 
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave 
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits. 

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_SocialServices.pdf. 

HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online on Taleo or at www.workintexas.com. TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042