Vocational Rehab Counselor
Date Posted: Dec 17, 2025
Requisition ID: 469515
Location:
South Bend, IN, US, 46628
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA):
The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services manages the delivery of services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has two overarching responsibilities: to facilitate partnerships that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities; and to provide them with continuous, life-long support.
Salary Statement:
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position includes a Counselor Trainee period and upon successful completion, promotion to Counselor with an increase in salary. The minimum starting salary for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee is $ 1820.00 bi-weekly / equates to an annual salary of $ 47,320.00; upon successful completion of the Counselor Trainee program, the salary will increase to $ 2047.00 bi-weekly / $ 53,222.00 annually.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:?
Assist clients in exploring career choices and counsel on vocational goal and service choices.
Provide service and support to promote self-sufficiency and identify and reduce barriers.
Develop, assess, and monitor progress of individualized service plans with clients.
Authorize and approve expenditure of state and federal funds for individualized services and goods for clients.
Conduct, interpret, and review various evaluation (medical, psychological, assistive technology, benefits, etc.) results with clients with disabilities in making career choices.
Determine VR eligibility and severity based on federal and state regulations.
Manage and monitor services provided by multiple providers and vendors.
Determine appropriate referrals to other agencies and community partners.
Establish and educate referral sources about VR and the referral process.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field.
Must have one (1) year of paid or unpaid experience consisting of:
Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center
Direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individual with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities
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 competitive integrated employment environment.
Awareness of some or all of the following:
cultural diversity
medical and psychological aspects of disability
counseling theories
assessment tools
job development and placement
Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
Social Security
Medicaid, Medicare and other state and federal programs
Department of Workforce Development programs
rehabilitation technology
economic and labor market trends
community organizations
financial aid
Ability to problem-solve to evaluate and recommend services.
Ability to be flexible and handle multiple tasks.
Ability to emphasis with clients on career needs.
Ability to interpret psychological/medial evaluation reports and medical terminology.
Familiarity with Assistive Technology and how to access AT services.
Effective communication skills.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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