For Texas to be GREAT, we need the best and brightest talent like you! The public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program administered through the Texas Workforce Commission helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP PEOPLE WITH VR
According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.6% in 2020. This jobless rate continues to be much higher than the rate for those without disabilities.
PUBLIC SERVICE IN VR IS FOR YOU
-If you want to find meaningful work and contribute to a powerful mission. For more than 100 years VR has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals!
-If you are looking for career and advancement opportunities. 38% of employees in VR have 15+ years of seniority. There are various positions with career ladders and opportunities to specialize in areas of interest: Autism, Blind and Visual Impairments, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Brain Injury, Foster Youth, Transition Students, Veterans.
-If you need a comprehensive benefits package that offers competitive pay and benefits from health plans, life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and longevity pay.
-If you have direct VR Counseling work experience, receive higher starting salary.
-If you want to advance your education with our tuition assistance program.
-FREE CEUs to maintain CRC credentials and reimbursement for CRC and LPC renewals.
The mission of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity. To support our mission, we are looking for a Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher I-IV to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Department team. This position is located at 12148-B Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX.
TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.
Benefits to working for TWC include:
Competitive starting salary: $4,166.66 -$5,746.67/month
Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
Medical Insurance - Currently, the state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. Eligible part-time employees get a 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for their dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes are withheld.
Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance
8 hours' sick leave per month
8 hours' vacation leave per month with potential to earn more with longevity
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
Additional benefits for active employees:https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.{target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"}
The Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher I-IV performs entry level to highly complex (senior level) rehabilitative instructional or training work in the Agencys Vocational Rehabilitation field offices, customer homes, and other training locations. Work involves planning, organizing, conducting or may coordinate educational and training programs. May mentor and advise others. Works under close to limited supervision, with minimal to moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The ideal candidate will have good communication skills, both orally and in writing. This position requires participation in agency-sponsored training to learn to read and write uncontracted and contracted Braille.
GENERAL DUTIES:
-Provides training consistent with the agency's employment lifestyle philosophy, individually and in groups, in the areas of emotional adjustment to blindness, travel skills, independent living skills, communication skills (including Braille), support systems, adaptive technology aids and equipment, and vocational training.
-Prepares or may oversee the preparation of in-house reports and supply requisitions.
-Participates in the planning and teaching of group skills training and group classes for customers and staff.
-Reviews and evaluates or may oversee the evaluation of customer case files in order to provide and coordinate vocational rehabilitation services using the electronic case management system.
-Works with Regional Employee Assistance Team to build quality relationships with businesses to provide career opportunities for customers.
-Works collaboratively with other professional staff in assessing customer readiness and skill needs in planning and delivering necessary rehabilitation services.
-Assists in developing or may develop and maintain community resources and provides information and referral sources which support customers rehabilitation outcomes.
-Assists in the preparation of or may prepare and maintain case documentation of teacher services.
-Provides consultative services and technical assistance with other interdisciplinary team members in evaluating and developing the customers individualized plans for rehabilitation.
-May participate in training conducted for staff development or in the preparation of training programs.
-As a VRT IV, may serve as team leader working with the rehabilitation assistant or may direct staff or external organizations in conducting specialized casework regarding research and demonstration projects or activities.
-May provide training and mentoring to other vocational rehabilitation teachers and assist in monitoring documentation of case service delivery.
-Performs other related work as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
-VR Teacher I: Six months of experience in positions that provided knowledge of training methods, techniques, and materials as related to individual development, education, and training programs; or in positions that provided knowledge of agency operation or programs which included giving group presentations.
-VR Teacher II: One year of experience in positions as described above.
-VR Teacher III: Two years of experience in positions as described above.
-VR Teacher IV: Three years of experience in positions as described above.
-Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-VRT I: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, education, or a related field. Twelve semester hours of graduate study from an accredited college or university will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
-VRT II-IV: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field, plus one, two, or three years (depending on classification level) of full-time qualifying experience in positions that provided knowledge of alternative training methods, techniques, and materials as related to individual development, education and/or training programs; or which included giving group presentations in everyday living, vocational, and/or employment settings; or social
