Job description

Organization: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

Classified Indicator: Classified

Bargaining Unit / Exempt: Bargaining Unit

Schedule: Full-time

Work Hours: 8am-5pm

Compensation: $25.73

Unposting Date: Mar 9, 2023, 11:59:00 PM

Job Function: Vocational Rehabilitation

Agency Contact Name: Jason White

Agency Contact Information: OOD.HRSelections @ ood.ohio.gov

Now accepting applications for

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the SEIU/1199 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Most positions offer the flexibility of a hybrid schedule that combines working from home with regular in-office and/ or community presence. In-person work requirements may change for training, meetings, and other operational needs. Employees must reside at a location that allows for reasonable response time to workplace reporting requirements. Daytime travel within Ohio may be required.

Hourly: $ 25.73 or $28.08 with CRC, LPC, LPCC or LISW.

Two pay rate increases guaranteed within the first year.

Vacant VRC Locations include:

• Lima BSVI/BVR - 2190 Allentown Road Lima 45805
• OOD Norwalk - 134 Cleveland Road Norwalk 44857
• Lakewood BSVI/BVR - 14650 Detroit Ave., Ste. 200, Lakewood, OH 44107
• OMJ Medina Co. - 60 Public Square Medina 44256
• Cuyahoga Co. Common Pleas - 1200 Ontario Street Cleveland 44113
• Youngstown BSVI/BVR - 242 Federal Plaza West Youngstown 44503
• OOD Newark - 195 Union Street Newark 43055
• Wooster Bur. Of Voc. Rehab. - 2148 Eagle Pass Wooster 44691
• OOD Mansfield BSVI/BVR - 800 Park Avenue West Mansfield 44906
• Columbus BSVI/BVR - 4300 East Broad Street Whitehall OH, 43213
• Wheelersburg BSVI/BVR - 8940 Ohio River Road Wheelersburg 45694
• Hocking Municipal Court - 105 West Hunter Street Logan 43138

Who We Are:

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. It is accomplished through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). A fourth area is the Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS), which is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.

What We Do:

OOD works with partners in businesses, education, and non-profit organizations to facilitate customized employment plans for Ohioans with disabilities; helps Ohio companies recruit and retain employees with disabilities; and is the sole agency determining medical and vocational Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs in Ohio.

Our Guiding Principles:

In striving for excellence in service, we will:

• Listen first
• Act with a sense of urgency
• Honor diversity
• Foster inclusiveness
• Value collaboration
• Inspire innovation
• Be transparent
• Be accountable
• Celebrate success

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

OOD’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible individuals with disabilities to assist them to attain and maintain competitive integrated employment. OOD works with adults seeking to enter the workforce or retain a job, and with youth beginning at age 14 to assist them as they transition from high school into college and/or the workplace.

What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Do?

Counsels individuals toward increased functioning and mutually agreeable vocational goals; interviews individuals to gather detailed information about their work history, disability related-limitations and barriers to employment, as well as other information needed to understand an individual’s unique circumstances; interprets diagnostic information; determines eligibility for services; counsels individuals and their support system regarding strengths and limitations based upon diagnostic information; develops individualized plans for employment based on informed choice; Maintains fiscal responsibility including the coordination and purchasing of necessary services from providers. As a VRC, you will learn about rehabilitation counseling, programs related to individuals with disabilities, labor market information and trends, and employment barriers & accommodations.

A Successful Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

• Is able to effectively provide counseling services to individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Is able to utilize technologies (e.g., computer skills, virtual meetings, smartphones).
• Is able to operate, adapt and complete daily tasks in a virtual environment
• Is highly organized with efficient time management skills.
• Is able to conduct research, analyze technical material and interpret results.
• Has outstanding public relations and customer service skills.
• Is able to work collaboratively and develop rapport with others.
• Has an understanding of local labor market information and trends.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Mission Statement:

The mission of OOD is to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. OOD strives to hire, sustain, and promote a workforce that not only embraces this mission but is also reflective of the rich diversity of the Ohioans we serve.

OOD considers diversity comprehensively, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and all other human dynamics that shape creative perspective and professional experience.

OOD is intentional in cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued, as demonstrated by the way we treat all individuals.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Join Our Team, Apply Today!

Follow us on social media @OhioOOD

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

• The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS websitefor more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation websitefor more information.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in in vocational rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, or related rehabilitation or human services area;

Or, Master’s degree in business administration, human resources, law, management, public administration or related field which provides competence in the employment sector &/or the field of disability; 12 months direct work experience with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center) or 12 months experience providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities.

Or, Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, business administration, human resources, economics or related rehabilitation or human services area; 24 months experience direct work with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center or 24 months providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities.

Note: Education & experience per Code of Federal Regulations Title 34-Subtitle B-Chapter III-Part 361-Subpart B-361.18

Knowledge of: Budgeting, Public Relations, Human Relations (e.g. understanding multi-cultural aspects of counseling), Agency Policies & Procedures* (e.g. eligibility criteria, individualized plan for employment, supported employment), Government Structure & Process* (e.g. federal & state laws, rules, regulations, policies & procedures relating to vocational rehabilitation programs & caseload management practices), Counseling, Interviewing, Social Sciences (e.g. medical & psychological conditions, diagnoses, course of treatment & assessment).

Skill in: Word Processing (e.g. Microsoft Office applications, related agency specific software*), Equipment Operations (e.g. general office equipment, computer & peripheral equipment).

Ability to: Deal with many variables & determine specific actions (e.g. develops comprehensive individual vocational rehabilitation plans based on outcomes of counseling & assessment activities), Use statistical analysis, Prepare & deliver speeches before specialized audiences & general public, Develop complex reports & position papers, (e.g. case management, service plans, diagnostic information, labor market information), Gather, collate & classify information about data, people or things, Handle sensitive inquiries from contacts with officials & general public, Travel.

(*) Developed after employment

Applications must clearly indicate how the applicant meets the minimum qualification for the position. If you meet minimum qualification due to educational achievement, you must submit a copy of your unofficial transcript(s) with your application by the posting deadline.

All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by information provided in the work experience &/or education sections on your civil service application. Please do not use “see resume” as a substitution for the completed application; assumptions will not be made. Internal applicants, information in your personnel file does not supplement the need to attach by the posting deadline (e.g., if a transcript is required to demonstrate that you meet minimum qualifications by education you must attach the transcripts). If you have attached supporting documents in the past, you must make them relevant on your current application. This is done in step 7 “Additional Attachments.” If you don’t demonstrate how you meet minimum qualifications in the supplemental questions, your application will automatically be disqualified from consideration.

This documentation can be submitted by attaching to the supplemental attachments with your online application or by email to OOD.HRSelections @ ood.ohio.gov. Indicate title and requisition number 230001YK in the subject line of your email.

Selection Process: Position(s) are filled through a two-part process, which consists of a computerized assessment and structured interview. All parts of the assessment will be administered remotely at this time. Testing for this position is tentatively scheduled for the week of March 20, 2023 Interviews are tentatively scheduled to be held the week of April 4, 2023. All communications are sent via email through our application system. Candidates should make sure their account contains an email address that is checked regularly including checking junk and/or clutter.

Application Status: You can check the status of your application online by signing into your profile through careers.ohio.gov. The application status is shown to the right of the position title(s) to which you have applied along with the application submission details. Questions pertaining to things other than your application status can be directed to ood.hrselections @ ood.ohio.gov.

Technical Assistance: Applicants experiencing technical issues should send an email to careers @ ohio.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation: Please contact the Human Resources Office at ood.hrselections @ ood.ohio.gov so proper arrangements can be made. Otherwise, you will be given specific instructions on requesting an accommodation if you are invited to an assessment.

Background Check Information: The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The final applicant selected for this position will be required to undergo a drug screen prior to final offer. The State will decline to extend a final offer of employment to any applicant with a verified positive test result. Also, an applicant with a positive test result will not be considered for any position with the State of Ohio for a period of one year.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.73 - $28.08 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newark, OH 43055

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