Rehabilitation Counselor - Ames

Rehabilitation Counselor - Ames

State of Iowa - Executive Branch

Identify and provide Pre‑Employment Transition Services to potentially eligible students. Identify and connect appropriate individuals with disabilities to services. Interview applicants and applicant support team, and contact various sources to procure medical, psychological, social, and educational information. Explain rights, responsibilities, and scope of services to individuals with disabilities.

Analyze disability information and determine applicant eligibility or ineligibility and complete eligibility certification. Analyze disabilities and determine significance of disability classifications. Provide counseling and guidance to assist eligible individuals in identifying the primary employment factors; explore short‑ and long‑term goals; research and explore various options and consider the pros and cons of these options to make an informed choice leading to long‑term, sustainable employment.

Delegate research on employment needs to team staff.

Develop employment plans that address disability issues, barriers to employment, interests, preferences, abilities, and accommodation needs to maximize the potential of the individuals served. Follow and interpret federal regulations in all decision making and apply policies consistently to all cases.

Provide and/or coordinate services needed to achieve the employment goal. Work collaboratively with a team to achieve statewide, agency, and office goals for serving individuals with disabilities.

Consult and provide technical assistance to community rehabilitation providers and other stakeholders who facilitate employment services. Document case notes in a timely manner, providing an adequate rationale for purpose, decisions, and next steps. Enter services and other required supporting documentation into the case management system. Review the case management system for completeness and accuracy. Work collaboratively with a team on case‑management tasks to meet required time frames and compliance standards.

Develop partnerships and consult with businesses and industries about strategies and services to create opportunities for on‑the‑job training, work‑based learning opportunities, and/or job placement that allow individuals with disabilities to work at maximum potential. Provide education and training to businesses about disability inclusion.

Network with apprenticeship programs and other resources to advance individuals with disabilities in employment. Carve jobs in competitive integrated employment that match individual abilities and employment plan goals.

Collaborate with the Iowa Workforce Development Business Engagement Team, and other resources for job development and employer development. Counsel individuals with disabilities on employer expectations and business needs.

Identify necessary reasonable accommodations to enhance individuals' ability to perform work.

Travel to schools, rehabilitation facilities, businesses, and other community locations.

Participate in staff meetings, committees, conferences, training, and other activities.

The successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

The current Rehabilitation Counselor pay grade is 28. For Rehabilitation Counselor positions with a bachelor’s degree, the position will be capped at 85%.

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to connect employers to available workers through our Iowa WORKS partnership. IWD continually strives to improve processes and align the organization to provide effective, demand‑driven products and services. IWD staff in Des Moines consists of administrative services, disability determination services, information technology, labor market information, unemployment insurance services, vocational rehabilitation services, and workforce services.

The agency also maintains a statewide delivery system of Iowa WORKS Centers and satellite and expansion offices where both employers and job‑seeking Iowans can receive workforce assistance.