Rehabilitation Counselor - Cedar Rapids

Job Description

Make an Impact. Empower Careers. Strengthen Communities. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to join our team at the Iowa WORKS office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This role is more than a job—it is an opportunity to partner with individuals with disabilities as they build meaningful, sustainable employment and greater independence. If you are motivated by purpose‑driven work, collaboration, and helping others reach their full potential, we encourage you to apply.

• Location:
  
  1025 Kirkwood Pkwy SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Schedule:
  
  Full‑time | Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility:
  Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment
• Start Date:
  
  Immediate

New hires will start at a base wage of $26.86 per hour, $2,148.80 bi‑weekly, $55,868.80 annually. Candidates who possess a Master’s degree in a related field and relevant professional experience may be considered for a higher starting salary within the pay range, consistent with State of Iowa compensation guidelines.

• Pay Grade: 28
• Rehabilitation Counselor positions with a bachelor’s degree are capped at 85% of the pay range.

As a Rehabilitation Counselor, you will provide counseling, coordination, and comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. You will guide participants through career exploration, planning, and placement while collaborating with families, schools, providers, and employers to remove barriers and create pathways to competitive, integrated employment.

• Deliver Pre‑Employment Transition Services to potentially eligible students.
• Interview applicants and support teams; gather medical, psychological, educational, and social information.
• Determine eligibility and significance of disability classifications.
• Develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) tailored to each participant’s goals, interests, and abilities.
• Provide counseling and guidance to support informed career decisions and long‑term employment success.
• Coordinate and authorize services necessary to achieve employment goals.
• Interpret and apply federal regulations and agency policies consistently across cases.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation within the case management system.
• Collaborate with internal teams to meet compliance standards, time frames, and agency goals.

• Build partnerships with employers, community providers, schools, and workforce organizations.
• Educate businesses on disability inclusion and reasonable accommodations.
• Develop on‑the‑job training, work‑based learning, and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Iowa Workforce Development Business Engagement Team for employer outreach.
• Support job carving and customized employment aligned with participant strengths and goals.

• Travel statewide to schools, rehabilitation facilities, businesses, and community locations.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Successfully complete a criminal background check through the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

• Strong counseling, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and document decisions clearly.
• Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive employment practices.
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working with diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational skills and attention to compliance and timelines.

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off—vacation, sick leave (no accrual cap), and nine paid holidays.
• IPERS retirement plan plus optional deferred compensation savings.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Life insurance & long‑term disability coverage.
• Employee assistance and discount programs.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

Every plan you build, every partnership you create, and every individual you support contributes to a more inclusive workforce and stronger Iowa communities. This…