Rehabilitation Specialist

Characteristics of Work

Entry-level professional vocational rehabilitation work involving counseling, assessment, eligibility determination, service coordination, job placement assistance, and case management services for individuals with disabilities. The incumbent assists consumers in identifying vocational goals, develops individualized rehabilitation plans, coordinates services and community resources, manages assigned cases, and supports consumers throughout the rehabilitation process.

• Meeting with consumers during the application process.
• Explaining vocational rehabilitation services and program requirements.
• Reviewing diagnostic, medical, educational, vocational, and social information.
• Determining eligibility for rehabilitation services.
• Developing individualized rehabilitation plans with consumers.
• Coordinating services needed to support vocational goals.
• Managing assigned caseloads to ensure timely services.
• Locating and utilizing available community resources.
• Providing job placement assistance to eligible and job‑ready consumers.
• Maintaining contact with medical professionals, community organizations, employers, and other service providers.
• Managing assigned fiscal allocations under supervision for consumer services.
• Maintaining accurate case documentation.
• Performing related duties as assigned.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 0-2 years of experience.

• Conducting consumer interviews and assessments.
• Determining eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Developing and monitoring individualized rehabilitation plans.
• Coordinating services and community resources for consumers who are blind or visually impaired.
• Providing counseling, guidance, and job placement assistance.
• Managing assigned caseloads and maintaining timely case documentation.
• Communicating with consumers, medical professionals, service providers, employers, community organizations, and agency staff.
• Using computers, case management systems, and applicable software.
• Managing assigned consumer service resources under supervision.
• Maintaining professional relationships and confidentiality.
• Supporting consumers throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Performing related professional vocational rehabilitation duties as assigned.

• Health/Prescription Insurance: Eligible employees can participate in the state’s health and prescription insurance program with single or family coverage and affordable co‑payments.
• Wellness Benefits: Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program providing annual benefits for certain services with first‑dollar coverage and no deductible.
• Life Insurance: All eligible employees receive a term life insurance policy covering two times the annual salary up to $100,000.
• Optional Insurances: Discounted premiums may be available for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees may participate in pre‑tax spending accounts for childcare and unreimbursed medical expenses.
• Paid Personal and Sick Leave: Full‑time employees accrue approximately 18 days of personal leave and 12 days of sick leave annually after one month of employment.
• Military Leave: Employees serving in the armed forces are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
• Holidays: Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays.
• Retirement Programs: State employees are part of a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution retirement program, becoming vested after eight years of employment.
• Deferred Compensation: Opportunities to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan.
• State Credit Union: All state employees may join the Mississippi Public Employees’ Credit Union.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Opportunities to receive reimbursement for higher education in fields such as medical, nursing, accounting, and business/administrative.
• Career Development and Training: Management and administrative certification programs, professional development courses, and technical training are available.
• Promotional Opportunities: Employees with at least six months of service and meeting minimum qualifications are eligible for promotion.
• Career Ladders: Career‑ladder opportunities available based on competencies and available funds.