Career Counseling Specialist; VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist

Career Counseling Specialist (VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist)

The Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is hiring a Career Counseling Specialist to assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining meaningful employment by providing career counseling, supporting personal and workplace adjustment, and helping clients explore their strengths and career options.

Location:

84th & O St, Lincoln, NE

Salary:

• Pay Grade 5: $25.603/hour (Service Specialist – Bachelor’s degree)
• Pay Grade 7: $30.979/hour (Rehabilitation Specialist – Master’s degree)

• Conduct employment discussion and career exploration; assess client strengths and barriers, vocational interests, aptitude, skills, preferences, and values.
• Prepare cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by reviewing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.
• Develop and manage Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) and employment outcome determinations.
• Advise and instruct clients in informed decision‑making, interpersonal, educational, and vocational skills.
• Monitor and advocate for client progress to support efficient follow‑through by team members and providers.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, community referral sources, and one‑stop centers.
• Provide outreach and information about vocational rehabilitation to the community, including referral.
• Recommend the purchase of goods and services for clients in accordance with established fiscal policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular & reliable attendance, possess a valid driver’s license and travel independently; work in a variety of settings.

• Prepare and approve cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by analyzing and synthesizing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.
• Develop, manage, and approve Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) and employment outcome determinations.

Approximately 80% of work time is spent in an office environment; the remaining 20% is spent in the community. Employees may be asked, within reason, to use their own personal vehicles for travel. About two days of overnight travel per year.

Minimum Qualifications

• Service Specialist: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of work experience related to the essential functions.
• Rehabilitation Specialist: Master’s degree with emphasis in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling and Guidance, or a related field that provides competence in the employment sector, in a disability field, or both.

Preferred Qualifications

• Service Specialist: Experience working with, and advocating for, people with disabilities; ability to manage high volume of cases and provide case management services while collaborating with a variety of stakeholders.
• Rehabilitation Specialist: Master’s degree in a related field and progressively responsible experience working with, and advocating for, people with significant disabilities; ability to mentor others in managing high volume of cases and providing quality case management services.

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, retirement.
• 79% employer‑paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short‑term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, etc.
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each), plus a variety of other leave types.
• 156% state‑matched retirement with a guaranteed 5% return.
• Thirteen paid holidays per year.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.