Rehabilitation Counselor or Senior Rehabilitation Counselor

Job Summary

A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provides services to individuals with disabilities who need assistance to obtain or maintain employment. Key job functions consist of making eligibility decisions, developing employment plans, approving services, and providing vocational rehabilitation counseling. Travel will be required to deliver services in the assigned territory. This position is typically 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

• Make eligibility decisions for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Develop and monitor employment plans for clients.
• Approve services and provide vocational rehabilitation counseling.
• Travel to deliver services in the assigned territory.

The candidate must have at a minimum a baccalaureate degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation or human service field of people. Ideal candidate will also have experience and understanding of service options for people with disabilities.

• Social, economic, and vocational issues impacting individuals with disabilities;
• Effective techniques for working with people who have a variety of disabilities and want to enter the workforce;
• Cultural differences when working with people of diverse backgrounds;
• Disability assessments and their applications;
• Technology and accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment settings; and
• Services and resources available in the community for individuals with disabilities.

• Prepare clear, informative reports;
• Effectively communicate with people with disabilities;
• Manage a full caseload of clients in an independent and timely manner; and
• Work effectively with businesses, service providers, and clients.

• Understand medical, academic, and vocational reports;
• Establish effective working relationships with individuals with disabilities, family members, and various professionals;
• Maintain composure in stressful situations and constructively resolve conflict;
• Learn counseling techniques used in the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities;
• Analyze occupational and labor market data;
• Collaborate with community resources in development of employment planning; and
• Use a computerized case management and filing system.

• 15 days/120 Hours of Vacation Leave
• 14 days/112 Hours of Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee health insurance includes plan with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage
• Flexible Benefits - Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Critical Illness and more
• Paid Parental & Family Medical Leave
• 6% Fully Matched Retirement Plan
• Reduced Tuition for In-State Colleges/Universities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Continued Education/Training Opportunities

Closing Date: 9/29/25

Location:

Rapid City or Spearfish, SD

Salary: $25.27-$31.31 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Agency:
Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services

Job Type: Full-Time, 40 Hours Weekly

To view more information on the Department of Human Services, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-services

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08. NCRC:
If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. A certificate is not necessary to be considered. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. E-Verify will be used upon hire.

Must apply online: -stateofsout

EEO Statement:
The State of South Dakota is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact:
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources | Tel:  | Email: careers.us | /workforus

Class A retirement under SDRS.