DSHS DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Lead

Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring for a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. As a Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you will help people with disabilities achieve their goals of employment and independence. This role is about more than finding jobs; it’s about helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

You’ll lead complex vocational rehabilitation work, serving as a subject‑matter expert for counselors and staff. Your guidance ensures services are effective, consistent, and tailored to each client’s needs. In this position, you’ll combine professional counseling skills, knowledge of employment resources, and leadership abilities to improve outcomes for Washingtonians.

Flexible hybrid work schedule is available after the initial onboarding period is complete.

• Regularly assign work, instruct, check work, coach other DVR staff, and maintain office coverage.
• Act in the absence of the VR Supervisor.
• Maintain current knowledge of WIOA and its impact on partnership practices.
• Integrate DVR service delivery with other core programs under WIOA.
• Provide advanced vocational rehabilitation counseling tailored to each client.
• Determine eligibility by gathering and analyzing relevant information.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic testing.
• Develop, approve, and monitor individualized employment plans aligned with client goals and program requirements.
• Offer guidance, support, and post‑employment services to help clients and employers achieve long‑term success.
• Obtain and interpret benefit analysis reports to support client decision‑making.
• Manage case service funds responsibly.
• Document and track client progress in the Service Tracking and Reporting System.
• Train, coach, and mentor other counselors, providing support on complex cases.
• Represent the office with employers, community partners, and professional forums.

• Four years of paid experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or similar paid experience in vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other rehabilitation counseling areas; experience may be gained before or after obtaining qualifying education or CRCC certification.
• One year of paid experience may be substituted with unpaid experience, including: direct work with people with disabilities in an independent living center; direct service or advocacy activities that provide experience and skills in working with people with disabilities; direct experience as an employer, small business owner/operator, or in self‑employment, or experience in human resources, recruitment, or supervising employees.

• Current certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC); or
• A master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a related field that promotes the well‑being of people with disabilities; or
• A master’s degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses.

• Advanced knowledge of DVR service delivery policies.
• Leadership skills with effective staff support and program improvement.
• Knowledge of employer expectations for hiring students and individuals with disabilities.
• Time‑management ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Technology proficiency with MS Office, Outlook, browsers, and DVR‑specific applications.
• Counseling techniques adaptable to diverse client needs.

Questions? Please contact sean.brauner.gov and reference #01141.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check may be considered in determining applicant suitability.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or