Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - Northeast Region

Job Overview

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) assists individuals with disabilities in the Northeast Region of Ohio to acquire job-related skills and secure competitive integrated employment. Working with participants, the VRC evaluates vocational eligibility, interprets diagnostic information, and collaborates with support teams to develop individualized employment plans.

• Interview individuals with disabilities to gather detailed information about their work history and medical situation.
• Determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Interpret diagnostic information to assess participant needs.
• Counsel individuals and their families regarding strengths and limitations based on diagnostic information.
• Guide participants toward increased functioning and mutually agreeable vocational goals.
• Collaborate with community providers to assist participants in achieving goals.
• Develop comprehensive individualized plans for employment (IPE) for participants.

• Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, business administration, human resources, economics or a related field and 24 months of direct work experience with individuals with disabilities.
• OR Master’s degree in any of the above fields with at least 12 months of direct work experience with individuals with disabilities.
• Certification requirements:
  Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) qualify for a starting hourly rate of $32.69; otherwise the starting hourly rate is $29.95.

Starting hourly rate: $29.95, subject to law or union contract requirements. Certified professionals receive $32.69/hour. Pay progression occurs after six months and annually thereafter, with cost‑of‑living adjustments and longevity supplements after five years.

• Akron BSVI/BVR – 172 S. Broadway, Akron, OH 44308
• OOD Lakewood (Cleveland) – 14725 Detroit Avenue, Suite 202, Lakewood, OH 44107

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums after eligibility period
• Paid time off (vacation, personal, sick leave) and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities (employee development funds, public service loan forgiveness)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation programs

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The agency strives to hire, sustain and promote a workforce that reflects and supports the diverse Ohioans it serves.