Career Counseling Specialist (VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist)

Job Description

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Education - Agency 13Location: Norfolk, NEHiring Rate:$25.287Job Posting:JR2026-00022155 Career Counseling Specialist (VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist) (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):01-24-2026Job Description:Looking for work that truly matters? Nebraska VR is hiring a Career Counseling Specialist to join a fun, supportive team and assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining employment. In this role, you'll provide career counseling, offer guidance on personal and workplace adjustment, and help clients explore their strengths and career options. We're looking for someone who's empathic and passionate about helping people grow through meaningful employment opportunities. If you're a great communicator, love solving problems creatively, and enjoy building strong relationships with both clients and community partners, this could be the perfect fit. Come be part of a team that believes in potential and helps people realize theirs. Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located in Norfolk, NE.Pay Rates:The available salary rate for this position is dependent on education and is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.Successful candidates with a bachelor's degree will be hired as a Service Specialist, Pay Grade 5: $25.287/hourSuccessful candidates with a master's degree will be hired as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Pay Grade 7: $30.597/hourTeammates EnjoyIn addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $24,500 - $26,900 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefitsCompetitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types156% state-matched retirement (yes, that's $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% returnThirteen paid holidays per yearEssential FunctionsConducts employment discussion and career exploration to assess client strengths and barriers, vocational interests, aptitude, skills, preferences, and values.Prepares cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by reviewing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.Develops and manages Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.Advises and instructs people with disabilities in informed decision making, interpersonal, educational, and vocational skills.Monitors and advocates for client progress to support efficient follow through by team members and providers to ensure client success.Develops and maintains partnerships with employers, community referral sources, and one-stop centers.Provides outreach and information about vocational rehabilitation to the community, including referral sources and schools.Visits assigned high schools to meet with school staff and students with disabilities.Recommends the purchase of goods and services for clients in accordance with established fiscal policies and procedures.Rehabilitation Specialist Additional Functions: Including the functions above, Rehabilitation Specialists also perform the Essential Functions below.Prepares and approves 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.Develops, manages, and approves Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.Working Conditions and Travel:This position requires approximately 60% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 40% of work time is spent in the community. Employees may be asked, within reason, to use their own personal vehicles for travel. There is also approximately five days of overnight travel per year.Requirements / QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Service Specialist: Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least one year of work experience related to the essential functions of the position.Rehabilitation Specialist: Master's degree with emphasis in one of the following areas: Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling and Guidance, or another field that reasonably 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 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.If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov. If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefitsEqual Opportunity StatementThe 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.