Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE ** Final classification of Sr./Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (GH-I or GH-H) will be determined at the time of hire, based on the incumbent's experience and qualifications for the position. **
Job ID: 31717
Agency: Department of Human Services
Location:Rapid City, SDSalary: $24.41-$31.31Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: GH - GI
Closing Date: 6/23/25
This is a Full-Time 40 Hour Weekly position with the Department of Human Services. For more information on the Department of Human Services Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDBVI), please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en/sbvi .
About DHS:
The South Dakota Department of Human Services encompasses a broad field dedicated to offering services that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Our programs promote independence and inclusion through person-centered services. DHS comes together with the common goal of bettering the lives of South Dakotans.
DHS strives to create an environment where people are inspired and challenged to create excellence, grow their skills, discover advancement opportunities, and are rewarded for their contributions. Join our team as we focus on helping our fellow human beings overcome adversity and reach their full potential.
Our Benefits Include:
- 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
Click to view additional benefits information: https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/index.html .
Job Summary:
See What You Can Do! We are seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to work with individuals with vision impairments who require vocational rehabilitation services to obtain or maintain employment. This position manages a dedicated caseload of adults and students with vision loss in Rapid City and surrounding areas, travel to assigned territory is required. This position will also provide independent living services to assist individuals with vision loss to increase independence to remain in their home and community across the same territory. This position will positively impact the lives of people with vision loss by providing counseling, guidance, encouragement, and hope.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is a key position in the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, located within the Department of Human Services. Our leadership team provides the necessary training and supports to support the Division's mission to provide individualized rehabilitation services that result in optimal employment and independent living outcomes for citizens who are blind or visually impaired. Training and support occur in a variety of ways, including individualized training, hands-on experience, classroom and online training, and mentoring. SBVI supports entry level counselors to pursue a master's degree leading to promotion to senior counselor. Examples of some of the job duties include:
• Meet with prospective applicants to provide information about our program and assist with the application process.
• Request and review medical and/or psychological records to make an appropriate eligibility determination.
• Provide guidance and counseling to clients as they navigate through the process of identifying and pursuing their employment and/or independent living goals.
• Maintain documentation related to the individuals progress made toward their chosen goals.
• Authorize expenditures to purchase items and services necessary in pursuit of the person's goals.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with referral sources such as optometrists, ophthalmologists, employers, state agencies and local school districts.
Licenses and Certifications: To be eligible to be hired at the Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor level (GI), the applicant must be a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Those without this certification will still be considered for the position of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (GH)
The Ideal Candidate Will Have: - A bachelor's degree in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, human services, special education, or similar education.
- High ethical standards and an understanding of client confidentiality.
- Experience or willingness to learn about eye diseases, vision impairments, and impact on employment and living independently.
- An understanding of adult learning techniques and principles of adult instruction, especially those with visual impairments and other disabilities.
Knowledge of:
- Cultural differences when working with people of diverse backgrounds; including those with disabilities.
- Technology and accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment settings.
- Services and resources available in the community for individuals with disabilities.
Skill to:
- Write concise and accurate case documentation and correspondence.
- Manage a caseload of clients in an independent and timely manner.
- Work effectively with businesses, service providers, and clients.
- Use Microsoft Office products, computerized case management and electronic filing systems.
Ability to:
- Understand medical, academic, and vocational reports.
- Analyze occupational and labor market data.
- Develop empathic, composed, and appropriate client-counselor relationships.
- Evaluate the clients progress towards their goals for achieving success.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and college transcript. 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. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. 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. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1R0
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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