Job Details

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Education - Agency 13

Location:
Omaha, NE

Hiring Rate:
$24.975

Job Posting:
JR2025-#######6 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):
04-24-2025

Job Description:
Nebraska VR is seeking a Counseling Specialist to join our team in downtown Omaha. In this role, you will work with adult clients to achieve their employment goals through career counseling, personal adjustment guidance, and career exploration opportunities. You'll also assist clients with utilizing technology to enhance their workplace performance. You will be part of an experienced team with plenty of training and resources to help you succeed.

We're looking for someone who values working independently, thrives on problem-solving, and has exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. If you have a proactive mindset, think creatively to overcome barriers, enjoy building meaningful relationships, and are passionate about supporting others in their career journey-we'd love to hear from you!

Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 13th & Farnam St, Omaha, 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: $24.975/hour ($25.287/hour after pay structure increases on June 30, 2025).
• Successful candidates with a master's degree will be hired as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Pay Grade 7: $30.219/hour ($30.597/hour after pay structure increases on June 30, 2025).

Teammates Enjoy

In 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

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
  • 79% 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 types
  • 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that's $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

Essential Functions

• Conducts employment discussion and career exploration to assess client strengths and barriers, vocational interests, aptitude, skills, preferences, and values.
• Maintains caseload including clients with hearing impairments and clients requiring home or vehicle modifications.
• Determines and prepares case 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 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.
• 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 80% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 20% 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 2 days of overnight travel per year.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum 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.

Benefits

We 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:

Equal Opportunity Statement

The 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.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.