Rehabilitation Counselor

State of North Carolina

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Rehabilitation Counselor position designs and delivers vocational rehabilitation or independent living services for individuals with one or more disabilities by evaluating diagnostic data, determining eligibility and functional capabilities, and developing comprehensive, client‑centered service plans. The role functions as an independent practitioner responsible for administering a full range of case services, including case activations, written plan development, encumbering funds and monitoring case budgets, information and referral, supportive and vocational counseling, and case closures. The counselor manages a diverse caseload across disability categories such as mental health, intellectual and cognitive disabilities, substance use, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and transition‑age youth. Work is performed in collaboration with clients, families, and specialty providers and may include overseeing paraprofessional support, job development, direct job placement, and activities that support competitive employment or improved independent living outcomes.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from an appropriately accredited institution; or a master’s degree in a related human services field from an appropriately accredited institution OR A current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated expertise interpreting medical and psychological diagnostic data to assess functional capabilities and support development of client service plans, applying intermediate‑level analytical proficiency.
• Proven skill developing and implementing written rehabilitation or independent living plans that integrate diagnostic findings, defined service activities, and measurable client goals.
• Proficiency administering case service budgets, including encumbering funds, tracking expenditures, and maintaining accurate fiscal documentation throughout the service cycle.
• Extensive experience delivering supportive and vocational counseling aligned to individualized client needs, demonstrated through structured guidance that advances employment or independent living outcomes.
• Documented capability coordinating multidisciplinary service delivery by maintaining effective communication with clients, family members, specialty providers, and support staff involved in case management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct diagnostic and functional reviews to determine client eligibility and service needs, documenting findings to inform rehabilitation or independent living plans.
• Develop individualized written service plans in collaboration with clients, specifying services, timelines, and measurable goals aligned to functional capabilities.
• Activate cases and coordinate information and referral services to connect clients with appropriate community resources and specialty providers.
• Encumber case service funds and monitor budgets throughout the service cycle to ensure accurate expenditure tracking and fiscal compliance.
• Provide supportive and vocational counseling that aligns services with client capabilities and targeted employment or independent living outcomes.
• Manage caseloads spanning multiple disability categories; track progress and adjust plans based on client response and changing needs.
• Perform or oversee job development and direct job placement activities, including employer outreach to support competitive employment goals.
• Guide and direct paraprofessional or support staff in case monitoring, client service coordination, and documentation standards.
• Provide direct instruction to clients to build skills, knowledge, and attitudes that support employment or independent living.
• Mentor new counselors, practicum students, or interns when assigned, ensuring consistent application of casework methodology and service delivery practices.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level