Job Description

At the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, we are passionate about creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment where we value our differences and are committed to being open and respectful to all our employees and the public we serve. Our Department provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

This itinerant position carries out a comprehensive range of vocational rehabilitation counseling services to a diverse population of individuals who are low vision or blind, including students in transition and adults pursuing training and employment within an assigned geographic area. The professional will work with vocational rehabilitation (VR) customers, businesses, community partners, and service providers to facilitate competitive integrated employment (CIE) that provides substantial gainful activity for the customer with opportunities for advancement. The professional will develop referral sources for the territory assigned and will be responsible for maintaining or increasing their caseload as determined by their supervisor. The professional will develop individualized plans for employment (IPEs) using SMART goals, engaging the customer in a timely manner, adequately documenting the customer journey, and entering key data elements accurately, including gathering source documentation as appropriate. The professional in this role must be familiar with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and its implementing regulations (the Rehab Act) and adhere to and apply BSBP policy and procedure.

The official workstation for this position will be the successful candidate’s home. The position serves counties in the Mid-Michigan area. Washtenaw, Livingston, Jackson, and Hillsdale.

This is an itinerant position that requires travel, and subject to LEO Remote Work Policy, with access to the Lansing Regional Office, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909. All work must be performed in Michigan. If you currently reside outside of Michigan, you must relocate in or near the assigned service territory to perform the duties of this position.

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Required Education and Experience

Education
Possession of a master’s degree with a major in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, guidance and counseling, special education, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical therapy
Experience
Rehabilitation Counselor 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Rehabilitation Counselor 10
One year of professional experience providing rehabilitation counseling services equivalent to a Rehabilitation Counselor 9.
Rehabilitation Counselor P11
Two years of professional experience providing rehabilitation counseling services equivalent to a Rehabilitation Counselor, including one year equivalent to a Rehabilitation Counselor 10; or, three years of professional experience providing rehabilitation services coordination equivalent to a Rehabilitation Services Coordinator, including one year equivalent to a Rehabilitation Services Coordinator P11.

Additional Requirements and Information

Applicants who possess a degree from a foreign college or university must have their academic credentials evaluated or converted into U.S. educational equivalents unless the degree has been recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Go to evaluators for a list of accepted organizations that evaluate foreign credentials. Failure to provide this evaluation at the time of application may result in you being screened out of the process.

Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.
All classified employees are subject to Civil Service Rule 2-8 Ethical Standards and Conduct and will be expected to disclose any personal and financial interests that may conflict with official duties as a classified employee.

All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test prior to their actual appointment. Certain positions within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may also require state criminal, fingerprint-based and driving record background checks. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the background checks and drug test indicate eligibility for employment.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Applications must be submitted through NEOGOV. If you have questions or need assistance uploading and/or attaching your documents, please contact the NEOGOV applicant support at 855-524-5627.

State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.

Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.

Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.

Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.

Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.

Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.

Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.

Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.

Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.

Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.

Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.

Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.

Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.

Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.

Updated: 2/28/24