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Empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the SEIU/1199 Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

Applicants for this position MUST be proficient in sign language

  Prior to appointment, applicants will be required to demonstrate fluent communication skills in American Sign Language or other non-verbal means of communication (e.g. manually coded-English, etc.)  A person without fluent skills will not be eligible for appointment.

ASL Hourly: $26.23 OR $28.62 with CRC, LPC, LPCC or LISW

Vacancy locations include:

Canton:  816 30th Street NW Canton 44709

Columbus: 4300 East Broad Street Whitehall 43213

   Mansfield: 800 Park Avenue West, Suite 105, Mansfield 44906

Now accepting applications for American Sign Language Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

   $26.23 Hourly

Who We Are:

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is a State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence.  We are also charged with making determinations on Social Security disability. 

What We Do:

OOD works with partners to facilitate customized employment plans for Ohioans with disabilities, helps Ohio companies recruit and retain employees with disabilities and we are the sole agency administering the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs in Ohio.  To learn more about OOD click here.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

OOD’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible individuals with disabilities to assist them to attain and maintain competitive integrated employment.  OOD works with adults seeking to enter the workforce or retain a job, and with youth beginning at age 14 to assist them as they transition from high school into college and/or the workplace.  For more information click here.

What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Do?

Counsels individuals toward increased functioning and mutually agreeable vocational goals; interviews individuals to gather detailed information about their work history, disability related-limitations and barriers to employment, as well as other information needed to understand an individual’s unique circumstances; interprets diagnostic information; determines eligibility for services; counsels individuals and their support system regarding strengths and limitations based upon diagnostic information; develops individualized plans for employment based on informed choice; Maintains fiscal responsibility including the coordination and purchasing of necessary services from providers.  As a VRC, you will learn about rehabilitation counseling, programs related to individuals with disabilities, labor market information and trends, and employment barriers & accommodations.

A Successful Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

• Is able to effectively provide counseling services to individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Is able to utilize technologies (e.g., computer skills, virtual meetings, smartphones).
• Is able to operate, adapt and complete daily tasks in a virtual environment
• Is highly organized with efficient time management skills.
• Is able to conduct research, analyze technical material and interpret results.
• Has outstanding public relations and customer service skills.
• Is able to work collaboratively and develop rapport with others.
• Has an understanding of local labor market information and trends.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Mission Statement:

The mission of OOD is to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. OOD strives to hire, sustain, and promote a workforce that not only embraces this mission but is also reflective of the rich diversity of the Ohioans we serve.

OOD considers diversity comprehensively, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and all other human dynamics that shape creative perspective and professional experience.

OOD is intentional in cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued, as demonstrated by the way we treat all individuals.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Join Our Team, Apply Today!

Follow us on social media @OhioOOD

Qualifications

Applicants for this position MUST be proficient in American Sign Language.

Master’s degree in in vocational rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, or related rehabilitation or human services area;

Or, Master’s degree in business administration, human resources, law, management, public administration or related field which provides competence in the employment sector &/or the field of disability; 12 months direct work experience with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center) or 12 months experience providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities.

Or, Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, special education, business administration, human resources, economics or related rehabilitation or human services area; 24 months experience direct work with individuals with disabilities (e.g. Independent Living Center or 24 months providing direct service or advocacy activities with individuals with disabilities.

Note: Education & experience per Code of Federal Regulations Title 34-Subtitle B-Chapter III-Part 361-Subpart B-361.18

Knowledge of: Budgeting, Public Relations, Human Relations (e.g. understanding multi-cultural aspects of counseling), Agency Policies & Procedures* (e.g. eligibility criteria, individualized plan for employment, supported employment), Government Structure & Process* (e.g. federal & state laws, rules, regulations, policies & procedures relating to vocational rehabilitation programs & caseload management practices), Counseling, Interviewing, Social Sciences (e.g. medical & psychological conditions, diagnoses, course of treatment & assessment).

Skill in: Word Processing (e.g. Microsoft Office applications, related agency specific software*), Equipment Operations (e.g. general office equipment, computer & peripheral equipment).

Ability to: Deal with many variables & determine specific actions (e.g. develops comprehensive individual vocational rehabilitation plans based on outcomes of counseling & assessment activities), Use statistical analysis, Prepare & deliver speeches before specialized audiences & general public, Develop complex reports & position papers, (e.g. case management, service plans, diagnostic information, labor market information), Gather, collate & classify information about data, people or things, Handle sensitive inquiries from contacts with officials & general public, Travel.

(*) Developed after employment

Applications must clearly indicate how the applicant meets the minimum qualification for the position.  If you meet minimum qualification due to educational achievement, you must submit a copy of your unofficial transcript(s) with your application by the posting deadline. All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by information provided in the work experience &/or education sections on your civil service application. Please do not use “see resume” as a substitution for the completed application; assumptions will not be made. Internal applicants, information in your personnel file does not supplement the need to attach by the posting deadline.  If you don’t demonstrate how you meet minimum qualifications in the supplemental questions, your application will automatically be disqualified from consideration.

This documentation can be submitted by attaching to the supplemental attachments with your online application or by email to OOD.HRSelections@ood.ohio.gov. Indicate title and requisition number 210007I6  in the subject line of your email.

Selection Process: Position(s) are filled through a two-part process, which consists of a computerized assessment and structured interview.  All parts of the assessment will be administered remotely at this time. Testing for this position is tentatively scheduled  to be held the week of October 18th.  

Application Status: You can check the status of your application online by signing into your profile through careers.ohio.gov. The application status is shown to the right of the position title(s) to which you have applied along with the application submission details. Questions pertaining to things other than your application status can be directed to ood.hrselections@ood.ohio.gov.

Technical Assistance: Applicants experiencing technical issues should send an email to careers@ohio.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation: Please contact the Human Resources Office at ood.hrselections@ood.ohio.gov so proper arrangements can be made. Otherwise, you will be given specific instructions on requesting an accommodation if you are invited to an assessment.

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The final applicant selected for this position will be required to undergo a drug screen prior to final offer. The State will decline to extend a final offer of employment to any applicant with a verified positive test result. Also, an applicant with a positive test result will not be considered for any position with the State of Ohio for a period of one year.