Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities develop job skills and find employment. Most positions require a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field, making this role eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1-3 In Training
The job of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is suited for the person that has a commitment to the economic prosperity of students, youth and adults with disabilities who are seeking good-paying jobs and advancement in their careers. You provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management services to assist people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. Join the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and our hard-working team of professionals as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1-3 in Training.
In cooperation with other agencies and service providers, you will work with customers to complete comprehensive assessments and develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to achieve their employment goals. In this role, you will independently provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management to a caseload of students, youth, and adults with disabilities to assist them in achieving a competitive employment outcome.
Some of what you will be doing:
- You will learn to serve a caseload of 50-110 DVR customers.
- Determine each customer’s eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services necessary to achieve their employment goal.
- Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and support.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of customer needs identifying the disability-related barriers to employment that require VR services.
- Arrange and interpret results of diagnostic testing and other vocational rehabilitation assessment tools; obtain benefit reports and interpret results to assist and counsel customers.
- Assist customers in developing and implementing an Individual Plan for Employment and monitor progress toward completion of employment goals.
- Maintain close working relationships with those who jointly serve DVR customers; promote DVR programs to the public and employers and conduct outreach in the community to share information about DVR services.
- Lead group orientations, workshops, and related activities to facilitate informed choices and prepare customers for employment.
Who should apply:
- Current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
- Or a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of people with disabilities).
- Or a master's degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses, plus 6 months of paid/unpaid vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling experience.
Or
- Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or reasonably related field, and accepted or enrolled in a rehabilitation counseling or related master's program that will be completed within two years, plus one year paid/unpaid experience consisting of:
- Direct work with people with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center.
- Or direct service or advocacy activities that provide you with experience and skills in working with persons with disabilities.
- Or direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in education, human resources, recruiting, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in integrated employment environments or in areas that assist others find employment (i.e. WorkSource).
Click here for a complete list of desired qualifications. If you are currently enrolled (or accepted to an accredited vocational rehab master’s program), you may qualify for tuition reimbursement. Please discuss this at the time of interview.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Apply technical knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of disabling conditions, labor market information, transferable skills evaluations, assistive technology, and job modifications.
- Assist customers in exercising informed choices to make collaborative decisions that are consistent with appropriate vocational rehabilitation practice.
- Support customers in developing a wide variety of social, educational, and financial resources to reach their employment goals by applying multiple counseling techniques to meet the varied needs of customers.
- Manage multiple and competing priorities within prescribed time limits.
- Negotiate with vendors and collaborate with other rehabilitation professionals.
The goal class for this role described above is for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3. We may consider applicants at the VRC1 or VRC2 level, with a training plan to advance to a VRC3. Education and experience are the difference between qualifications at each level and evaluated by the hiring team. Starting salary depends on your qualifications. Thoroughly submitted application documents will assist in determining your experience and education in this area.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Questions? Please contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and reference #07086.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1-3 In Training
The job of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is suited for the person that has a commitment to the economic prosperity of students, youth and adults with disabilities who are seeking good-paying jobs and advancement in their careers. You provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management services to assist people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. Join the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and our hard-working team of professionals as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 1-3 in Training.
In cooperation with other agencies and service providers, you will work with customers to complete comprehensive assessments and develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to achieve their employment goals. In this role, you will independently provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management to a caseload of students, youth, and adults with disabilities to assist them in achieving a competitive employment outcome.
Some of what you will be doing:
- You will learn to serve a caseload of 50-110 DVR customers.
- Determine each customer’s eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services necessary to achieve their employment goal.
- Provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and support.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of customer needs identifying the disability-related barriers to employment that require VR services.
- Arrange and interpret results of diagnostic testing and other vocational rehabilitation assessment tools; obtain benefit reports and interpret results to assist and counsel customers.
- Assist customers in developing and implementing an Individual Plan for Employment and monitor progress toward completion of employment goals.
- Maintain close working relationships with those who jointly serve DVR customers; promote DVR programs to the public and employers and conduct outreach in the community to share information about DVR services.
- Lead group orientations, workshops, and related activities to facilitate informed choices and prepare customers for employment.
Who should apply:
- Current Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
- Or a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, counseling, or a field related to vocational rehabilitation (such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of people with disabilities).
- Or a master's degree with at least 18 quarter or 12 semester credit hours of rehabilitation counseling courses, plus 6 months of paid/unpaid vocational counseling, job placement, vocational assessment, or other areas of rehabilitation counseling experience.
Or
- Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or reasonably related field, and accepted or enrolled in a rehabilitation counseling or related master's program that will be completed within two years, plus one year paid/unpaid experience consisting of:
- Direct work with people with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center.
- Or direct service or advocacy activities that provide you with experience and skills in working with persons with disabilities.
- Or direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in education, human resources, recruiting, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in integrated employment environments or in areas that assist others find employment (i.e. WorkSource).
Click here for a complete list of desired qualifications. If you are currently enrolled (or accepted to an accredited vocational rehab master’s program), you may qualify for tuition reimbursement. Please discuss this at the time of interview.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Apply technical knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of disabling conditions, labor market information, transferable skills evaluations, assistive technology, and job modifications.
- Assist customers in exercising informed choices to make collaborative decisions that are consistent with appropriate vocational rehabilitation practice.
- Support customers in developing a wide variety of social, educational, and financial resources to reach their employment goals by applying multiple counseling techniques to meet the varied needs of customers.
- Manage multiple and competing priorities within prescribed time limits.
- Negotiate with vendors and collaborate with other rehabilitation professionals.
The goal class for this role described above is for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 3. We may consider applicants at the VRC1 or VRC2 level, with a training plan to advance to a VRC3. Education and experience are the difference between qualifications at each level and evaluated by the hiring team. Starting salary depends on your qualifications. Thoroughly submitted application documents will assist in determining your experience and education in this area.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Questions? Please contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and reference #07086.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Target state agencies and universities
Government agencies, state vocational rehabilitation departments, and university disability services offices frequently sponsor H-1B visas and have experience with the process for counseling positions.
Emphasize your specialized training
Highlight coursework in disability assessment, assistive technology, and vocational evaluation. These specialized skills strengthen the specialty occupation requirement for visa approval.
Get certified before applying
Obtain Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credentials early. Many employers prefer this certification, and it demonstrates specialized knowledge required for H-1B qualification.
Consider healthcare systems
Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare networks often need vocational counselors for their disability programs and have established visa sponsorship processes.
Focus on direct-service roles
Clinical positions providing direct counseling services to clients are more likely to qualify for sponsorship than administrative or supervisory roles.
Apply during off-peak seasons
Many rehabilitation facilities have lower turnover in summer months. Applying in fall or winter may face less competition from other candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master's degree for H-1B sponsorship as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor?
Yes, most positions require a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, or a closely related field. Some employers may accept a bachelor's degree plus extensive experience, but the master's requirement makes visa approval much more straightforward.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor visas for rehabilitation counselors?
State vocational rehabilitation agencies, university disability services centers, and large healthcare systems sponsor most frequently. These organizations have established HR processes and legal resources to handle visa applications effectively.
How to find Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus on healthcare systems, rehabilitation hospitals, government agencies, and disability services organizations that commonly sponsor H-1B visa and other work visas. These employers often need qualified counselors to help clients with disabilities achieve employment goals and frequently sponsor international candidates with relevant qualifications.
Does my degree need to specifically say 'rehabilitation counseling' for visa approval?
Not necessarily. Degrees in clinical psychology, social work, or counseling psychology with relevant coursework often qualify. USCIS looks for specialized training in disability assessment, vocational evaluation, and rehabilitation planning rather than exact degree titles.
What's the H-1B approval rate for rehabilitation counselor positions?
Counseling positions generally see good approval rates when properly documented. The key is demonstrating that the role requires specialized knowledge in rehabilitation techniques, assistive technology, and disability law that comes from advanced education.
Can I get sponsored if I don't have the CRC certification yet?
Yes, but certification strengthens your case significantly. Many employers will sponsor candidates who commit to obtaining CRC credentials within a specified timeframe after starting employment. The certification demonstrates the specialized nature of the role.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.