Vocational Counselor Jobs
Vocational Counselor jobs are open across public agencies, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and educational institutions, at every level from entry-level to program director, with specializations in rehabilitation counseling, career development, and disability services. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 77+ Vocational Counselor jobs
Job Description
This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
The Department for the Blind (IDB) is searching for experienced candidates for the position of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. As a member of a team of 10 vocational rehabilitation counselors, this position will be based in Sioux City or within northwest Iowa. The individual will travel to serve and manage a caseload of approximately 40-50 adult clients who are blind or have low vision in the northwest region of the state.
Following successful completion of the orientation and training activities, the position will be housed in the state of Iowa. The training for this position is a minimum of 14 weeks and is completed in Des Moines, Iowa. If the individual can demonstrate existing skills and supervisor and training instructor agree, the individual may be able to test out of certain aspects of training.
This position is responsible for assisting clients who are blind or have low vision to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. The position provides counseling and guidance and ensures that clients receive training in the alternative techniques of blindness in order for the individual to make a positive adjustment to blindness and successfully pursue their vocational goals.Ideal candidates will have a solid understanding of vocational rehabilitation services, including career development strategies, be able to conduct interviews and observations, in addition to developing plans, partnering with service providers, employers and education professionals and providing access to successful job placement. In addition, strong documentation, organization and time management skills are essential to the position.
Case Management
- Independently prioritize workload to maximize effective utilization of time, resources, and agency assets. This position covers a territory of several counties in northwest Iowa and requires frequent travel and overnight stays,
- Submit necessary reports, case recordings, authorizations, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.
- Maintain client files and other records in an organized and specified format.
Application and Eligibility Determination
- Interview applicant, consult with family, and contact other sources such as ophthalmologists, community partners, and employers to procure visual, medical, psychological, social and educational information.
- Determines eligibility for services, assesses vocational, social and medical needs through appropriate testing and medical reports.
Plan Development/Counseling and Guidance/Plan Implementation
- Provide guidance and counseling regarding client’s personal and vocational adjustment throughout the rehabilitation process.
- Assist clients through informed choice in determining appropriate vocational goals and serves as a resource for clients seeking information regarding employment and employment goals.
- Maintains a working knowledge of assistive technology and reasonable accommodations.
- Assist clients to obtain an employment outcome using a variety of job development and job placement strategies including contacting employers, assessing employers’ needs, and providing resources and education to employers and clients.
- Counsel and guide clients in the establishment of self-employment goals.
Public Awareness and Education
- Advocate, consult, advise, educate, mediate, and intercede with service providers, employers, and the general public.
- Develop and maintain referral sources by providing information and resources through personal contacts, written communication and presentations.
Essential Functions
- Interpret and analyze assessment data to develop goals and activities for individual plans of employment.
- It is the policy of the Iowa Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
- Provide pre-employment transition services including job exploration counseling, work-based learning opportunities, workplace readiness training, counseling opportunities for post-secondary educational programs, and instruction in self-advocacy/peer mentoring to students with disabilities.
- Communicate with educators, community rehabilitation providers, and employers statewide about equipment modifications, accommodations, and alternative techniques that help blind people succeed.
- Develop and implement approaches to help eligible individuals explore career alternatives, find and interview for available jobs, and keep and/or advance in current jobs.
- Develop relationships with employers statewide to assist blind students, youth, and adults (with and without additional disabilities) to obtain, maintain, and retain employment and explore careers.
- Ability and means to travel within the local area in order to meet with clients, educators, employers and other professionals and stakeholders to perform the work of the position.
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.
Selectives
752: Vocational Rehabilitation:
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both that specifically relates to employment and training services for individuals with disabilities. That knowledge base will include an awareness of the unique needs of this population, laws relating to discrimination or reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, and an understanding of employment and training systems and services, especially as provided in Iowa.
AND
257: Career Development Counseling:
6 months’ experience at the high school or college level or in the public or private sector such as Iowa Workforce Development or an employment agency. In the case of the latter, must have experience analyzing and assessing applicants’ work and education history and applying it to career goals.
- Must possess broad knowledge of postsecondary education and/or job training infrastructure.
- Must be able to communicate with program participants of varying academic and vocational abilities.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work;
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
Job Description
This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
The Department for the Blind (IDB) is searching for experienced candidates for the position of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. As a member of a team of 10 vocational rehabilitation counselors, this position will be based in Sioux City or within northwest Iowa. The individual will travel to serve and manage a caseload of approximately 40-50 adult clients who are blind or have low vision in the northwest region of the state.
Following successful completion of the orientation and training activities, the position will be housed in the state of Iowa. The training for this position is a minimum of 14 weeks and is completed in Des Moines, Iowa. If the individual can demonstrate existing skills and supervisor and training instructor agree, the individual may be able to test out of certain aspects of training.
This position is responsible for assisting clients who are blind or have low vision to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. The position provides counseling and guidance and ensures that clients receive training in the alternative techniques of blindness in order for the individual to make a positive adjustment to blindness and successfully pursue their vocational goals.Ideal candidates will have a solid understanding of vocational rehabilitation services, including career development strategies, be able to conduct interviews and observations, in addition to developing plans, partnering with service providers, employers and education professionals and providing access to successful job placement. In addition, strong documentation, organization and time management skills are essential to the position.
Case Management
- Independently prioritize workload to maximize effective utilization of time, resources, and agency assets. This position covers a territory of several counties in northwest Iowa and requires frequent travel and overnight stays,
- Submit necessary reports, case recordings, authorizations, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.
- Maintain client files and other records in an organized and specified format.
Application and Eligibility Determination
- Interview applicant, consult with family, and contact other sources such as ophthalmologists, community partners, and employers to procure visual, medical, psychological, social and educational information.
- Determines eligibility for services, assesses vocational, social and medical needs through appropriate testing and medical reports.
Plan Development/Counseling and Guidance/Plan Implementation
- Provide guidance and counseling regarding client’s personal and vocational adjustment throughout the rehabilitation process.
- Assist clients through informed choice in determining appropriate vocational goals and serves as a resource for clients seeking information regarding employment and employment goals.
- Maintains a working knowledge of assistive technology and reasonable accommodations.
- Assist clients to obtain an employment outcome using a variety of job development and job placement strategies including contacting employers, assessing employers’ needs, and providing resources and education to employers and clients.
- Counsel and guide clients in the establishment of self-employment goals.
Public Awareness and Education
- Advocate, consult, advise, educate, mediate, and intercede with service providers, employers, and the general public.
- Develop and maintain referral sources by providing information and resources through personal contacts, written communication and presentations.
Essential Functions
- Interpret and analyze assessment data to develop goals and activities for individual plans of employment.
- It is the policy of the Iowa Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
- Provide pre-employment transition services including job exploration counseling, work-based learning opportunities, workplace readiness training, counseling opportunities for post-secondary educational programs, and instruction in self-advocacy/peer mentoring to students with disabilities.
- Communicate with educators, community rehabilitation providers, and employers statewide about equipment modifications, accommodations, and alternative techniques that help blind people succeed.
- Develop and implement approaches to help eligible individuals explore career alternatives, find and interview for available jobs, and keep and/or advance in current jobs.
- Develop relationships with employers statewide to assist blind students, youth, and adults (with and without additional disabilities) to obtain, maintain, and retain employment and explore careers.
- Ability and means to travel within the local area in order to meet with clients, educators, employers and other professionals and stakeholders to perform the work of the position.
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.
Selectives
752: Vocational Rehabilitation:
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both that specifically relates to employment and training services for individuals with disabilities. That knowledge base will include an awareness of the unique needs of this population, laws relating to discrimination or reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, and an understanding of employment and training systems and services, especially as provided in Iowa.
AND
257: Career Development Counseling:
6 months’ experience at the high school or college level or in the public or private sector such as Iowa Workforce Development or an employment agency. In the case of the latter, must have experience analyzing and assessing applicants’ work and education history and applying it to career goals.
- Must possess broad knowledge of postsecondary education and/or job training infrastructure.
- Must be able to communicate with program participants of varying academic and vocational abilities.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work;
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
See All 77 Vocational Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Vocational Counselor JobsVocational Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- State of Florida12
- Omega Health9O
- Tennessee State Government6
- State of Kansas5
- ServiceSource4
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in vocational counselor jobs.
- Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling, or a closely related field
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential or eligibility to sit for the exam
- Experience conducting vocational assessments and developing individualized employment plans
- Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and vocational rehabilitation service systems
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic documentation platforms
- Strong knowledge of community resources, labor market information, and employer relations
Tips for Your Vocational Counselor Job Search
Tailor your resume to caseload type
Employers distinguish sharply between rehabilitation, career, and school-based counseling backgrounds. Align your resume to the specific population and setting in the job posting, whether that's adults with disabilities, veterans, or displaced workers, not just the counselor title.
Highlight licensure and certification clearly
Many postings require a CRC, LPC, or state-specific license. List your credentials immediately after your name in the header so hiring managers don't have to search for them. Include your license number and expiration date if the posting asks for it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists vocational counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by funding source
State vocational rehabilitation agencies, federally funded workforce centers, and private nonprofits each have distinct interview styles and service models. Knowing whether a role is Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act-funded or state-agency-run helps you frame your experience to match their specific compliance expectations.
Prepare case scenarios for the interview
Expect behavioral questions built around specific client situations, not general counseling theory. Practice describing how you've developed an individualized plan of employment, managed a challenging transition case, or collaborated with medical or legal teams to support a client's vocational goal.
Negotiate scope alongside salary
Caseload size, documentation requirements, and travel expectations vary widely between employers. Before accepting an offer, ask about average active caseloads and the case management software in use. Unsustainable caseloads affect both job quality and client outcomes, so this question signals professional seriousness, not reluctance.
Vocational Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most vocational counselors?
The most active employers for vocational counselors right now are State of Florida, Omega Health, and Tennessee State Government, and the most openings are in Florida, New York, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. State vocational rehabilitation agencies and federally funded workforce development programs consistently represent a large share of open roles.
How many vocational counselor jobs are remote?
About 71% of vocational counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with availability varying significantly by employer type and client population. Career development and workforce counseling roles tend to have more remote options than positions requiring in-person assessment, hands-on job placement support, or work with clients who have significant physical or cognitive disabilities.
How do you become a vocational counselor?
Becoming a vocational counselor typically starts with earning a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling psychology, or a related field. After completing supervised clinical hours, most practitioners pursue the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential. Some states also require licensure as a professional counselor. Working in related roles such as case management or workforce development while completing your degree builds the practical experience most employers expect.
Can you get hired as a vocational counselor without experience?
Some entry-level positions, particularly with state agencies, are designed for candidates who are newly graduated but have completed a counseling practicum or internship. Highlighting supervised hours with specific populations, such as individuals with disabilities or displaced workers, matters more than paid experience. Applying for rehabilitation counselor trainee classifications, where they exist, is a practical path in if you lack direct post-graduation experience.
What does the vocational counselor interview process look like?
Most employers use a structured behavioral interview with a panel that often includes a supervisor and a senior counselor. You'll typically be asked to walk through a case scenario, describe how you manage competing caseload demands, and explain your approach to developing an individualized employment plan. Some agencies add a written exercise or require a presentation. A second round with HR or a program director is common at larger organizations.
Where can I find and apply to vocational counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to vocational counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. The listings cover roles in state agencies, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and workforce centers at every experience level. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 77 Vocational Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Vocational Counselor Jobs