Entry Level Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs
New grad vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs are open to recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a practicum placement can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Non-Profit & Social Services, with employers like Lifepoint Health, Ascension, and Adventist HealthCare hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 166+ Entry Level Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs











Job Summary
The CN identifies and implements nursing interventions and evaluates results for a wide variety of patient populations, directs and acts as resource to other members of the nursing team as assigned and promotes compliance and support for policies. The primary responsibilities for this position consist of providing total, comprehensive, continuous and patient centered care which includes: assessing, documenting, planning, implementing, teaching, developing, and evaluating a comprehensive nursing plan of care; delivering direct patient care; ensuring patient satisfaction; training and delegating duties; and adhering to University policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations.
Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care populations based on competence, professional expertise, and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously consistent with ANA Standards of Practice and Professional Performance. Independent judgment is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.
Provides direct patient care to a diversified patient population. Applies knowledge, experience and judgment to determine the importance of a situation, set priorities, and use abstract thought to evaluate clinical situations. Participates in patient and staff education. Demonstrates leadership skills. Demonstrates accountability for own practices as defined by the Nurse Practice Act.
Apply By Date
July 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Valid California Registered Nurse License without restriction
- American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
- At least one (1) year of recent inpatient rehabilitation experience as a Registered Nurse within the last three years.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Ability to utilize medical terminology appropriately.
- Knowledge of current trends in nursing.
- Commitment to excellence in patient care.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates accountability and professionalism.
- Adapts to change in a positive, professional and productive manner.
- Knowledge of legal implications in clinical practice and documentation.
- Knowledge of performance improvement and evidence-based practice.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care, taking into consideration protective interventions, development (behavioral and physical) and physiological characteristics specific to the patients.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse
- Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Key Responsibilities
- 70% - Nursing Process and Practice
- 15% - Quality and Evidence-Based Practice
- 5% - Leadership
- 5% - Professional Development
- 5% - Research
Department Overview
The primary purpose of the Joint Venture Rehabilitation Hospital is to provide a full range of rehabilitation services designed to restore patients to their optimal functional capacity. The hospital is a 52-bed rehabilitation hospital on the Sacramento medical center campus. It is equipped with leading-edge amenities and adaptive units where patients can practice typical activities of daily living. The rehabilitation hospital also includes a 12-bed brain injury unit and four private rooms for bariatric patients.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $77.41 - $104.16
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 114
- UC Job Title: CLIN NURSE 2
- UC Job Code: 009139
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 90%
- Shift (Work Schedule): NOC - 1845-0715
- Location: Joint Venture Rehab Hospital (JVREHAB) – Sacramento, CA
- Union Representation: NX-Nurses
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
- UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
- Works overtime as defined by the collective bargaining agreements; floats to other areas; and works weekends, holidays and call as required.
- References reflect an overall meets or exceeds.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
See All 166+ Entry Level Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEntry Level Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Lifepoint Health14

- Ascension8

- Adventist HealthCare8

- Prisma Health6

- US Department of Veterans Affairs5

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services129
- Education17
- Non-Profit & Social Services5
- Science & Research2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
Entry Level Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level vocational rehabilitation counselor job?
Employers hiring at the entry level typically look for a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field, along with supervised practicum or internship hours. Candidates who hold or are working toward Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credentials stand out. Highlight any hands-on client work, case documentation experience, or familiarity with vocational assessment tools in your application materials.
Which companies hire entry level vocational rehabilitation counselors?
Companies hiring entry level vocational rehabilitation counselors right now include Lifepoint Health, Ascension, and Adventist HealthCare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from state vocational rehabilitation agencies, nonprofit disability service organizations, hospital systems, and community mental health centers that have ongoing caseload needs.
Are there remote entry level vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs?
Yes, though most roles at this level are on-site or hybrid given the client-facing nature of the work. About 4% of entry level vocational rehabilitation counselor openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with fully remote positions most common at agencies that serve clients through telerehabilitation or manage administrative caseloads.
Are these new grad vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior vocational rehabilitation counselor roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internship or practicum hours toward requirements, or accepts candidates who are degree-eligible and working toward full licensure. Look for language like 'recent graduates encouraged' or 'training provided' as clear signals.
Which industries hire the most entry level vocational rehabilitation counselors?
Entry Level vocational rehabilitation counselor roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Non-Profit & Social Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the entry level because they operate large caseloads, receive federal and state funding tied to staffing requirements, and regularly onboard new counselors to support clients with disabilities in returning to or entering the workforce.