Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in New Mexico
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs in New Mexico concentrate in state government agencies, behavioral health organizations, and federally funded rehabilitation programs, with openings ranging from entry-level case management roles to senior counselors overseeing caseloads across rural and tribal communities. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces generate the most consistent hiring, where employers like the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center maintain ongoing demand. Transition services for youth with disabilities and case management for clients with mental health conditions are among the most in-demand specialties. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs
Interviews anticipated to take place within 2 weeks of closing date.
SHARE is currently working on a system update for applicants who use screen readers. A screen reader is a software application that enables people with visual impairments to use a computer. Screen readers work closely with the computers Operating System to provide information about icons, menus, dialogue boxes, files and folders. If you are applying with a screen reader and need assistance, please contact Chelsea Talamante at (505) 476-4460.
Why does the job exist?
Provides vocational rehabilitation services to persons who are blind or low vision in order that they may obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.
How does it get done?
Incumbent determines an applicant's eligibility for Commission services; identifies any and all disabilities and medical conditions that may represent impediments to employment; coordinates adjustment counseling; coordinates blindness skills training; conducts a career assessment to identify a vocational goal that is consistent with the client's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice; jointly develops an Individualized Plan for Employment that describes the services that are necessary to achieve the vocational goal; coordinates the delivery of the services described in the Individualized Plan for Employment; provides and coordinates job placement services as necessary; and coordinates post-employment services as necessary.
Who are the customers?
Persons with blindness or low vision, family members, school personnel, and employers.
Ideal Candidate
Persons with blindness or low vision, family members, school personnel, and employers.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Vocational Rehabilitation, Sociology, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, or related degree as referenced by NMAC.
Employment Requirements
Background Investigation
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage. Regularly works with individuals with secondary disabilities, some of which resulting in challenging behaviors. Occasionally exposed to service animals. Regular travel is required within service territory, including occasional overnight travel using agency vehicles.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Chelsea Talamante Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Interviews anticipated to take place within 2 weeks of closing date.
SHARE is currently working on a system update for applicants who use screen readers. A screen reader is a software application that enables people with visual impairments to use a computer. Screen readers work closely with the computers Operating System to provide information about icons, menus, dialogue boxes, files and folders. If you are applying with a screen reader and need assistance, please contact Chelsea Talamante at (505) 476-4460.
Why does the job exist?
Provides vocational rehabilitation services to persons who are blind or low vision in order that they may obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.
How does it get done?
Incumbent determines an applicant's eligibility for Commission services; identifies any and all disabilities and medical conditions that may represent impediments to employment; coordinates adjustment counseling; coordinates blindness skills training; conducts a career assessment to identify a vocational goal that is consistent with the client's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice; jointly develops an Individualized Plan for Employment that describes the services that are necessary to achieve the vocational goal; coordinates the delivery of the services described in the Individualized Plan for Employment; provides and coordinates job placement services as necessary; and coordinates post-employment services as necessary.
Who are the customers?
Persons with blindness or low vision, family members, school personnel, and employers.
Ideal Candidate
Persons with blindness or low vision, family members, school personnel, and employers.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Vocational Rehabilitation, Sociology, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, or related degree as referenced by NMAC.
Employment Requirements
Background Investigation
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage. Regularly works with individuals with secondary disabilities, some of which resulting in challenging behaviors. Occasionally exposed to service animals. Regular travel is required within service territory, including occasional overnight travel using agency vehicles.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Chelsea Talamante Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
See All 9 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in New Mexico
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Find JobsVocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs by City in New Mexico
Where New Mexico roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job Market in New Mexico
A snapshot from current New Mexico openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New Mexico Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs across New Mexico.
- Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related counseling field required
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential preferred or required by most New Mexico employers
- New Mexico state counseling license or eligibility to obtain licensure upon hire
- Experience conducting vocational assessments and developing individualized employment plans
- Knowledge of federal and New Mexico disability services regulations including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- Bilingual English and Spanish proficiency strongly preferred for client-facing roles in New Mexico
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in New Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a vocational rehabilitation counselor in New Mexico?
You need at minimum a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling, or a closely related field from an accredited program. New Mexico employers, particularly the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, strongly prefer or require the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Licensed Professional Counselor licensure through the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board is also commonly required for clinical settings. Many positions are accessible to new graduates who are actively pursuing certification.
Which companies hire vocational rehabilitation counselors in New Mexico?
Companies currently hiring vocational rehabilitation counselors in New Mexico include State of New Mexico, University of New Mexico, and Talented Medical Solutions, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. State agencies, federally funded community rehabilitation programs, and behavioral health providers across the Albuquerque metro and rural New Mexico regions represent the broadest and most consistent sources of openings.
Which New Mexico cities have the most vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs?
Albuquerque, Roswell, and Farmington account for the most vocational rehabilitation counselor openings in New Mexico. Albuquerque drives the largest share because it is home to the state's major health systems, the University of New Mexico, and the central offices of several state and federally funded disability services programs, while Santa Fe and Las Cruces reflect the presence of state government offices and regional service centers that extend coverage to surrounding rural and tribal areas.
Are there remote vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs in New Mexico?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because the role often requires in-person assessments, site visits with employers, and direct client contact. About 0% of vocational rehabilitation counselor openings tied to New Mexico are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting a mix of options from different employer types. The tasks most likely to be performed remotely include documentation, case planning, virtual counseling sessions, and coordination with partner agencies.
How can I get hired as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in New Mexico with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a counselor assistant, rehabilitation technician, or case manager position with the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or with community rehabilitation providers like Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, which offers structured onboarding for newer counselors. Adjacent roles in social work, disability services coordination, or employment specialist positions at supported employment agencies are common stepping stones. Completing a supervised practicum or internship with a New Mexico state agency during your graduate program gives you a measurable edge, and actively pursuing CRC certification demonstrates readiness to hiring managers even before you have years of independent experience.
Where can I find and apply to vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs in New Mexico?
You can find and apply to vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs in New Mexico on Migrate Mate, which lists current New Mexico openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your credentials and location preferences, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 9 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in New Mexico
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