Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in Ohio

BWC’s core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across BWC departments. Most positions perform work on-site at one of BWC’s seven offices across the state. BWC offers flex-time work schedules that allow an employee to start the day as early as 7:00am or as late as 8:30am. Flex-time schedules are based on operational need and require supervisor approval.

Chosen candidate will have the option to choose a permanent reporting location in one of our offices. BWC offices are in the following locations: Columbus, Cambridge, North Canton, Cleveland, Springdale, Toledo, or Youngstown.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Reviews workers' compensation claims to determine feasibility and eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Works in conjunction with employers, injured worker, medical providers, Managed Care Organizations, and claims service staff to identify candidates for rehabilitation.
• Reviews vocational rehabilitation plans to ensure adherence with state and Federal laws, policies, rules and regulations.
• Authorizes payment and extension of living maintenance based upon review of vocational rehabilitation plans.
• Recommends and authorizes Living Maintenance Wage Loss of Injured Workers.
• Communicates with injured workers, employers, providers, managed care organizations, and claims staff about vocational rehabilitation services in written and verbal forms.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

To Qualify, You Must Clearly Demonstrate:

• Per agreement between 1199 SEIU/District 1199, Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and Office of Collective Bargaining:
  • Completion of bachelor's degree in a field directly related to disability management (examples of such degrees include but are not limited to: rehabilitation/vocational/educational counseling, rehabilitation/industrial/organizational psychology, nursing occupational/physical therapy or social work);
  • One year experience as a vocational rehabilitation field case manager;
  • Valid drivers license;
  • Knowledge of at least seven (7) of the following: (1) history & systems of vocational rehabilitation; (2) planning, implementation & evaluation of vocational rehabilitation services; (3) legislation, ethics & professional conduct; (4) human development & behavior within the disability model; (5) vocational aspects of disabling conditions; (6) analysis, synthesis & utilization of vocational rehabilitation research & theoretical information; overview of disability compensation systems; (7) structure & process of disability compensation systems; (8) knowledge of vocational and medical terminology; (9) insurance vocational rehabilitation case management; (10) gathering, synthesizing & disseminating of information; (11) disability management systems, principles and function; (12) principles of transitional work;
  • Valid certification as certified rehabilitation counselor or certified disability management specialist as issued by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, or valid certification as a certified case manager by the Commission for Case Manager Certification with two (2) years experience as a vocational rehabilitation field case manager.

• 
  OR graduate core coursework in rehabilitation counseling AND valid driver's license.

  
  Job Skills: Counseling and Rehabilitation

Major Worker Characteristics:

Knowledge of Field Operations departmental policies & procedures relating to review & processing of workers’ compensation claims*; BWC laws*; public relations; labor market data; labor relations; human services area, rehabilitation, disability management; assessment of Optimal Return to Work (ORTW), Return to Work (RTW), Remain at Work (RAW) rehabilitation programs; planning, implementation & evaluation of services; aspects of disabling conditions, overview of disability compensation; structure & process of disability compensation systems; professional terminology; insurance rehabilitation case management; policies procedures, expectations & goals affecting case management of services to workers who are industrially injured, disabled or diseased; interviewing.

Skills in operation of a personal computer, typing, use of Microsoft Office software (e.g., Outlook, Work, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Teams); use of BWC-specific software*; operation of office machinery (e.g., calculator, printer, copier, fax, phone); communication skills (e.g., listening, writing, reading, phone etiquette); use of internet; written & verbal professional communications*.

Ability to review contracts for correctional & legal terminology & compliance with policies & procedures related to rehabilitation & reemployment; use of statistical analysis; write meaningful, concise, & accurate reports; develop good rapport with co-workers & specific insurance & rehabilitation parties, obtain & assess medical & vocational data affecting capabilities of claimants & plan & implement vocational & rehabilitation plans suitable for claimants to obtain gainful employment; prepare & maintain all case management reports & forms; handle sensitive inquiries from & contacts with physicians, employers, unions & claimants & their families; define problems, collect data, establish facts & draw valid conclusions.

Transportation:
Position may require travel (approx. 5%); therefore, persons occupying this position must be able to provide own transportation &/or legally operate a state-owned vehicle.

EEO & ADA Statement:
The State of Ohio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees due to protected classes as defined in applicable federal law, state law, and any effective executive order.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment opportunities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to disability, pregnancy, or religion, please contact the ADA mailbox at: BWCADA@bwc.ohio.gov.

BWC 1199 Selection Rights
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the 1199 Collective Bargaining Agreement. BWC bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

Salary Information:
Hourly wage is expected to be paid at step 1 of the pay range associated with the position for candidates who are new employees of the state. Current employees of the state will be placed in the appropriate step based on any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code. Movement to the next step of the pay range (a roughly 4% increase) will occur after six months, assuming job performance is acceptable. Thereafter, an employee will advance one step in the pay range every year until the highest step of the pay range is reached. There may also be possible cost of living adjustments (COLA) and longevity supplements begin after five (5) years of state service.

Educational Transcripts:
For any educational achievements to be considered during the screening process, you must at least attach an unofficial transcript that details the coursework you have completed.

Background Check:

Prior to an offer of employment, the final applicant will be required to sign a background check authorization form and undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.