Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs in Tennessee are consistently active, with steady demand concentrated in state government rehabilitation agencies, nonprofit disability service organizations, and VA-affiliated facilities. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville anchor most of the hiring, and employers like the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the Memphis VA Medical Center maintain ongoing needs. The most in-demand specialties include vocational assessment, job placement for individuals with disabilities, and case management for veterans and adults with mental health diagnoses. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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State of Tennessee Job Information
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, CARROLL COUNTY
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0020955_VRCM_Carroll_72026.pdf
This is a hybrid position
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
OR
Master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that emphasizes rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development AND
- Within 90 days of hire must submit an educational plan for approval and apply for admission to an accredited university for enrollment of additional required courses. Within six months of hire must enroll, at their own expense, in the following courses in accordance with their education plan: Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling and satisfactorily complete all within thirty-six months from the date of hire. OR
- Within 90 days of hire, submit a request for a pre-review, at their own expense, to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) that results in confirmation that they meet the eligibility criteria to test for the Certified Rehab Counselor Certification and provide official notification from the CRCC. OR
- Have an active Certified Rehab Counselor Certification from the CRCC.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
- Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
- Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check:
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions;
- All individuals will be required to produce a transcript at the time of application, which verifies their degree and courses completed. As a condition of employment, individuals who do not have a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling will be required to complete additional requirements as outlined in the above minimum qualifications in the timeframes specified.
Overview
This vacancy is within the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program seeks to provide employment focused rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities consistent with their strengths, priorities, and resources. The VR Program provides a variety of individualized services to persons with disabilities in preparation for their employment in the competitive labor market. Services provided that reduce or eliminate disability related barriers to employment may include counseling and guidance, training, maintenance and transportation, transition services from school to work, personal care assistance, rehabilitation technology services, job placement, postemployment services, supported employment, and independent living services.
Under the general supervision of a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Region 7 Field Supervisor, the VR Counselor is primarily responsible for providing counseling and guidance services to individuals with disabilities in West TN. Counseling and guidance will focus on supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their desired career goal and will be used to set a clear path in pursuing that goal. The VR Counselor may help an individual that is unsure if they want to work, what they want to do, or what skills they can offer employers. By utilizing their education and experience, the VR Counselor will connect the person to resources, training, and other support services to ensure they are prepared to enter the workforce, or return to the workforce, in the field of their choosing.
Responsibilities
- Collects customer's medical and psychological information and determines their eligibility for services. Monitors local labor market trends to facilitate effective job placement and maximize employment outcomes.
- Conducts assessments to evaluate customer's skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals. Reviews assessment data to identify appropriate goals and opportunities and directs them toward suitable employment opportunities.
- Uses counseling and guidance to interpret and explains medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers. Empowers customers to make informed decisions concerning their goals.
- Collaborates with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans that align with their vocational and employment goals. Evaluates customer's progress and employment readiness and amends plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
- Arranges appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate customer participation in vocational programs. Requests authorizations for services provided and ensures vendors receive payment.
- Investigates complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns. Documents customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case management systems.
- Educates employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities and promotes qualified applicants to employers.
- Cultivates professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants or available resources and promote rehabilitation services.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Decision Quality
- Resourcefulness
- Communicates Effectively
- Instills Trust
- Situational Adaptability
Knowledges:
- Customer and Personal Service
Skills:
- Active Learning and Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
Abilities:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Originality
Tools & Equipment
- General Office Equipment
- Computer/Laptop/Tablet
- Multifunction Printer (print/copy/scan/fax)
- Cell Phone
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, CARROLL COUNTY
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0020955_VRCM_Carroll_72026.pdf
This is a hybrid position
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
OR
Master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that emphasizes rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development AND
- Within 90 days of hire must submit an educational plan for approval and apply for admission to an accredited university for enrollment of additional required courses. Within six months of hire must enroll, at their own expense, in the following courses in accordance with their education plan: Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling and satisfactorily complete all within thirty-six months from the date of hire. OR
- Within 90 days of hire, submit a request for a pre-review, at their own expense, to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) that results in confirmation that they meet the eligibility criteria to test for the Certified Rehab Counselor Certification and provide official notification from the CRCC. OR
- Have an active Certified Rehab Counselor Certification from the CRCC.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
- Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
- Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check:
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions;
- All individuals will be required to produce a transcript at the time of application, which verifies their degree and courses completed. As a condition of employment, individuals who do not have a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling will be required to complete additional requirements as outlined in the above minimum qualifications in the timeframes specified.
Overview
This vacancy is within the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program seeks to provide employment focused rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities consistent with their strengths, priorities, and resources. The VR Program provides a variety of individualized services to persons with disabilities in preparation for their employment in the competitive labor market. Services provided that reduce or eliminate disability related barriers to employment may include counseling and guidance, training, maintenance and transportation, transition services from school to work, personal care assistance, rehabilitation technology services, job placement, postemployment services, supported employment, and independent living services.
Under the general supervision of a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Region 7 Field Supervisor, the VR Counselor is primarily responsible for providing counseling and guidance services to individuals with disabilities in West TN. Counseling and guidance will focus on supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their desired career goal and will be used to set a clear path in pursuing that goal. The VR Counselor may help an individual that is unsure if they want to work, what they want to do, or what skills they can offer employers. By utilizing their education and experience, the VR Counselor will connect the person to resources, training, and other support services to ensure they are prepared to enter the workforce, or return to the workforce, in the field of their choosing.
Responsibilities
- Collects customer's medical and psychological information and determines their eligibility for services. Monitors local labor market trends to facilitate effective job placement and maximize employment outcomes.
- Conducts assessments to evaluate customer's skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals. Reviews assessment data to identify appropriate goals and opportunities and directs them toward suitable employment opportunities.
- Uses counseling and guidance to interpret and explains medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers. Empowers customers to make informed decisions concerning their goals.
- Collaborates with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans that align with their vocational and employment goals. Evaluates customer's progress and employment readiness and amends plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
- Arranges appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate customer participation in vocational programs. Requests authorizations for services provided and ensures vendors receive payment.
- Investigates complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns. Documents customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case management systems.
- Educates employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities and promotes qualified applicants to employers.
- Cultivates professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants or available resources and promote rehabilitation services.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Decision Quality
- Resourcefulness
- Communicates Effectively
- Instills Trust
- Situational Adaptability
Knowledges:
- Customer and Personal Service
Skills:
- Active Learning and Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
Abilities:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Originality
Tools & Equipment
- General Office Equipment
- Computer/Laptop/Tablet
- Multifunction Printer (print/copy/scan/fax)
- Cell Phone
See All 5 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
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Find JobsVocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor or CRC credential required
- Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling, or closely related field required
- Experience conducting vocational assessments and developing individualized plans for employment
- Knowledge of Tennessee vocational rehabilitation programs and TDHS service delivery systems
- Proficiency with case management documentation and vocational rehabilitation software platforms
- Ability to coordinate with community employers, disability services, and workforce development agencies
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a vocational rehabilitation counselor in Tennessee?
To work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in Tennessee, you typically need a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related counseling field, and most positions with the Tennessee Department of Human Services or licensed counseling settings require either a Licensed Professional Counselor credential issued by the Tennessee Board of Professional Counselors or the nationally recognized Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential through CRCC. The CRC is particularly valued by state VR agencies and VA-affiliated employers and requires passing a national examination after completing an accredited graduate program.
Which companies hire vocational rehabilitation counselors in Tennessee?
Tennessee vocational rehabilitation counselor roles are posted by Tennessee State Government and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. State government remains the largest single employer through the Tennessee Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation program, alongside VA medical centers and nonprofit disability service agencies operating across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs?
Athens, Jackson, and Trenton have the most vocational rehabilitation counselor openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its concentration of state agency offices, large healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations, while Memphis draws demand from VA medical center staffing and regional disability services, and Knoxville reflects the workforce needs of East Tennessee's public health and rehabilitation network.
Are there remote vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they are limited, since vocational rehabilitation counseling is fundamentally a hands-on role built around in-person client assessment, job site visits, and coordination with local employers. About 100% of vocational rehabilitation counselor openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and when remote work does appear it tends to involve administrative case management, documentation review, or follow-up counseling sessions rather than initial assessments or placement work.
How can I get hired as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a graduate-level internship or practicum placement with the Tennessee Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation program, which regularly hosts supervised students completing CACREP-accredited counseling programs. From there, new graduates often start as rehabilitation counselor associates or case management aides, and lateral moves from adjacent roles like career counselor, workforce development specialist, or disability services coordinator at Tennessee community colleges and nonprofits are common pathways in. Completing your CRC examination early, even before full licensure, strengthens applications significantly for state agency and VA positions.
Where can I find and apply to vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to vocational rehabilitation counselor jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across state agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and VA facilities. Find roles that fit your experience and credentials and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 5 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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