Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Job Class Code: 3082
Grade: 22 (Professional/Technical)
Salary:  $24.73 - $31.65 (Hourly)
Location: Portland, ME
Opening Date: November 8, 2024
Closing Date:  November 25, 2024

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation seeks candidate for a full-time Rehabilitation Counselor II. The person hired for this position will be based at the Portland CareerCenter and will work with and support individuals living in Cumberland and York Counties, with a wide variety of disabilities to reach their employment goals. This position conducts extensive work with partners including individuals with disabilities, families, employers, Clubhouse, and community providers. 

Interested in learning more about the career of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6pVu-TT8Rs

Given the nature of the job responsibilities, after a conditional offer of employment is made, certain positions may be subject to fingerprinting as part of the background process. 

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Establishing a counseling relationship and partnership with consumers.
• Contacting business and industry groups, advocating for clients, and offering incentives and
  assistance to place clients in jobs.
• Building partnerships within the workforce development system.
• Evaluating and interpreting medical and psychological information, then assessing client needs and
  available resources to develop and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation plan leading to employment.
• Maintaining accurate documentation using AWARE computer-based client data system.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Strategies to effectively work remotely.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of the local labor market.
• Ability to work well as a member of a team.
• Excellent prioritization, organization and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented documentation.
• Frequent local and occasional statewide travel.

Minimum qualifications:

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Samantha Fenderson, samantha.j.fenderson@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.