Possibly Stale

Posted: September 6, 2025 (131 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: December 5, 2025 (41 days ago)

This job has been posted for over a month. It may already be filled.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SPECIALIST III, II, I - KONA, HAWAII ISLAND

State of Hawaii

Human Services

Stale

Location

Hawaii, 96813-2437

Salary

Not specified

Type

Closes

Not specifiedMore State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves helping people with disabilities, especially those who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing, by evaluating their needs, providing counseling, arranging training and medical support, and assisting with job placement in Kona, Hawaii.

It offers three levels from trainee to experienced specialist, with a focus on learning and applying rehabilitation skills under supervision.

A good fit would be someone passionate about supporting others, with a background in counseling or social services and a willingness to pursue advanced education in rehabilitation.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher, with progression toward a Master's in rehabilitation counseling accredited by CACREP for Level I
  • Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation processes, including evaluation, counseling, and case management
  • Ability to assist individuals with disabilities through testing, medical treatment, training, and job placement
  • Experience or training in serving cases ranging from simple to moderately complex disabilities
  • Commitment to completing required coursework and meeting personnel standards for advancement
  • Skills in analyzing, diagnosing, and evaluating rehabilitation cases under supervision
  • Focus on serving deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing individuals in the rehabilitation process

Full Job Description

Recruitment Number DHS 25-06

This position is with the State of Hawaii, Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Hawaii Branch, Kona Section, located in Kona, Hawaii.

Level I: $4,243.00 per month
Level II: $4,590.00 per month
Level III: $4,961.00 - $6,043.00 per month (SR-20, Step D to I)*

*Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors.

The division has an established operational training plan to be followed regarding requirements and timeliness for reallocation. If an incumbent is unable to meet the Personnel Standards and Personnel Development Requirements, or employment obligations, the incumbent must repay the amount of the financial support not satisfied through employment.

The State Recruiting Office will refer all inquiries regarding this delegated recruitment to the Department of Human Services, Human Resources Office.

Requirements

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist performs evaluation, vocational counseling and allied rehabilitation services for the full range of cases; provides and/or arranges for testing, medical treatment, training, job placement and adjustment; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Level I: The primary purpose of this trainee position is to learn the basics of the vocational rehabilitation program and casework process and the knowledge, skills and abilities to assist individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing, through the various stages of the rehabilitation process, with close supervision when serving the more moderate and complex cases. Training focuses on learning the program requirements necessary to progress to the VR Specialist II level with opportunity for the trainee to analyze, diagnose and evaluate cases, and includes successful completion of half of the required coursework towards a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Level II: The primary purpose of this advanced trainee position is to continue learning the vocational rehabilitation casework process and program requirements for providing services to individuals with disabilities in order to progress to the fully trained and experienced journey worker level. Training focuses on learning the agency's role, its philosophy of service, commitments, organizational relationships and goals, and provision of vocational rehabilitation services to an assigned caseload of individuals with disabilities in various stages of the rehabilitation process, ranging from the simple non-significantly disabled to the moderately complex significantly disabled.

The VRS II is expected to progress to the VRS III as outlined in the DVR Personnel Standards and Personnel Development Requirements. This includes continuation of coursework, work experience, or internship, and obtaining credentials as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor to progress to the VRS III level.

Level III
: The primary purpose of this journey worker level position is to provide services to a caseload of individuals within the full range of disabilities from simple to complex cases to assist them in preparing for, securing, retaining, and/or regaining competitive integrated employment..

Qualifications

APPLICANTS WILL BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST FOR ALL LEVELS FOR WHICH THEY ARE QUALIFIED.

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Level I: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Level II: Successful completion of half of the required coursework towards a Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Level III: Current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Substitutions Allowed:

Applicants who possess advanced certificates or degrees (Master's or Doctorate) recognized by Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) for certification as a CRC meet the requirements for VRS II, Track A. Verification that your advanced certificate or degree is recognized by CRCC must be submitted at the time of application. To view the CRC eligibility guide, please CLICK HERE (Download PDF reader).

The information provided above represents a summary of the Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE (Download PDF reader). 3.203:052919:13:QH

Additional Information

The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call (808) 586-4987 for assistance.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM:

The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS:

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.

Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.

TESTING INFORMATION:

The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.

In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.

CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the DHS Human Resources Office's Levels of Review.

Agency
Department of Human Services
1390 Miller Street, Room 202
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809-0339

Inquiries about this recruitment may be directed to:
DHS // Human Resources Office // Recruitment and Examination Staff
Ph: (808) 586-4987

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Posted on NEOGOV: 9/6/2025 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/5/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-hawaii-5067202