Job Details

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE

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) ###-####.

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:

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.

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.

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) ###-####

The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur. A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.

Paid Holidays: You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.

Paid Vacation: You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.

Paid Sick Leave: You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.

Other Leaves: Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.

Health Insurance: The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.

Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.

Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits.

Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.

Transportation Benefits: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.

Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.

Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.