At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment and build brighter futures.
- Company: Join a passionate team at the Dept for Aging & Rehab Services.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent state benefits, including health insurance and paid leave.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career growth await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while supporting inclusive hiring practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in counselling, human services, or workforce development is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Help individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment and build brighter futures. Join a passionate team making a real impact in your community.
- Purpose-driven work
- Supportive environment
- Excellent state benefits
Apply today and be the difference!
Job Duties: In partnership with people with disabilities, the DRS Field Rehabilitation Services Division assists individuals with disabilities to make informed choices that will maximize their employment through coordinated service delivery. DRS staff will assist the Workforce Network to deliver quality workforce services to individuals with disabilities who want to work and employers seeking to hire them to the extent that this provides benefit to the DRS program. We are seeking a Placement Counselor to assist individuals in identifying and securing suitable employment opportunities. This role involves providing career counseling, job readiness training, and placement support to clients. The caseload may consist of students, youth and adults with varying disabilities including, but not limited to serious mental illness, substance abuse, hearing impairments and all other disabilities. The Placement Counselor collaborates with employers, community organizations, and internal teams to ensure successful job matches and long-term employment outcomes.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Employment Services
- Knowledge of Community Resources
- Referral and Documentation
- Community Office-based with occasional travel to job sites, community events, or client meetings. May require flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, depending on client needs.
- Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
- Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.
This office services Gloucester, Hampton (City), Isle of Wight, Mathews, Newport News (City), Poquoson (City).
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience: Training and/or experience in Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling or Marketing, Business Management, Communication. Advanced experience in job placement, or workforce development. Experience with applicant tracking systems, targeted resume development and follow up and hiring protocols to effectively assist local businesses with developing talent pipeline solutions.
Knowledge: Training and/or experience in Marketing, Business Management, Communication, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling. Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and apply labor market and business data to inform employment strategies and program development. Familiar with current labor market trends, employer needs, and workforce development practices to effectively connect job seekers with business opportunities. In-depth understanding of disability services, vocational rehabilitation, and employment support programs.
Ability/Skills: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employers to identify job opportunities aligned with client skills, interests, and vocational goals. Proven success in developing partnerships with local businesses and organizations to expand job placement opportunities and support inclusive hiring practices. Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with vocational rehabilitation counselors, case managers, and community partners to coordinate client employment strategies. Proficiency in monitoring client progress through consistent follow-up, documentation, and the ability to adjust employment plans based on evolving client needs. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management software. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Additional Considerations: Experience working with individuals with disabilities or other employment barriers.
Special Instructions: This has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2-1201.1. A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the finalist candidate. The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment (Va. Code § 2.2-3114).
BENEFITS: DARS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance plan options, flexible spending accounts, VRS retirement, employer-paid basic group life insurance, optional employee-paid group life insurance, 13 paid holidays, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Family Personal Leave, employee discount programs, and more. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.
Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.
To Apply: Equal Opportunity Employer. State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information: Name: Human Resources Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019. Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Placement Counselor - #ARS00999 in Gloucester employer: DHRM
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is an exceptional employer dedicated to the health and well-being of Virginians, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including 12 paid holidays, medical and retirement plans, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative environment. Working in the picturesque Three Rivers-Middlesex area, staff can take pride in contributing to meaningful public health initiatives while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Counselor - #ARS00999 in Gloucester
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Get hands-on experience by volunteering with local charities or organisations in your area. This not only helps you build practical skills but also gets you noticed by potential placements like those at DHRM. Plus, they often have insider info on who’s hiring!
✨Join Student and Professional Networks
Tap into student networks and professional bodies related to social work. Attend events or workshops they organise, as this is a great way to meet people in the field and make valuable connections that could lead to placements at places like DHRM.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Start a blog or a social media page dedicated to social work topics. Share your thoughts on relevant issues or spotlight local projects you're involved in. This helps build your visibility and shows that you’re passionate, which placement providers like DHRM will definitely notice!
✨Stay Ahead with Applications
Many social work placements have specific application windows, so keep an eye on these and prepare early. Use university career services to refine your approach and research organisations like DHRM that align with your values and aspirations!
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Counselor - #ARS00999 in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Empathy Skills:In social work, empathy isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the heart of the profession! Use your cover letter to highlight specific experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding. Whether it's through volunteer work, previous placements, or even personal experiences, make sure DHRM sees your human side.
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experiences:When crafting your CV, focus on your relevant experiences in social work or related fields. Include any placements, volunteering, or coursework that showcase your understanding of social issues. Don’t forget to mention any specific training or certifications you've acquired – it’s these details that’ll catch DHRM's attention!
Express Your Passion for Learning:Since this is a placement, show us how eager you are to learn and grow in the field of social work. In your cover letter, talk about why you chose social work as a career. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm for making a difference and your commitment to developing your skills on the job.
Include Real-World Examples:When discussing your skills and experiences, try to include concrete examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Whether it’s a group project from your studies, a case study you’ve worked on, or even life experiences, make those details shine in your application to show how you'd fit into the DHRM team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DHRM
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
When it comes to social work placements, it's all about demonstrating your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your motivation for joining this field. We want to see that you've got that genuine passion and empathy that makes a great social worker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities and ethical judgement. They might ask how you’d handle a challenging client or navigate a sensitive situation, so think through your responses and be ready to show how you can apply your knowledge in real-life contexts. It’s a good idea to review common case studies in social work to get into the right mindset.
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on the key social work theories and frameworks that underpin practice. Being able to reference these during your interview can really impress your interviewers at DHRM. We suggest relating them to your own understanding of situations, showing you're ready to apply theory to practice.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is a placement, your potential for growth is just as important as your current skills. Make sure to express your eagerness to learn from experienced professionals and your openness to feedback. Discuss how you plan to develop during your time at DHRM and how that aligns with your career goals in social work.
