Opportunities with Florida Department of Education in vocational rehab

Can someone help me understand what jobs are available with the Florida Department of Education in vocational rehabilitation? I'm curious about the career possibilities in this field. Any insights on different roles and qualifications required would be helpful.

Given your interest in vocational rehabilitation careers with the Florida Department of Education, it's safe to say that you're eyeing a career in providing support to persons with disabilities and helping them gain or maintain employment.

There are quite a variety of roles within vocational rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

1. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: This professional works closely with individuals to identify their career goals, develop a customized plan for employment, coordinate services such as job coaching or workplace accommodations, and provide career counseling.

2. Job Placement Specialist: Responsibilities include identifying potential employment opportunities suitable for the individuals served by the agency, cultivating relationships with employers, and supporting individuals during the hiring process.

3. Rehabilitation Technician: Technicians provide auxiliary support to vocational rehabilitation counselors, helping track case management activities, organizing paperwork, and sometimes even providing direct support to individuals, such as case note-taking or transport coordination.

4. Transition Specialist: This role typically works with high school students who have disabilities, assisting them with transitioning into the workforce or further education after graduation.

In terms of qualifications, a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation services, social work, psychology, or a related field is typically required for most entry-level positions in vocational rehabilitation. For more advanced roles, such as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field is usually necessary. Many of these roles might also require certification or licensure; for example, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential is commonly desired for vocational rehabilitation counselors.

Jobs tend to be full-time and sometimes require travel to meet with clients or employers. Experience working with individuals with disabilities can also be beneficial when it comes to job applications and interviews.

As vocational rehabilitation is a field dedicated to serving the community, interpersonal skills, patience, empathy, and a sincere dedication to improving the lives of others are key determinants of success in this profession.

Remember that the exact roles and their required qualifications could slightly differ based on the specific agency guidelines. So I would definitely recommend visiting the Florida Department of Education website or contacting their human resources department for the most accurate and updated information.