Transition Services Specialist (VR Service or Rehabilitation Specialist) - 3 positions

Do you have a passion for helping high school students succeed? We’re looking for three Transition Services Specialists to join a large, collaborative team supporting students in Omaha and surrounding areas. In this role, you’ll help students prepare for life after high school through career exploration, skill development, and transition planning.

If you’re adaptable and excel at building strong relationships with students, parents, schools, and teachers this could be a great fit! With the team frequently visiting different schools, virtual communication has become second nature, ensuring strong connections wherever you are. You'll also enjoy working with a respectful, supportive supervisor who pitches in when needed. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact on students’ futures, apply today!

Office Location: Two positions are based at our downtown office at 13th and Farnum St, Omaha and one at our west location at 120th and Q St, Omaha.

Pay Rates:

The available salary rate for this position is dependent on education and is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.

• Successful candidates with a bachelor’s degree will be hired as a Service Specialist, Pay Grade 5: $25.287/hour
• Successful candidates with a master’s degree will be hired as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Pay Grade 7: $30.597/hour

Teammates Enjoy

In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $24,500 - $26,900 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
  • Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
  • 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

Essential Functions

• Visits high schools to provide career exploration services and work readiness skills training to high school students with disabilities. Provides education related to resumes, applications, and interviewing skills.
• Demonstrates beneficial soft skills (e.g., timeliness, dependability) and advises students in informed decision making, interpersonal, and vocational skills. Develops engaging, educational, and interactive group activities.
• Assists students with strengthening their self-advocacy skills related to their disabilities.
• Arranges job exploration activities such as informational interviews, job shadows, work-based learning experiences, etc.
• Develops and maintains relationships with students, parents, teachers, other educational entity staff, and businesses or employers to ensure quality services for each student and provide information about Nebraska VR services.
• Attends Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings to gain understanding of student needs and update school staff on VR involvement.
• Records accurate documentation and case notes on all interaction with students to inform school staff and parents or guardians, as well as other VR staff.
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Rehabilitation Specialist Additional Functions: Including the functions above, Rehabilitation Specialists also perform the Essential Functions below.

• Prepares and approves cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by analyzing and synthesizing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.
• Develops, manages, and approves Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.

Working Conditions and Travel:

This position requires approximately 40% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 60% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites within the community. Employees may be asked, within reason, to use their own personal vehicles for travel. There is also approximately two days of overnight travel per year.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Service Specialist: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of work experience related to the essential functions of the position.

Rehabilitation Specialist: Master’s degree with emphasis in one of the following areas: Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling and Guidance, or another field that reasonably provides competence in the employment sector, in a disability field, or both.

Preferred Qualifications:

Service Specialist: Experience working with, and advocating for, people with disabilities. Experience working with high school students and understanding of secondary school systems. Ability to manage high volume of cases and provide case management services while collaborating with teachers and other school staff. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Rehabilitation Specialist: Master’s degree in related field and progressively responsible experience working with, and advocating for, people with significant disabilities. Experience working with high school students and understanding of secondary school systems. Ability to mentor others in managing high volume of cases and providing quality case management services. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.