Rehabilitation Counselor II - Business Engagement Specialist - Limited Period - Multiple Vacancies

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Job Class Code: 3082
Grade: 22 (Professional/Technical)
Salary:  $25.23 - $32.28 (Hourly- includes a 2% stipend)
Location: Portland
Opening Date: July 30, 2026
Closing Date: August 13, 2026

The Business Engagement Specialist (RCII) is responsible for working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders on behalf of VR clients and employers. The purpose of this role is to support rapid engagement of clients toward achieving competitive, integrated employment while simultaneously engaging employers in Cumberland and York counties to build and maintain trusting, respectful relationships. This position requires excellent organization, prioritization, verbal and written communication skills, integrity in one’s work, strong teamwork, creativity, empathy and daily documentation and follow-up with stakeholders.

Business Engagement Specialist

2 positions

• Do you have successful experience supporting individuals with career development?
• Are you skilled at networking and building professional relationships with many different stakeholders?
• Do you enjoy helping people with disabilities achieve their career goals?

The Portland Vocational Rehabilitation office seeks Business Engagement Specialist candidates who will develop strong relationships with employers in Cumberland and York counties resulting in competitive, integrated employment opportunities for clients with disabilities. These professionals will work from the Portland CareerCenter at 151 Jetport Blvd. with flexibility for a hybrid, telework schedule.

 If you are a professional who excels at:

• Teamwork
• Professional communication
• Timely and accurate documentation
• Identifying labor market needs and trends
• Understanding and problem-solving barriers to employment for people with disabilities

This position may a great match for you!

Primary Responsibilities:  

• Establishing a collaborative relationship with stakeholders.
• Contacting business and industry groups, advocating for clients, and developing dual client partnerships.
• Building partnerships within the workforce development system.
• Assessing client needs, identifying available resources, and supporting clients with appropriate employment preparation activities toward achieving employment.
• Maintaining accurate documentation using a computer-based client data system and other on-line platforms.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of the local labor market.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of various teams.
• Excellent prioritization, organization and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented, accurate and timely documentation.
• Frequent local and occasional statewide travel.
• Effectively manage a hybrid work schedule.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in a field related to vocational rehabilitation and 2 years’ experience demonstrating knowledge and abilities related to assisting individuals with disabilities, employers and other stakeholders with their employment and workforce needs.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Samantha Fenderson, DVR Director at

samantha.j.fenderson@maine.gov

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.86% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.