Rehabilitation Counselor - Sheldon

Rehabilitation Counselor - Sheldon

Salary

$56,992.00 - $86,361.60 Annually

Location

Sheldon - 51201 - OBrien County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00847

Agency

309 - Iowa Workforce Development - Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Opening Date

09/21/2026

Closing Date

10/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Brittney Gutzmann (brittney.gutzmann@iwd.iowa.gov)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Rehabilitation Counselor - Career and Disability Services

Make an Impact. Empower Careers. Strengthen Northwest Iowa.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor for our Sheldon office. In this role, you will help individuals with disabilities explore career possibilities, prepare for employment, and connect with opportunities that support greater independence.

You do not have to make an impact alone. You will work alongside participants, families, schools, service providers, employers, and fellow IVRS professionals to develop individualized employment plans and address barriers along the way.

If you have experience in counseling, human services, social work, psychology, education, workforce development, disability services, or a related field, we encourage you to review the minimum qualifications and consider applying.

Position Details

• Location: 517 Park Street, Suite A, Sheldon, Iowa
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Work arrangement: Hybrid telework and alternate scheduling may be available after six months, upon successful completion of training
• Travel: Regular travel to schools, businesses, service providers, and community locations is required

New Hires will start at base starting wage: $27.40/hour, $2,192.00 bi-weekly, $56,992.00 annually

Candidates who possess a master's degree in a related field and relevant professional experience may be considered for a higher starting salary within the pay range, consistent with State of Iowa compensation guidelines.

What You'll Do

As a Rehabilitation Counselor, you will manage an assigned caseload and partner directly with individuals with disabilities to identify employment goals and create practical plans for achieving them. Your work will include:

• Meeting with participants to understand their strengths, interests, abilities, support needs, and employment goals
• Providing vocational counseling and guidance throughout the rehabilitation and employment process
• Reviewing medical, psychological, educational, and social information to determine eligibility for services
• Developing individualized employment plans in partnership with participants
• Coordinating services, training, accommodations, and other resources needed to support employment success
• Providing Pre-Employment Transition Services to students who may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services
• Maintaining clear, timely, and accurate case documentation
• Applying program requirements, federal regulations, and agency policies consistently
• Monitoring progress and helping participants work through challenges or adjusting their employment plans when needed

Build Connections Across the Community

A meaningful part of this role involves developing partnerships throughout Sheldon and the surrounding region. You will:

• Collaborate with schools, community organizations, workforce partners, and service providers
• Build relationships with employers and help them understand disability inclusion and reasonable accommodations
• Identify work-based learning, on-the-job training, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities
• Partner with Iowa Workforce Development's Business Engagement Team on employer outreach
• Help align employment opportunities with each participant's abilities, interests, and goals

What Will Help You Succeed

• Compassionate and effective counseling and communication skills
• The ability to build trust with people from a variety of backgrounds
• Sound judgment and the ability to make well-supported decisions
• Strong organization, time management, and documentation skills
• A collaborative approach to working with participants, families, schools, providers, and employers
• A commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities
• The ability to learn and apply detailed program requirements and policies

Why Join IVRS?

This position offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a visible difference in the lives of Iowans. You will help people recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and pursue employment that supports their goals and independence.

As part of Iowa Workforce Development, you will join a statewide network of professionals working to connect people with opportunity and strengthen Iowa's workforce.

Benefits of Working for the State of Iowa

State of Iowa employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation and sick leave, with no maximum accrual for sick leave
• Nine paid holidays
• IPERS retirement benefits
• Optional retirement savings through deferred compensation
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent-care expenses
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Employee assistance and discount programs
• Training, professional development, and opportunities for career growth

Learn more about State of Iowa employee benefits.

Additional Information

The successful candidate must be able to complete a criminal background check conducted through the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

This position is classified as a Rehabilitation Counselor, pay grade 28. Candidates appointed with a bachelor's degree are eligible for compensation up to 85% of the pay grade maximum.

Make Your Work Matter

Your counseling, coordination, and community partnerships can help someone move from uncertainty to opportunity. If you are ready to use your skills to expand access to meaningful employment and strengthen northwest Iowa communities, we encourage you to apply.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify; a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

No applicant for employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. Selected positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• All of the following (a and b): (a) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human-services-related field; and (b) A total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field, where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.
• All of the following (a and b): (a) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field; and (b) A total of twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human- services-related field; and do you have a TOTAL of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field? Twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.

• I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human- services-related field; AND have a TOTAL of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field.
• I do not have the required education and experience

04

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field AND do you have a total of twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely related field?

• I have the required undergraduate and graduate level education
• I do not have the required undergraduate and graduate level education

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 309 - Iowa Workforce Development - Vocational Rehabilitation Services Address 1000 E Grand Ave

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.ivrs.iowa.gov/index.html