Rehabilitation Specialist I
Salary
$37,846.57 - $42,856.28 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9806-0653-20260609HND1
Department
0653 - DRS-VOC REHAB FOR THE BLIND
Opening Date
06/11/2026
Closing Date
6/29/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$37,846.57
Agency Maximum Salary
$42,856.28
About the Agency
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) is a state agency dedicated to helping Mississippians with disabilities to live and work independently. MDRS serves through four major programs: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (VRB), Office of Special Disability Programs (OSDP), and Disability Determination Services (DDS). Services also include support through Assistive Technology, the Office of Business Development and much more. It is the mission of MDRS to provide appropriate and comprehensive services in a timely and effective manner. Programs and services assist individuals with disabilities to gain employment, retain employment, and to live independently. MDRS is always looking for qualified and passionate employees to help fulfill its mission. To inquire about this position, please email careers@mdrs.ms.gov.
About the Position
This position is with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS), Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (VRB), and is located in Hinds County. The official MSPB classification title is Rehabilitation Specialist I. The incumbent will perform professional vocational rehabilitation work coordinating services for consumers who are blind or visually impaired. Duties include meeting with consumers during the application process, explaining the vocational rehabilitation process, evaluating vocational potential, reviewing diagnostic information, determining eligibility for services, and jointly developing individualized rehabilitation plans with consumers. The incumbent will arrange, coordinate, and monitor services needed to help consumers reach employment goals; provide job placement services to eligible, qualified job-ready individuals; develop and maintain working relationships with medical professionals and community organizations; and organize community resources to support quality rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.
What youll need to be Successful
Knowledge of counseling techniques, vocational assessment, job placement and interviewing techniques, and community resources. Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software. Excellent communication, creativity, problem-solving, evaluation of services and time management skills; Ability to be flexible, handle multiple tasks, maintain a professional demeanor, and showempathy; A willingness to obtain necessary continuing training/education for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification maintenance; or if not a CRC certificate holder, a willingness to work toward becoming eligible to sit for the CRC examination. Additional duties: Oversees the work of staff by making and reviewing work assignments, establishing priorities, coordinating activities, and resolving related work problems.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience. Hiring agency's preferred qualifications: The hiring agency prefers applicants with a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related area, in accordance with federal regulations, and/or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification. In lieu of a Master's Degree or CRC certification, the hiring agency prefers applicants with a Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related area, in accordance with federal regulations, with course content emphasizing rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development, and at least one (1) year of paid or unpaid experience in vocational rehabilitation or a closely related field.
Characteristics of Work
This is entry-level professional vocational rehabilitation work involving counseling, assessment, eligibility determination, service coordination, job placement assistance, and case management services for individuals with disabilities. The incumbent assists consumers in identifying vocational goals, develops individualized rehabilitation plans, coordinates services and community resources, manages assigned cases, and supports consumers throughout the rehabilitation process.
Examples of Work
Examples of work include meeting with consumers during the application process; explaining vocational rehabilitation services and program requirements; reviewing diagnostic, medical, educational, vocational, and social information; determining eligibility for rehabilitation services; developing individualized rehabilitation plans with consumers; coordinating services needed to support vocational goals; managing assigned caseloads to ensure timely services; locating and utilizing available community resources; providing job placement assistance to eligible and job-ready consumers; maintaining contact with medical professionals, community organizations, employers, and other service providers; managing assigned fiscal allocations under supervision for consumer services; maintaining accurate case documentation; and performing related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience.
Essential Functions
Essential functions include conducting consumer interviews and assessments; determining eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services; developing and monitoring individualized rehabilitation plans; coordinating services and community resources for consumers who are blind or visually impaired; providing counseling, guidance, and job placement assistance; managing assigned caseloads and maintaining timely case documentation; communicating with consumers, medical professionals, service providers, employers, community organizations, and agency staff; using computers, case management systems, and applicable software; managing assigned consumer service resources under supervision; maintaining professional relationships and confidentiality; supporting consumers throughout the rehabilitation process; and performing related professional vocational rehabilitation duties as assigned.
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of related experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406