While many state VR agencies are currently under a hiring freeze, Pennsylvania is hiring Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to meet the agency's staffing needs. The Executive Director has issued a directive to fill all vacant VR Counselor positions by June to prevent these positions from being swept up as part of future state budget negotiations.
Eligible candidates are needed for VR counselor openings available in Erie, Norristown, Philadelphia, and York district offices. Starting salary statewide for VR Counselor is $41,017 per year with benefits. Counselors hired to work in Norristown and Philadelphia District Offices receive higher starting salaries, $44,773 per year with benefits, to adjust for higher cost of living. There is immediate need for a bilingual Spanish-speaking counselor to work in the Reading district office, and a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf to work in the Dubois district office. Please alert rehabilitation counseling students graduating in May 2009, along with alumni and students seeking internship for the summer semester about these opportunities.
Interested candidates must apply now! Contact Cindy Mundis at (717) 787-2521 or by email at: cmundis@state.pa.us with any questions.
42 comments:
I think it is just wonderful that there is urgent employment to Vocational Rehabilitation counselors. This is a great opportunity for students graduating this spring to apply, although they might need to get familiar with the area. My sister has been to Pennsylvania and from looking at the pictures it is a beautiful state, and I would not mind working there, except that I graduate in the fall. The starting salary for VR counselors of forty one thousand is not that bad, considering the location of employment. I just think this is a wonderful sign in our field in rehabilitation and hope there are more opportunities to come.
JudithW
I agree with Judith that it is wonderful that there is an increased need for VR counselors around the country. It is a good career opportunity, especially because there is an immediate need for bilingual counselors. I think here in the valley the majority of students are biligual so that is a definite plus as well as the starting salary. It is a good incentive for any graduate to pick up and move out of the valley. I too have a friend that used to live in Pittsburg. She sent me pictures and it was beautiful. I also think they made it convenient by providing all their contact information as well as a contact name. This makes the process easier for anyone looking for a job, they can speak directly to the person looking to hire. It is great that VR counselors are needed around the county and hope that this field continues to grow.
Marla S.
it seems there is a lot of vacant positions for rehabilitation counselors. haha! It means this vocation is more and more important in people's daily life and it is so good for all rehabilitation students~~~~
Yuanyuan Li
Is wonderful, to know that they have opening for VR counselor, Thank God for the growing needs and more opportunties.
Anthonia. F.
This is great to know. Especially for students who are graduating and know spanish.
Shannon L.
It is interesting to see that bilingual Vocational Rehabilitation counselors are needed in the northern part of the States. This tells me that more Hispanic people are requiring this type of services, and that the government and private institutions are trying to provide for them.
This is also an incentive for students to focus on graduation time, and to consider the option of moving away from the Valley. Just watch out for the weather it is very cold during winter, but it is a very beautiful place. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and to put in practice our knowledge and empathy towards Latino population.
Mary Carmen Thomas
I agree with everyone who has posted, I think its great that there is going to be more job opportunities for the Hispanic community. Being that most Hispanics know spanish and are needed all over the country such as the state of Pennsylvania. This gives me that little extra boost to keep up with the major of Rehab and possibly go on with the master's program. Most people nowadays don't think that there is much of a need for Vocational Rehab counselors, but if they need spanish-speaking ones up in the northern states good for them and the valley. Hispanics seem to be moving up in the world whether it be by leaving their roots and moving up north or by working harder, going to college and graduating above all. A huge step for the hispanic people and a wonderful of showing the future generation that anything is possible.
Victoria G.
I think it is so nice to see that their employment opportunities around the country. Entering this field, one may feel a bit wary on whether or not their will positions available when we graduate. I am glad to see that there is a need for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors even if the position is in Pennsyvania. I would love to live in a state that actually sees the seasons change!
Jeanette G.
I think it is so nice to see that their employment opportunities around the country. Entering this field, one may feel a bit wary on whether or not their will positions available when we graduate. I am glad to see that there is a need for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors even if the position is in Pennsylvania. I would love to live in a state that actually sees the seasons change!
Jeanette G.
I think it is wonderful that there is a need for vocational rehab counselors because there are so many places that are understaffed or in need of them. It is also a good opportunity for students who are about to graduate to be part of this and fill in the vacant spots that are being needed. Priscilla F.
It is very encouraging to know that there are positions available, especially for bilingual vocational rehabilitation counselors. This job would be very convenient for people that are open to the idea of moving their residency. It’s very asserting to see that other states are asking for bilingual counselors and not just border cities and states.
L.M.Lastra
wow. This just makes me love my path of career choice even more. =) I am so happy that in this time of crisis for the U.S, there is still hope for us who are on our way to REHAB succeed. I hope just like Judith that more of these opportunities coming our way. Rehab is always going to be needed and it is great to know that we can get hired...work..and most important..HELP PWD in this time that the U.S. is going through a tough period. It is a great way to show the world that REHAB WORKS and gives us so much hope. The pay is great and for people like some of us, with kids, it seems like a great opportunity although there will be some getting used to since it's far from home.
I totally agree with everyone, since I think everyone deserves an opportunity. It is also excellent to hear that there is a high request for bilingual counselors, since I am doing my masters and I will love some day to apply my knowledge. My first language is Spanish and now that I am working in my masters I think that I am very lucky since I speak both languages and that there is a lot opportunities as a rehabilitation counselors.
Ivette Martinez
I think this is great! This gives hope to many vocational rehabilitation counselors. The economy is so bad that it’s still hard to find a job with a master’s degree. I am glad that people are recognizing that it is important to keep jobs. The fact that they are looking for bilingual vocational rehabilitation counselors is really good because this will provide better services to the fast growing Hispanic population and they are willing to accommodate this. It also gives many opportunities to many people. I am glad they are still hiring!
I agree with all of you, there is so much job opportunities for VR counselors. Just seeing this makes me want to continue my education and major in rehabilitation. It is just a huge field with so many job opportunities.
y. torres
It is great that there are job opportunities for our field of study but sometimes the pay is so low to move to other areas of the US. Living in the valley is not only economical but we are close to family. I am not saying that I would not move if the salary was a little more than 45,000. I hope that job opportunities will still be available when I graduate in December of this year. The program has grown so much that will be hard to find job in the Rio Grande Valley. People might not have a choose than to move away. Angie K.
Im glad that there are job opportunities for our field of study. The pay is a little low for the area that is kind of expensive to live in. The Valley is very economical and it still hard to live off 40,000 dollars a year. I am not saying that I would not move if the price was a little higher than 44,000. I just hope that when we graduate there will still be a need for Rehab Counselors. The program has grown so much that it might be very hard to find a job with a non-profit organization that we probably would have to move up state. Angie K.
I am glad that there are job opportunities for rehab counselors. Although, I would not want to move to PA (too cold)the opportunities are there. I would have to agree with Angie. Many students graduating need to consider leaving the Valley. I know this is hard for many people, but there are only a number of positions available with DARS. I think this is what Angie was referring to.
Rosie
It is really refreshing to see a marked increase in the number job opportunities for the for hispanic individuals. I have to say that I could have seen this coming though. The Hispanic community is the fastest growing minority group in the United States. With a large group of those individuals unable to speak english, being bilingual is a truly important asset needed all over the country and as a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program it is a good feeling that i will be in a good positionto get a good job and counsel individuals in english or spanish
--Pete Castaneda III
I am surprised by this message. I can't believe there is such a high demand for VR and the pay, wow, I had no idea the pay is that high. Having these agencies in need for bilingual speaking counselors is a great chance for students graduating this spring 2009 to take the opportunity to work with some of this agencies. I wish good luck to graduate students and hope they are able to take hold of this opportunity. I know I would, if i were gradating this year.
REHS 3311.01
It's great to be informed of these job openings for graduates to be able to apply and even be highered right away. I have noticed that a lot of Rehab majors are in demand. I think this is a great profession to go into not only because of the pay but because of the fact that you can change a person's life. Lending a helping hand to encourage these people not to give up and to show them that we are here to help them in any way possible. It feels good to let them know that you are not just helping them but to also know that you are making friends along the way. Its also good to know that the Executive Director wants these positions to be filled instead of the positions just being taken off and on one getting the job.
R. Hernandez
This seems like a very good job opportunity, for upcoming graduates. It is a very good outlook to those who are beginning their careers in rehab, they have great job opportunities like these to look forward to and advance in their careers. Students graduating soon should definitely jump on this opportunity!
Crystal S.
It nice to hear that the field I have chosen to get into is hiring and jobs will probably increase in the future. So, that means that when I’m done I’ll have a job. But I’m glad that the staff whom have a disability are being accommodated. That’s good that people with disabilities have jobs in such a high position which really gives a positive view.
~ Violet M ~
I’m so delighted to hear that our field in rehabilitation is hiring VR counselors all over the country, which gives us as students a variety of opportunities to work with people with disabilities all over the country. People how are bilingual are given an additional salary which is something that I take into consideration since I come from a family that speaks Spanish.
Laura.c
I think it it great that thier are all of these postions available. It means that thier are is also a demand for them. Thier need for bilingual speakers is good also because it shows great empathy towards the latino population.
Gerardo G.
How cool is this! It is good to know that there are jobs out there and that there is already a job kinda waiting for me when i graduate... Hopefully it will be this way by the time i graduate. I am glad that they are also trying to get bilingual VR counselors. It makes it a lot easier for both patients and VR counselors. It also goes to show you how important it is to know a second language. It also makes me think that i should retake ASL (i took it back in high school) but now that my major is in rehabilitation services, then i think i should become familiar with it again.
Ahernandez
The state of Pennsylvania is doing a astonishing benefit for many students who just graduated from college. This will create positive opportunities for people to become a VR counselor. Also, it is good thing that they are look for people who are bilingual. Even the salary is not to bad for a VR counselor. Overall, this can be something that anyone who is going for Rehab services, can pursue to become.
Vanessa G.
I was concerned that there wouldn't be a need for Vocational Rehab counselors. I am relieved to see that there is. To work in Pennsylvania would be wonderful and a chance to flaunt that UTPA has such a great Rehab program. :)
If any of the Rehab students decide to try it I wish them best of luck!
Lizette G.
CM
I think that this is a great opportunity for people that want to get away and work outside of the valley. With people being laid off and jobs being lost, im happy to hear that there are still many jobs available. This will give bilingual speakers the opportunity to serve other people especially people who speak spanish. It will help them help people overcome the language barrier and maybe more spanish speakers will go out and seek help because there will be someone who understands them.
Diana O.
I find this blog very interesting because it alerts unemployed Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselors that are in the need of employment of the vacant VR counselor positions. It is interesting especially for the non-graduate students majoring in the Rehabilitation field because it presents them the opportunity to work and gain experience in what would become their career. Esly B.
Wow, this post is great I would of never thought to look at Pennsylvania for a job opportunity. I'm even more surpised they need VR Councelors who can speak fluent Spanish. Now that I know about this I am excited to expand my options when I start looking for a job. Sadly, I do not graduate untill next year hopefully then there will be more jobs to look into and more states to choose from.
-Berta J.
It is amazing to see how much Vocational Rehabilitation counselors are wanted in Pennsylvania. The career opportunity is great and the starting pay is not that bad, as Judith mentioned. Most people that live here in the valley are bilingual, so this job opportunity would be great for those majoring in this field. For those that graduate and do not want to stay and live here, this is a great offer to expand your opportunities in another place. It's just very interesting to know that Vocational Rehabilitation is so important in everyone's lives and so many job opportunities as counselors.
AnelC
I feel good that this profession is making big. That means lots of money haha. It is a huge work opportunity.
Alberto
It is awesome to hear that there is a great need for vocational rehabilitation counselors. That is a great opportunity for those majoring in rehabilitative services in the spring. It is absolutely wonderful that there is great need for bilingual counselors. I am one and it is great benefit for me. Hearing that there is more need for bilinguals is outstanding. That is a great benefit for the Hispanics. Hearing about the great need for VR counselors makes me really want to continue my education in rehabilitative services, and hope there is more opportunities in the future.
This is a good opportunity for many of the bilingual speakers. With the crisis our country is facing, it is not unusual to hear that there is a freeze in hiring. Although Pennsylvania is far, it is a good opportunity, those graduating soon, should consider.
-Monica A. (case management-Rivas)
It is always nice to see that the VR program is always hiring. This is a great opportunity for all those seeking a job in the rehabilitation area, especially bilingual individuals. I would love to consider this an option for employment in a future day.
Y. Torres
These are great news. I am so glad that there are a lot of job opportunities for those Spanish speaking students. Especially because I am one of those students jajaja… I don’t think I will have a problem working in a place outside the valley.
Gabriela L
Hiring is always something good, especially in these times of need. It is great to know that they are hiring for VR positions because this gives the opportunity to the students that will be graduating this coming semester to apply for a job. The increase for this job is also good news because we have a new field (if we weren’t going that way) to go in because we now know that there is a demand for it. Especially because we are bilingual the pay rate is higher and stuff.
Evelyn A.
Wow so cool. In today's economy you would think that employment would be difficult in any field but it is amazing that our field keeps growing. No matter how difficult things may become in our country we do seem to flourish in the health care field. Pennsylvania is more of a rural state so you have to like that but whatever the adjustment the fact that we are needed is a great feeling.
Aaron G.
I am very pleased to hear that not only is Pennsylvania creating more jobs, but they are creating jobs in a field that is already limited. having VR counselors at the states disposal is wonderful. Finally, I am starting to feel some relief when it comes to this "horrible economic time". Instead of focusing on the bad, let's do something for others. Hiring VR counselors is a great start.
John-Robert I.
Certainly good news for all of us in this field of study. If only other states would follow after Pennyslvania it would be even better news. Regardless, this is an excellent opportunity for bilingual rehab counselors, and just rehab counselors in general. I think however, that the need for more rehab counselors is coming our way, and is only a matter a time, before the nation recognizes the importance of this profession.
-Sergio M.
Its really great to hear that not all states are under this freeze employment. I came back to get my masters degree in rehab to be qualified to work specifically for a DARS agency. Its great to see there are jobs still available in others states. The starting salary is great but the weather for us south texans could be a diffictult thing to adjust too especially if you use a wheelchair for mobility. Getting around in snow in a wheelchiar is no easy task.
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