Resident Specialist

For Texas to be GREAT, we need the best and brightest talent like you. The public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program administered through the Texas Workforce Commission helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP PEOPLE WITH VR According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.6% in 2020. This jobless rate continues to be much higher than the rate for those without disabilities. PUBLIC SERVICE IN VR IS FOR YOU If you want to find meaningful work and contribute to a powerful mission. For more than 100 years VR has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals. If you are looking for career and advancement opportunities. 38% of employees in VR have 15 years of seniority. There are various positions with career ladders and opportunities to specialize in areas of interest: Autism, Blind & Visual Impairments, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Brain Injury, Foster Youth, Transition Students, Veterans. If you need a comprehensive benefits package that offers competitive pay & benefits from health plans, life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and longevity pay. If you have direct VR Counseling work experience, receive higher starting salary. If you are interested in a flexible work schedule with teleworking as an option. If you want to advance your education with our tuition assistance program. FREE CEUs to maintain CRC credentials and reimbursement for CRC & LPC renewals. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), a Family Friendly Certified Workplace, is seeking a Resident Specialist II-III to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Department located at Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, 4800 North Lamar, Austin, Texas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. Benefits to working for TWC include: Competitive starting salary: $2,325.83 - $3,567.00/month depending on qualifications Defined Retirement Benefit Plan Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts Medical Insurance - Currently, the state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. Eligible part-time employees get a 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for their dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes are withheld. Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance 8 hours sick leave per month 8 hours vacation per month with potential to earn more with longevity Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services Additional benefits for active employees: The Resident Specialist II-III performs routine to moderately complex (journey-level) care and living skills training work in a residential environment. Work involves implementing educational plans and planning activities for academic, daily living, leisure, and social skills; and maintaining residential facilities and monitoring resident behavior. Works under close to moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. GENERAL DUTIES: Ensures quality care, treatment, training, and support is maintained for all residents in their living environments. Ensures residents' safety, health, and well-being; and responds to emergencies, injuries, or complaints according to policy and procedure. Monitors living conditions, activities, and wardrobes; and submits monitoring reports. Participates as a team member to plan resident assessments and program goals, objectives, strategies, and activities. Assesses and documents residents' progress toward program objectives. Implements and monitors behavior, social, and communication skill training and activities. Counsels residents and documents behaviors or discipline. Communicates with other residence and facility employees or other interested parties regarding residents' program and progress. Maintains facility property, equipment, and residents' personal effects. May transport residents or make travel arrangements. Performs related work as assigned. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of techniques used in planning and monitoring recreational and social activities in a residential rehabilitation setting; of child and adolescent problems, growth, and development; of techniques used in planning and monitoring activities of residents in special schools or correctional homes; and of techniques used in counseling children and parents. Ability to facilitate productive interaction between residents and staff, to assess residents' functional levels, and to train others. MINIMUM QUALFICATIONS: RS II: Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent plus three months experience working with individuals in a residential or dorm living facility. Nine semester hours of college coursework in human services, social science or a related field may substitute for three months of experience. Nine semester hours of college coursework in human services, social science or a related field may substitute for three months of experience. RS III: Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent plus six months experience working with individuals in a residential or dorm living facility. Fifteen semester hours of college coursework in human services, social science or a related field may substitute for six months of experience. Fifteen semester hours of college coursework in human services, social science or a related field may substitute for six months of experience. Will be required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid. Duty requires up to 15% travel (within the state of Texas) with occasional weekend travel and the ability to lift 10 pounds. VETERANS: Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: HOW TO APPLY: To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at or Taleo. TWC is not considering applications from persons who require immediate or future sponsorship for an employment visa to maintain work authorization eligibility. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.