Counselor Assistant Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
Use your Professional Counselor or Professional Counselor Training License to make a difference! Join a team of dedicated individuals in supporting Wisconsin residents with disabilities to obtain, maintain, and improve employment outcomes.
Don't have your Professional Counselor Training License yet? Don't worry! Recent graduates can be considered for these roles. Learn more about eligibility requirements. These positions may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and a $2000 sign-on bonus!
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is currently seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to provide services within multiple areas of WDA 5 (Bay Area). DVR maintains 11 Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) across the state where teams of DVR staff work together to assist Wisconsin residents with disabilities with their job search efforts.
This position may be located at the headquarter office in either Green Bay or Sheboygan and will primarily serve Sheboygan County. Regular daytime travel within WDA 5, and the assigned areas of service, is a requirement of this position. ( See WDA Map ). This position will have the option to work remotely up to 4 days per week.
DWD offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin .
This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).
Position Summary
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors-In Training (VRC-IT) help youth and adults with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives by assisting them in securing gainful employment. They provide a continuum of professional services designed to remove barriers and help consumers achieve success. Through vocational guidance and counseling, counselors assist consumers in determining employment goals, identifying services and resources, and preparing for employment and job searches. In addition, counselors develop and maintain relationships with community partners, including job centers, schools, service providers and employers. View the position descriptions for more information:
VRC-IT position description
VRC position description
Salary Information
This position is being filled at two different levels. The level and starting pay offered will depend on the qualifications met. Starting pay for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor-In Training is $29.11-$32.51 per hour. Starting pay for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is $31.87-$35.28 per hour.
This position also comes with an exemplary benefits package , eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness , and a $2,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates.
Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor- In Training is in schedule 12, range 64 and is non-exempt. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is in schedule 12, range 63 and is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Neither position is represented in a collective bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period will be required.
Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.
Job Details
Travel: This position requires regular daytime travel within the assigned WDA , and occasionally statewide to attend meetings, trainings, etc Reimbursement for mileage is provided when in travel status per travel guidelines. The reimbursement amount will be based on distance traveled from the headquarter office. See all DVR office locations .
Remote work: This position is eligible to work a hybrid remote schedule after an initial training period. At least some percentage of work will be performed onsite each week. The amount of remote work available varies by location and will be discussed during the interview stage. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin . Remote work options are subject to change.
Criminal histories: W e also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.
Qualifications
This position is being filled at two different levels. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC-IT) requires an active Wisconsin Professional Counselor Training License (PCTL) at the time of appointment. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) requires an active Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at the time of appointment. Eligibility for licensure is determined by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS).
To be considered for this position, you need a master's in professional counseling or equivalent and your application materials must include any of the following:

• PCTL Number or,
• LPC Number or,
• PAR# that demonstrates you are eligible for licensure.

Learn more about the PAR# and how to demonstrate eligibility for licensure.
In addition to the qualifications above, experience, training, or education in any of the following would be nice to have:

• Counseling and empowering clients/consumers to develop plans to meet their goals (ideally in the area of vocational rehabilitation programming).
• Working in a team service environment.
• Communicating effectively and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.
• Managing caseloads and/or organizing and prioritizing tasks (e.g., recording case notes, completing forms, ensuring document compliance, etc.).
• Conducting comprehensive assessments to determine clients/consumers' needs for services (e.g., using diagnostic tests/tools, labor market information, etc.).
• Collaborating with external partners (e.g., employers, service providers, etc.) to guide and/or monitor the processes related to meeting client/consumer goals.
• Applying principles of trauma informed care and multicultural sensitivity in counseling .

How To Apply
Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search Job ID 21841) to complete your application.
Additional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor-In Training vacancies are available in other WDAs. Use this link to find all available vacancies. Applicants must apply for all WDAs they would like to be considered for.
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be required to attach a resume as part of the application process.
You must include your LPC, PCTL, or PAR# in your resume. You can find your license number on the DSPS website . Your PAR# can be found in your DSPS application portal. If you need help locating your license or PAR#, contact DSPS.
You will be asked to select the headquarter locations you would like to be considered for during the application process. See all DVR office locations .
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Terra at TLKJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.
What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.
DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer . Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Deadline to Apply
Applications submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, will be included in the first application review. Applications will be accepted until hiring needs are met.