U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Counselor Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tillamook, Oregon, United States, 97141
Initial Posting Date:
01/06/2026
Application Deadline:
01/13/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$3,705 - $5,066
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Counselor Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1)
Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
Note: This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1, 2026, and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1, 2026.
Opportunity awaits! Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation in Tillamook is seeking a Counselor Assistant to join their team. The Counselor Assistant stands at the forefront, ensuring seamless support for colleagues and exceptional service for clients. In the fast-paced world of deadlines, your exceptional organizational skills and time management are not merely assets; they are essential lifelines that empower your team to thrive. If you are ready to ignite your career, we invite you to seize the moment and apply today!
Summary of Duties Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation assists Oregonians with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independence. If you would like to know more about Vocational Rehabilitation, click the link below! ODHS Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Assistant plays a vital role in assisting with the coordination between the consumer, VR counselor, Rehabilitation Supervisor, and community partnership to ensure quality and timely customer service delivery for individuals with disabilities. The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct consumer support, respond to client or provider complaints/concerns and fiscal authority and oversight. The Counselor Assistant also has strong knowledge of the state and federal law, reporting requirements, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Counselor Assistant supports.
As an Administrative Specialist you will:
Support counselors in their role ensuring client services are being provided.
Process records requests from multiple agencies in accordance with agency records policy and client’s privacy rights.
Provide person centered direct support services to consumers with disabilities by assisting with completion of application forms, gathering information to assist in determining eligibility for VR services.
Assist with scheduling/rescheduling evaluations.
Routinely contact consumers by telephone, in writing and in person to provide follow-up services.
Assist in the program’s case management system (ORCA), understanding of caseload management, budget and financial management.
Complete exception requests/purchase orders with vendors and submit the required documentation to the Office of Contract and Procurement.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of secretarial or basic administrative support experience that includes records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data;
OR
An associate degree in general office occupations and one year of experience with records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data;
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with:
Proven experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
Experience communicating complex information verbally and in writing to people with diverse education, language, and cultural backgrounds through different platforms. (I.e., cell phone, email, in person).
Previous administrative experience to include managing a front desk, answering the phones, and providing administrative support to program staff.
Experience with bill paying, reviewing invoices and reconciling reports with accuracy.
Experience entering, updating and retrieving information in Database software in a timely and efficient manner.
Attention all candidates!
Your resume (optional) and cover letter (optional) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required).
If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is used to qualify you for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
Working Conditions
In person/in office work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Once training and trial service is complete, flexible schedule details may be considered based on business needs.
General office environment to include daily work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.
This role has frequent interruptions due to phone calls, and staff or client needs.
Must have the ability to prioritize and work under critical timelines.
Travel may be required based on business needs.
You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who may struggle with emotional regulation. This position may involve handling stressful situations that demand rapid decision-making skills.
Background Checks and Requirements
If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
Benefits
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
Cost of Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
Amazing benefits package.
Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:
Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
General Information
This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
Contact Information We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.
The recruiter for this position is Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807
#J-18808-Ljbffr
01/06/2026
Application Deadline:
01/13/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$3,705 - $5,066
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Counselor Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1)
Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
Note: This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1, 2026, and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1, 2026.
Opportunity awaits! Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation in Tillamook is seeking a Counselor Assistant to join their team. The Counselor Assistant stands at the forefront, ensuring seamless support for colleagues and exceptional service for clients. In the fast-paced world of deadlines, your exceptional organizational skills and time management are not merely assets; they are essential lifelines that empower your team to thrive. If you are ready to ignite your career, we invite you to seize the moment and apply today!
Summary of Duties Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation assists Oregonians with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independence. If you would like to know more about Vocational Rehabilitation, click the link below! ODHS Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Assistant plays a vital role in assisting with the coordination between the consumer, VR counselor, Rehabilitation Supervisor, and community partnership to ensure quality and timely customer service delivery for individuals with disabilities. The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct consumer support, respond to client or provider complaints/concerns and fiscal authority and oversight. The Counselor Assistant also has strong knowledge of the state and federal law, reporting requirements, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Counselor Assistant supports.
As an Administrative Specialist you will:
Support counselors in their role ensuring client services are being provided.
Process records requests from multiple agencies in accordance with agency records policy and client’s privacy rights.
Provide person centered direct support services to consumers with disabilities by assisting with completion of application forms, gathering information to assist in determining eligibility for VR services.
Assist with scheduling/rescheduling evaluations.
Routinely contact consumers by telephone, in writing and in person to provide follow-up services.
Assist in the program’s case management system (ORCA), understanding of caseload management, budget and financial management.
Complete exception requests/purchase orders with vendors and submit the required documentation to the Office of Contract and Procurement.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of secretarial or basic administrative support experience that includes records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data;
OR
An associate degree in general office occupations and one year of experience with records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data;
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with:
Proven experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
Experience communicating complex information verbally and in writing to people with diverse education, language, and cultural backgrounds through different platforms. (I.e., cell phone, email, in person).
Previous administrative experience to include managing a front desk, answering the phones, and providing administrative support to program staff.
Experience with bill paying, reviewing invoices and reconciling reports with accuracy.
Experience entering, updating and retrieving information in Database software in a timely and efficient manner.
Attention all candidates!
Your resume (optional) and cover letter (optional) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required).
If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is used to qualify you for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
Working Conditions
In person/in office work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Once training and trial service is complete, flexible schedule details may be considered based on business needs.
General office environment to include daily work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.
This role has frequent interruptions due to phone calls, and staff or client needs.
Must have the ability to prioritize and work under critical timelines.
Travel may be required based on business needs.
You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who may struggle with emotional regulation. This position may involve handling stressful situations that demand rapid decision-making skills.
Background Checks and Requirements
If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
Benefits
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
Cost of Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
Amazing benefits package.
Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:
Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
General Information
This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
Contact Information We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.
The recruiter for this position is Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807
#J-18808-Ljbffr