Greetings,
We are recruiting to fill a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor vacancy with the NM Commission for the Blind. The position is in our Santa Fe office and serves Northcentral and Northeastern New Mexico.
The position serves both adults and transition students. Caseloads generally consists of approximately 30-50 cases. The most relevant portion of the job posting is provided below my signature block. The posting closes March 15.
To reach the job posting, go to the NM State Personnel Website at
click the Apply Now link, enter the letters CFB in the search field, and look for the VR Counselor vacancy in Santa Fe.
Applications are accepted through the New Mexico State Personnel Office online application system only!
Note to screen reader users: Should you have trouble with the application utility, please notify Ms. Chelsea Talamante, our HR Manager. She can be reached in our Santa Fe office at 505.476.4460 or at Chelsea.Talamante@cfb.nm.gov. You may request assistance with the application. Ms. Talamante can also confirm that your application (including uploaded transcripts, licenses, etc.) has been successfully received for consideration.
Interested individuals can contact me to discuss the position.
Thank you,
Daphne A. Mitchell, MRC, CRC, LRC, DILC
VR Program Manager
NM Commission for the Blind
2200 Yale Blvd, SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone: (505) 383-2253
Toll Free (in state only): 1-888-513-7958, Ext. 32253
Fax: (505) 841-8850
Email: Daphne.Mitchell@cfb.nm.gov
Agency website: www.cfb.state.nm.us
New Mexico Commission for the Blind
Vacancy Announcement
Job Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
CFB #6296)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular - Permanent
Closing Date: March 15, 2025
Pay Grade: 65
Salary: The salary range for this position is $47,989 - $76,782 Annually ($23.07 - $36.91 Hourly). Offered salary will be based on education and experience.
Benefits: Full State of New Mexico benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, traditional defined benefit retirement plan, sick leave, annual leave, and eleven holidays.
Why does the job exist? To provide vocational rehabilitation services to persons who are blind or severely visually impaired in order that they may obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.
How does it get done? Incumbent determines an applicant’s eligibility for Commission services; identifies any and all disabilities and medical conditions that may represent impediments to employment; coordinates adjustment counseling; coordinates blindness skills training; conducts a career assessment to identify a vocational goal that is consistent with the client’s unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice; jointly develops an Individualized Plan for Employment that describes the services that are necessary to achieve the vocational goal; coordinates the delivery of the services described in the Individualized Plan for Employment; provides/coordinates job placement services as necessary; and coordinates post-employment services as necessary.
Who are the customers? Persons with blindness or severe visual impairments, family members, school personnel, and employers.
Ideal Candidate: Individual possesses a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Counselor certification, and three years of related experience.
Minimum Qualifications: bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Vocational Rehabilitation, Sociology, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, or related degree as referenced by statute, with no experience required.
If selected, incumbent with only a bachelor’s degree will be required to complete a master’s degree program in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling within four years of hire at the employer’s expense.
Applicants must attach a copy of their unofficial college transcript to their application.
Employment Requirements:
Must obtain and maintain Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification (CRC) issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification or be eligible to sit for the CRC examination; Must obtain and maintain New Mexico rehabilitation counselor licensure as defined in the New Mexico Public Education Department Rules (6.63.11) NMAC.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage.
Regularly works with individuals with secondary disabilities, some of which resulting in challenging behaviors.
Occasionally exposed to service animals.
Regular travel is required within service territory, including regular overnight travel using agency vehicles.
Bargaining Unit: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Agency Contact Information: Ms. Chelsea Talamante, (505) 476.4460
The online application includes approximately ten questions addressing education, experience, and specialized qualifications.