Transition Counselor

• Job Location: Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation - Lawton, OK 73501
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
• Salary Range: $19.00 - $23.64 Hourly
• Travel Percentage: Up to 25%Job
• Shift: M-F/8-5OPENING

DATE: July 8, 2026 CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled POSITION SUMMARY: The Transition Counselor will collaborate with public schools, colleges, universities, trade schools, and other educational and vocational institutions within the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) 9-county service area.

The Transition Counselor will support American Indian students (16 years of age and older) with disabilities in preparing for employment and life after high school.

The goal is to establish and maintain partnerships that support American Indian (AI) students with disabilities as they transition from high school to employment or post-secondary education and then employment.

The Transition Counselor provides direct and indirect casework services to young adults with varying levels of functional disabilities.

The Transition Counselor is responsible for interpreting and analyzing an applicant’s physical and mental condition, social and economic circumstances, attitudes and aptitudes, work history, educational background, and personality traits to support medical diagnosis and determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services, along with guiding the consumer through the rehabilitation process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and sustain working relationships with high school special education programs to identify AI students with disabilities, assess their interests and aptitudes, and facilitate tailored transition planning.

Coordinate job placement opportunities aligned with each student’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), including internships, job shadowing, and work-based learning experiences.

Work collaboratively with teachers, parents/guardians, VR counselors, and other service providers—including the State Department of Rehabilitation Services—to implement effective, culturally responsive transition strategies.

Serve as a liaison between the VR program and educational or vocational institutions to ensure smooth transitions for AI students with disabilities. Monitor progress, provide support, and adjust transition plans as needed to meet individual student goals.

Work collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community agencies to develop individualized transition plans. Provide guidance on vocational training opportunities and post-secondary pathways. Assist students in identifying and pursuing employment options aligned with their skills and interests.

Advocate for appropriate accommodations and support services during and after high school.

Maintain accurate records and monitor student progress toward transition goals, along with maintaining accurate and timely documentation of all casework activities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures.

Determining eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services based on applicable laws and policies. Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

Consult with physicians, psychiatrists, and other professionals to interpret examination findings and psychological test results. Assist individuals in developing suitable rehabilitation plans based on their needs, strengths, and vocational goals.

Develop and implement Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) in collaboration with eligible consumers, focusing on personal preferences, interests, abilities and capabilities.

Coordinate rehabilitation co-services with the State Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and other Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) programs.

Provide counseling, guidance, and information and referral services to eligible Native Americans with disabilities, along with other relevant services in order for the consumer to become employed in their Informed Choice Vocational Goal.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all casework activities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures. Manage a caseload of consumers, monitor progress, and adjust rehabilitation plans as needed. Uphold strict confidentiality of all consumer information and records.

Demonstrate empathy and cultural sensitivity while working with clients. Perform additional duties as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Reports To

Will Report to Vocational Rehabilitation Director.

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to perform the following physical activities, with or without reasonable accommodation: Climb, crouch, pull, push, reach, stand, and walk. Engage in repetitive motions and grasp objects. Use the sense of touch and feel.

Communicate effectively through speech, hearing, and vision, or use other assistive devices to communicate successfully with others. Move and lift computing equipment as needed. Must have a valid drivers license and able to travel. Must be able to pass a background check and drug test.

Work

Schedule

Standard hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend or extended hours may be required to meet organizational or project deadlines. Travel

Requirements

Local travel is required based on business needs and will occur within the designated 9-county service area.

The position primarily involves indoor work, with occasional overnight travel for training or professional development.

Work Environment

Applicant must be able to handle the face pace of the program, so being a great multi-tasker is vital.

Qualifications

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field is desired. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of practice in Social Services, Human Services, or Workforce Development may be considered or extensive (4+ years) case management experience.

Prior knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation processes and practices is highly preferred. Must be able to pass a background check and drug testing.

Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation practices, particularly in supporting students with disabilities as they transition from school to employment or further education, along with community resources.

Thorough understanding of the public school system, including special education services, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and interagency collaboration.

Skills: Experience working with youth with disabilities, preferably within educational or vocational settings Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse populations, including tribal communities.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and use sound judgement while managing sensitive information Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Strong verbal and written communication skills Excellent attention to detail and high accuracy Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively Professional demeanor and strong organizational skills Experience with filing systems and office procedures Typing skills with high speed and accuracy Teamwork and ability to contribute to group goals Resourcefulness, flexibility, and problem-solving capabilities Patience and the ability to anticipate needs in a fast-paced environment Strong editing and proofreading skills Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development Commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities in vocational pathways BENEFITS PACKAGE: Annual Leave (4 hours per pay period) Sick Leave (4 hours per pay period) Birthday Leave Bereavement Leave (5 paid days off for specified family members) Fifteen (15) Paid Holidays Medical Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only) Dental Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only) Life Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only- $40K coverage) 401K-up to 3% match VOLUNTARY BENEFITS (100% employee paid via payroll deduction): Medical Insurance BCBS (Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available) Dental Insurance Delta Dental (Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available) Vision Insurance VSP (Employee, Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available) Short-term Disability Long-term Disability Additional Employee Life Insurance Spouse, and Child Life Insurance AFLAC EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Comanche Nation does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

COMANCHE PREFERENCE applies in accordance to the Comanche Nation Human Resources Policies and Procedures. Eligible applicants must submit proof of enrollment with employment application to receive Comanche preference.

INDIAN PREFERENCE applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), Form 4432 must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference. Non-Indian applications will be considered in the absence of qualified Comanche and/or Indian preference applicants.

VETERAN PREFERENCE applies in accordance to the Comanche Nation Human Resources Policies and Procedures. Eligible applicants must submit proof of veteran status, DD Form 214, with employment application to receive veteran preference.