March 22 Is National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day

DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION NEWS

Connecting with a vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) is one of the most important steps New Mexicans with  disabilities can take toward finding not just a job but a career. On March 22, the New Mexico Division of Vocational  Rehabilitation (NMDVR) invites employees, program participants and the public to join us in recognition of National  Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day.  

Established by the U.S. Senate on March 22, 2018, National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day commends rehabilitation counselors “for their dedication and hard work in providing counseling to individuals with disabilities,” according  to the resolution. 

“Our VRCs are dedicated to New Mexicans with disabilities achieve their career goals and secure positions with  employers in our state who are eager to support those with disabilities and give them an opportunity to excel in his  or her chosen field,” said NMDVR Interim Director Dan Drury. “Since pandemic restrictions went into effect last year,  our VRCs have done a tremendous job shifting gears and creating new ways to ensure we reach as many individuals  as possible and continue providing a personalized counseling experience.” 

NMDVR is currently featuring Q&As with some of NMDVR’s counselors about why they chose to pursue a career as a VRC and  what a typical day is like. At this time, NMDVR is seeking to fill several VRC positions and hopes these Q&As will give all those  interested in becoming a VRC more information to consider when deciding if the role is right for them.  

“Hiring more VRCs is the most important way to reach as many New Mexicans with disabilities as possible who need assistance  finding the right career, especially as we overcome the pandemic,” said Drury. “We need to ensure the economic recovery of  our state is not only successful but also inclusive.” 

NMDVR invites both prospective job candidates as well as students interested in becoming VRCs to read these Q&As  and virtually “meet” some of our counselors at http://www.dvr.state.nm.us/working-at-dvr-hear-from-our counselors/ 

Additional information about services for individuals with disabilities and DVR is available on our website  at http://www.dvr.state.nm.us/