Supervisory Vocational Rehab Counselor

Veterans Benefits Administration•San Diego, CA

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Veterans Benefits Administration is hiring a Supervisory Vocational Rehab Counselor to direct and supervise regional Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) operations. The role oversees eligibility determinations, vocational exploration and assessments, labor-market analysis, rehabilitation plan development, review of medical information, entitlement decisions, award adjustments and authorizations, and case management. The position may exercise delegated authority on behalf of the VREO to make decisions, including determinations of basic eligibility for VR&E programs. The counselor allocates program resources, directs and reviews staff, advises on program goals and priorities, monitors progress, and helps develop and implement plans to meet objectives. The role provides administrative expertise across rehabilitation counseling, case management, plan development, and job placement, and coordinates operations and policy with other divisions, agencies, employers, and rehabilitation facilities. It establishes and implements procedures to support efficient operations and ensures consistent interpretation and application of laws, regulations, and policies. The position provides oversight through site visits, inspections, data reviews, and written or verbal communication. It may personally review complex cases, including fraud, high-cost programs, independent living, self-employment, re-entry, retroactive induction, and extensions of entitlement. It approves cases involving Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE), oversees supplemental-claim and higher-level reviews, procurement of counseling services, formal hearings, Privacy Act and FOIA requests, and responses to Congressional, White House, and other special inquiries. The role also manages employee performance and development, advises and resolves complaints, ensures appropriate disciplinary and recognition actions, participates in hiring and selection, maintains effective labor-representative relationships, and develops subordinate supervisors’ management and leadership skills. It serves as a Regional Office consultant and expert on employment issues affecting Veterans with disabilities. This is a full-time position with a Monday-through-Friday schedule, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position is based at the official duty station and is eligible only for case-by-case, supervisor-approved situational telework; routine or recurring telework is not authorized. The position is not virtual. Some travel may be necessary for training, meetings, or customer interactions. A one-year probationary period is required, and a financial disclosure report is required.

Requirements

A degree in behavioral or social science or a related discipline appropriate to the position; alternatively, equivalent knowledge through a combination of education and experience or four years of appropriate experience.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-13, including post-graduate-level rehabilitation counseling or professional counseling psychologist experience.
Experience applying laws, regulations, and procedures governing VR&E programs.
Professional lead experience in a vocational rehabilitation or counseling psychologist program and/or experience managing cases of individuals with disabilities.
Demonstrated supervisory qualities or potential to develop the qualities needed to supervise successfully.
For current Federal GS employees, 52 weeks at GS-13 by the announcement closing date; applicable current VBA reassignment applicants must meet the stated grade and promotion-potential conditions.
U.S. citizenship; Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Successful completion of required background investigation and onboarding requirements; the position is subject to a Public Trust-High Risk investigation.
Serve a one-year probationary period and, if applicable, a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Submit a transcript with the application; foreign education must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency when used to meet qualifications.
Some travel may be necessary for training, meetings, or customer interactions.

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise VR&E work involving eligibility, vocational exploration, assessments, labor-market analysis, rehabilitation plans, medical information, entitlement decisions, award adjustments and authorizations, and case management.
Exercise delegated authority on behalf of the VREO to make decisions, including basic eligibility determinations for VR&E programs.
Advise on major goals and priorities; assign and allocate resources; direct and review personnel; monitor progress and address obstacles to approved objectives.
Provide administrative expertise in counseling, case management, rehabilitation plan development, and job development and placement.
Coordinate rehabilitation operations and policies with other divisions, agencies, employers, and rehabilitation facilities.
Plan, formulate, and implement procedures and policies to maintain efficient operations of professional and support staff.
Provide policy direction and supervision through site visits, inspections, data review, and written, telephone, or in-person communication.
Ensure proper interpretation and uniform application of laws, regulations, instructions, policies, procedures, and practices.
Review difficult and complex cases, including fraud, high-cost programs, independent living, self-employment, re-entry, retroactive induction, and extensions of entitlement.
Approve cases involving Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE), including cases involving large sums of money.
Oversee supplemental claim reviews, higher-level reviews, counseling-service procurement, formal hearings, and Privacy Act and FOIA requests.
Ensure timely responses to Congressional, White House, and other special inquiries concerning VA benefits.
Ensure VR&E employee performance plans are properly created and used; advise employees, resolve complaints, and ensure appropriate disciplinary and reward actions.
Interview and select candidates for appointment, promotion, or reassignment; maintain effective communication with labor representatives.
Develop subordinate supervisors’ administrative, managerial, and leadership skills.
Serve as a Regional Office consultant and expert on employment issues for Veterans with disabilities.
Oversee VR&E purchases through the VISA Purchase card program.