Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Hot Springs, SD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist is located within the Mental Health Integrated Care Community at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location. Telework may be authorized, with eligibility discussed during the interview process.

The specialist interviews potential program participants at medical centers, Community Based Outpatient Clinics, remotely through VA telemedicine, and/or in community locations. Using motivational interviewing and other counseling techniques, the specialist assesses participants’ vocational interests, identifies suitable occupational areas, and determines services needed to obtain employment. Services may include job seeking, skills training, resume development, and interview preparation. The specialist considers how mental and physical disabilities affect motivation, accommodation needs, and employment placement.

The role develops relationships with community employers, agencies, and educational institutions to help participants obtain and maintain suitable community employment. The specialist introduces return-to-work activities, helps participants build community and personal-support networks, and provides ongoing support after transitional work placement or competitive employment. This support can include problem solving, workplace relationships and performance, life management, worksite accommodations, and developing natural supports. The specialist also works with the interdisciplinary team and, when possible, the employer or worksite supervisor, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 in the Federal Service; or qualifying doctoral-level education; or an equivalent combination of qualifying graduate education and specialized experience.
• Qualifying specialized experience must include relevant knowledge and skills in vocational rehabilitation, occupational information for people with disabilities, counseling, rehabilitation resources, vocational guidance or teaching, rehabilitation or disadvantaged training programs, or employment placement involving people with disabilities or social adjustment problems.
• Qualifying education must be in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or a related field that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position. A transcript must be submitted when relying on education.
• A current and valid state-issued driver's license at the time of application.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Completion of all required application steps, including an online assessment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, which may include walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items such as files and laptops.
• Compliance with VA policies when using government vehicles and transporting Veterans.
• Successful completion of background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Interview potential program participants in medical centers, Community Based Outpatient Clinics, via VA telemedicine, and/or in community locations using motivational interviewing and other counseling techniques.
• Analyze interview information and Vocational Assessment Profiles to help participants identify vocational interests and occupational areas for job searches.
• Determine services needed to help participants obtain suitable employment, such as job seeking, skills training, resume development, and interview skills.
• Assess how mental and physical disabilities affect participants’ motivation, accommodation needs, and employment placement.
• Develop professional relationships and networks with community employers, agencies, and educational institutions to assist participants in obtaining and maintaining community employment.
• Initiate conversations about work and introduce return-to-work activities.
• Help participants network with community contacts and members of their personal support groups.
• Provide ongoing support after transitional work placement or competitive employment, including problem solving, workplace relationships, work performance and quality, and life management activities.
• Continue working with participants, the interdisciplinary team, and, when possible, employers or worksite supervisors to provide support, negotiate worksite accommodations, and develop natural supports in the workplace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree