Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Tuscaloosa, AL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) is responsible for the Transitional Work Program (TWP), which is organizationally part of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VRP) within the Mental Health Service Line. The VRS plans, develops, organizes, and administers the TWP and provides and coordinates rehabilitation counseling, on-the-job training, and placement services for disabled veterans. The role also provides support to other departmental programs and special programs at the medical center as assigned.

The position is onsite, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Relocation and recruitment incentives, a Critical Skills Incentive, and Permanent Change of Station benefits are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement for current or former federal employees subject to it: 52 weeks at GS-9 for a GS-11 position.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9, involving vocational rehabilitation or related work with people with disabilities or disadvantaged individuals; qualifying experience may include applying occupational information, counseling, vocational guidance, teaching, rehabilitation or training program development or supervision, or placement work requiring knowledge of training and adjustment needs.
• Alternatively, a related Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M. in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or another related field.
• Alternatively, a qualifying combination of specialized experience and graduate education beyond the third year that meets the experience requirement; graduate coursework must demonstrate knowledge and skills needed for the work.
• Document qualifying experience in a resume; submit transcripts if education is used to qualify.
• Complete the required application steps, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Pass a background/security investigation and complete online onboarding and employment-eligibility identification requirements.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve the required one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience providing case management and outreach services to individuals with disabilities and helping them transition into competitive employment; internship experience may count.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, organize, and administer the Transitional Work Program (TWP).
• Provide and coordinate rehabilitation counseling, on-the-job training, and placement services for disabled veterans.
• Work with Transitional Work veterans to evaluate work progress, workplace challenges, and difficulties adjusting to assignments.
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies so clients receive appropriate services and understand program participation results and effects on their current disability status.
• Coordinate veteran services through the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
• Assist veterans, as needed, with money management, employment applications, interview preparation, resume development, and locating job prospects.
• Provide support for other departmental programs and special programs within the medical center as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family; specific eligibility and offerings depend on the position and require confirmation with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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