Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Health Administration•Hot Springs, SD

About The Position

This position is located within the Mental Health Integrated Care Community at the VA Black Hills Health Care System. The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) works with the Vocational Rehabilitation team to provide individualized job-finding and job-retention services to patients with significant barriers to employment, using contemporary vocational rehabilitation practices. The role supports the VA’s Whole Health approach, which empowers Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized health plans, healing relationships and environments, and connection to their communities. The work is primarily sedentary and is typically community-based in a variety of settings, combined with work in an adequately lighted, ventilated, climate-controlled office. Significant travel by government vehicle or personal vehicle to other VA facilities and community businesses is required. The position’s schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework may be authorized; eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
A current, valid state-issued driver's license.
Meet the applicable GS-11 qualification requirements by the announcement closing date, including one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-09, qualifying graduate education, or a permitted combination of education and experience.
Specialized experience must involve vocational rehabilitation or related work applying occupational information, understanding relevant professional services, counseling and motivation methods, and identifying and using resources for people with disabilities or disadvantaged individuals.
Specialized experience examples include pre-employment assessments, workforce re-entry planning, effective relationships with patients and community partners, ensuring access to employment resources, and monitoring and supporting people after employment.
For the education-only pathway, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, human services, or a closely related field.
Current Federal employees who held a GS grade during the previous 52 weeks must meet time-in-grade requirements; for GS-11, this means 52 weeks at GS-09, with supporting SF-50 documentation.
Complete all application steps, including the online assessment.
Meet pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background/security investigation, and onboarding requirements.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA Health Care Personnel employee.
Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
Submit transcripts if qualifying based in whole or in part on education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Responsibilities

Interview potential program participants and analyze information to determine vocational interests and needed services.
Assess how mental and physical disabilities affect motivation, accommodation needs, and challenges in employment placement.
Document interactions and progress notes in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
Develop professional relationships and networks with community employers, agencies, and educational institutions to support participants.
Collaborate with established programs to provide modifications accommodating participants’ barriers.
Help participants develop resumes, learn job-seeking techniques, and practice interviewing skills.
Support and encourage participants with submitting resumes, completing applications, and preparing for job interviews.
Provide ongoing support to participants after job placement.
Help employers understand clients’ limitations while maintaining a positive impression of their ability to succeed.
Perform other duties as assigned.