Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Benefits Administration • Denver, CO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) works within the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, coordinating rehabilitation services for Veterans and service members participating in program services. The VRS serves as the liaison between service providers and the VA and may provide, supervise, and coordinate rehabilitation services. The position is part of a standing register used to fill full-time permanent vacancies as they arise. The grade progression is GS-09/11, and promotion to the full performance level may be possible without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met; selection at a lower grade does not guarantee promotion.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A compressed or flexible schedule is available. Situational (ad hoc) telework may be approved case by case with supervisory approval, but the employee must report to the official duty station each scheduled workday; routine or recurring telework is not authorized. This is not a virtual position. The work is primarily sedentary and involves mostly mental rather than physical exertion, though some walking, standing, and carrying light items may occur.

The announcement establishes an applicant pool for full-time permanent positions in the VBA Continental District. Applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement and the applicable specialized experience and/or education requirements for GS-09 or GS-11. A probationary or trial period may be required, and the position is subject to background and security investigation.

Requirements

• Meet the Individual Occupational Requirement through qualifying education in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or a related field; or qualifying experience in vocational rehabilitation or related work serving people with disabilities or disadvantaged individuals.
• For GS-09, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 involving rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development theory and principles, and career development process and theory; or qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience.
• For GS-11, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 involving rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development theory and principles, and rehabilitation counseling skills, techniques, and resources for working with individuals with multiple disabilities, homebound individuals, people with acute or chronic mental disabilities, and people facing social or occupational adjustment problems; or qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Register for Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete any required probationary or trial period, background/security investigation, and online onboarding requirements.
• Provide transcripts if education is used to meet qualification requirements; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management by coordinating rehabilitation and employment services, documenting progress and adjustments, and maintaining case records in accordance with VA regulations.
• Train and supervise contract service providers to ensure appropriate services and compliance with accepted professional standards.
• Coordinate rehabilitation services, including financial decisions, adjustments to rehabilitation plans, and employment services.
• Make minor adjustments to rehabilitation plans, when necessary, to help Veterans meet the goals of their original plans.
• Research community resources and funding available to consumers.
• Provide comprehensive employment and post-employment services, including assessing employability and helping develop employment assistance plans.
• Serve as coordinator of services and liaison between service providers and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Newly appointed federal employees may request credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed