Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Charleston, SC

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

This full-time position is located in the Mental Health Service Line at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. The Employment Specialist provides vocational support to Veterans enrolled in the HUD-VASH program, helping participants achieve housing stability through sustained employment. The position works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the schedule may change based on agency needs. Telework may be authorized on an ad hoc basis, with eligibility discussed during the interview. This is not a virtual position.

The role involves assessing Veterans’ vocational skills, interests, and employment barriers; developing individualized employment plans with Veterans and the HUD-VASH treatment team; and providing employment search, placement, coaching, and follow-along support. The specialist coordinates with community employers, vocational rehabilitation programs, training resources, and the care team. Services and outcomes must be documented and tracked in accordance with VA and HUD-VASH requirements.

Applicants must meet the GS-9 qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of November 12, 2026. Qualification may be based on specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, qualifying graduate education, or a combination of education and experience. A transcript is required when education is used to qualify. The position requires U.S. citizenship, applicable Selective Service registration, completion of an online assessment and onboarding requirements, a background/security investigation, and participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program. A one-year probationary or two-year trial period applies, as specified in the announcement.

The work primarily involves walking, sitting, talking, driving, and using a telephone. Strenuous physical activity is not required, but the employee is expected to withstand work-related pressure and stress. The role involves ongoing exposure to people with psychiatric and physical illnesses and disabilities, including possible violent or aggressive behavior. Light lifting and carrying under 15 pounds may be required; hearing aids are permitted.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the GS-9 qualification requirements by the announcement closing date, November 12, 2026.
• For current or former federal employees subject to time-in-grade rules: 52 weeks at GS-7 for a GS-9 position, with supporting SF-50 documentation.
• Qualifying specialized experience: one year equivalent to at least GS-7 involving relevant vocational rehabilitation, counseling, disability or disadvantaged-population resources, vocational guidance, training, or employment placement work; alternatively, qualifying education or a combination of education and experience may be used.
• If qualifying based in whole or in part on education, submit transcripts; education must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a certificate of foreign equivalency with the transcript.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete the required application steps, questionnaire, online assessment, and online onboarding process.
• Subject to a background/security investigation and applicable pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Health Care Personnel.
• Serve the applicable one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.
• Ability to perform the described work demands, including walking, sitting, talking, driving, telephone use, and light lifting or carrying under 15 pounds; hearing aids are permitted.
• Expected to withstand pressure and stress and to work amid ongoing exposure to individuals with psychiatric and physical illnesses and disabilities, including possible violent or aggressive behavior.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vocational assessments to identify Veterans’ skills, interests, and employment barriers.
• Develop individualized employment plans with Veterans and the HUD-VASH treatment team.
• Provide job development, job placement, and job coaching services.
• Assist Veterans with résumé writing, interview preparation, and job-search strategies.
• Coordinate with community employers, vocational rehabilitation programs, and training resources.
• Support Veterans in maintaining employment through follow-along services and problem-solving support.
• Address employment barriers, including housing instability, transportation, mental health, and substance use concerns, in coordination with the care team.
• Document services and outcomes according to VA and HUD-VASH program requirements.
• Track and report employment outcomes and program performance measures.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; the announcement states that employees and their families have access to a range of benefits, with specific eligibility depending on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level