Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Bedford, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Mental Health Service Line at the Bedford VA Medical Center in Bedford, Massachusetts. The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist provides individualized and complex rehabilitation, support, and services to Veterans seeking to improve their vocational functioning. The role is part of a multi-grade career ladder spanning GS-9 to GS-11. At GS-9, assignments are more limited in scope and performed with less independence; employees progressively develop the background needed to work at the GS-11 performance level. Promotion is discretionary and depends on satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and funding.

The specialist identifies vocational goals and objectives with clients, coordinates resources to locate suitable training facilities, and establishes programs addressing shared client needs such as literacy, customer service, and effective communication. The role also includes monitoring job placements, supporting adjustment to employment, and providing ongoing counseling and guidance to help clients maintain employment. Specialists assess clients’ limitations while supporting their potential to succeed and contribute professional recommendations to program evaluation and improvement.

The position is not virtual. Employees must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The work takes place in varied settings, including community job sites and the medical center; the hospital office is adequately lighted and climate controlled. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized, and a Critical Skills Incentive is not approved. A one-year probationary period is required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated VA position must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use; refusing testing results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding process.
• Provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements; beginning May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards cannot be used as acceptable identification.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition for Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• GS-9 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, including relevant vocational rehabilitation or related counseling, guidance, training, or placement experience, with the specified additional experience assisting with individualized assessments, community-based job development, and locating, evaluating, and recommending training facilities; or qualifying graduate education; or an allowable combination of education and experience.
• GS-11 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, including relevant vocational rehabilitation or related counseling, guidance, training, or placement experience, with the specified additional experience creating individualized assessments, developing community-based employment opportunities, monitoring progress through case reviews, and maintaining a database of referral and placement outcomes; or qualifying doctoral-level graduate education; or an allowable combination of education and experience.
• Education used to qualify must be from an accredited institution. Transcripts are required when education is used to meet all or part of the qualification requirements; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.
• The resume must support specialized experience claimed as creditable.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and complex rehabilitation, support, and services to Veterans seeking to improve vocational functioning.
• Determine clients’ vocational goals and objectives.
• Coordinate with resources to identify training facilities suitable for individuals’ specific needs and circumstances.
• Establish training programs addressing common client needs, such as literacy, customer service, and effective communication.
• Monitor job placements and promote successful adjustment to employment.
• Provide ongoing support, counseling, and guidance through difficult transitions and workplace adjustment challenges.
• Help clients maintain employment for as long as they seek assistance.
• Understand clients’ limitations while maintaining a positive view of their capacity to succeed.
• Assist in evaluating program results and make professional arguments for recommended changes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.
• Selected applicants may request consideration for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service; approval is required and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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