Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Charleston, SC

5d • 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 work includes vocational assessment, employment planning, job development and placement, coaching, and follow-along support, in coordination with Veterans, the HUD-VASH treatment team, community employers, and other resources.

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and may change based on agency needs. Ad-hoc telework may be authorized; this is not a virtual position. Relocation, recruitment, critical skills, and permanent change of station incentives are not authorized. The role is a GS-9 position. Applicants must meet the stated experience and/or education qualifications by the announcement closing date of November 11, 2026. The position requires U.S. citizenship, completion of the application process and online assessment, and applicable federal pre-employment requirements. A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period may apply.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Selected applicants must complete the required onboarding and pre-employment identification process and are subject to a background/security investigation.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Health Care Personnel.
• For current or former federal employees subject to time-in-grade requirements: one year at GS-7 is required for this GS-9 position, with supporting SF-50 documentation.
• Qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7, including relevant experience in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, vocational guidance, training, or employment placement involving people with disabilities or disadvantaged individuals; or qualify through the stated graduate-level education; or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Submit a resume documenting relevant experience. Transcripts are required when education is used to qualify.
• Education used for qualification must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts.
• The work involves exposure to people with psychiatric and physical illnesses and disabilities, including possible violent or aggressive behavior, and requires withstanding day-to-day pressure and stress.
• Physical demands include primarily walking, sitting, talking, driving, and telephone use; light lifting and carrying under 15 pounds; hearing (hearing aids permitted). Strenuous physical activity is not required.

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 resume 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 in accordance with VA and HUD-VASH program requirements.
• Track and report employment outcomes and program performance measures.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits are available to eligible employees; the specific benefits offered depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• VA may approve credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval must occur before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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