Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
About The Position
The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) is part of the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program and provides, supervises, and coordinates rehabilitation services for Veterans and service members participating in program services. The VRS coordinates services and serves as a liaison between service providers and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The role includes case management, employment and post-employment support, and coordination with contract service providers. This is a full-time, permanent position in a standing register for vacancies as they arise. The grade progression is GS-09/11, with the possibility of promotion to the full performance level without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling 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. Applicants must meet the applicable individual occupational requirement and specialized experience or education requirements for the GS-09 or GS-11 grade. The position normally involves mental rather than physical exertion and is mostly sedentary, with some walking, standing, and carrying light items. A probationary or trial period may be required, and the position is subject to a background/security investigation.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement through qualifying education or experience in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or a related field.
- At GS-09, applicants need 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; alternatively, qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience may be used.
- At GS-11, applicants need one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 involving rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development theory and principles, plus rehabilitation counseling skills, techniques, and resources for working with individuals with multiple disabilities, homebound individuals, individuals with acute or chronic mental disabilities, and people with social or occupational adjustment problems; alternatively, qualifying doctoral-level education or a combination of education and experience may be used.
- Education used to qualify must be from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Transcripts must be submitted when education is used to qualify.
- Applicants may be required to complete a probationary or trial period and are subject to a background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants must complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Responsibilities
- Provide case management, including coordinating rehabilitation and employment services, documenting progress and adjustment, and maintaining case records in accordance with VA regulations.
- Train and supervise contract service providers to ensure services are appropriate and meet accepted professional standards.
- Coordinate rehabilitation services, including financial decisions, adjustments to rehabilitation plans, and employment services.
- Make minor adjustments to rehabilitation plans when needed to help Veterans meet the goals of the original plan.
- Research community resources and funding available to consumers.
- Provide comprehensive employment and post-employment services, including assessing employability and helping develop an employment assistance plan.
- Provide, supervise, and coordinate rehabilitation services for Veterans and service members participating in program services.
- Coordinate services and act as a liaison between service providers and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Benefits
- Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
