Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Mishawaka, IN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist is assigned to the Social Work Service, VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System, at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana. The role promotes clients’ optimal vocational functioning in the community through job-development interventions specified in their treatment plans. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.

The position requires operation of a government-owned vehicle for official VA duties, including transporting Veterans, supplies, or staff as needed. A current, valid, unrestricted driver’s license must be maintained. Some light physical activity is required when organizing materials for job fairs and workshops. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized, and the Critical Skills Incentive is not approved.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, meet English-language proficiency and driver’s-license requirements, and satisfy the GS-9 qualification criteria through specialized experience, qualifying graduate education, or a combination of experience and education. The position is subject to a background/security investigation and a one-year probationary period. Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Must have and maintain a current, valid, unrestricted state driver’s license.
• Must meet one of the following GS-9 qualification paths: one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level; a qualifying master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.; or an equivalent combination of graduate education beyond the second year and specialized experience.
• Qualifying specialized experience must relate to vocational rehabilitation, counseling, employment placement, vocational guidance or teaching, or related work serving people with disabilities or disadvantaged individuals.
• Experience used to qualify must be documented on the resume with job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
• Education used to qualify must be from an accredited institution and supported by transcripts; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.
• Must complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
• Must participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.

Responsibilities

• Assess Veterans’ vocational needs, employment goals, and barriers to employment.
• Develop individualized employment plans and vocational rehabilitation strategies.
• Provide job-readiness training and ongoing job-retention support.
• Assist Veterans with job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation.
• Identify suitable employment opportunities and provide job-placement services.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community employers and job-training programs.
• Collaborate with HUD-VASH staff and healthcare providers to coordinate employment services.
• Coordinate referrals to supportive services to address employment barriers.
• Provide therapeutic employment services to Veterans with mental health, substance use, and physical disorders.
• Apply supported employment practices and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Conduct employment workshops and vocational-skills training sessions.
• Document vocational assessments, service plans, and employment outcomes in electronic records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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