Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Duties vary by grade, but at the GS-9:

• Determines Training Needs: Based on referral from a professional staff member or by interviewing and assessing the client, determines the vocational goals and objectives of the client. Determines the extent to which the client possesses the knowledge, skills or abilities necessary to meet the goals or objectives. Training must meet established agency or Federal guidance for expenditure of agency funds. The training need determinations are routine as requirements that meet the client's vocational goals and objectives are available in standard vocational or training programs. Determinations require the specialist to analyze the skill requirements and on-the-job demands to estimate the probable success that the impaired individual will have in completing the program. Assigned selected phases of special procedures cases are performed under close review.
• Assists Client in Obtaining Employment: Oversees and assists veterans in Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) work settings, is responsible for oversight of work, training on special equipment and maintenance of a safe and therapeutic working environment. Through the use of groups/classes, modeling, coaching, counseling; and successive approximation works with assigned veterans to increase their level of functioning, job readiness and self-esteem so that job/training placement becomes a viable alternative. For more severely handicapped individuals, the incumbent utilizes behavior modification techniques and counseling strategies to establish and maintain optimal level of functioning. The incumbent also visits companies to ensure that clients in the Transitional Work Experience component are continuing to make progress on their individual service plan in a competitive employment setting in the community. Maintains awareness and fosters community contacts. Keeps alert for job and small business opportunities. Maintains day-to-day contact with potential employers, placement personnel or other likely placement resources. Clients are referred to placement opportunities where unique accommodations are required. The placement requires an in-depth analysis of the environmental demands at the work site. The specialist locates and evaluates the site and assures that the work setting accommodates any significant physical limitations the client may have. Other conditions such as sudden temperature changes, heat, cold, dust, noise, vibration, toxic conditions and hazardous machinery, fast pace of work, variety in tasks, exacting performance, or frequent interruptions must be carefully considered when the client's limitations are mental.
• Monitors Clients Adjustment - Counsels and guides client through difficult transition or rough spots in the adjustment to the job. Helps the employer understand the nature of the client's limitations while maintaining a positive impression of the client's capability to succeed. Counsels or otherwise helps the trainee resolve personal problems (e.g., family relations difficulties, employer-employee misunderstandings, emotional depression, or financial difficulties). If, in the judgment of the specialist, the problem is one requiring professional help, is responsible for arranging for services and getting the client to accept the help. Makes necessary adjustments to environment or client's training to promote a successful rehabilitation.
• Other- Serves on facility and service level committees and task forces as requested; and functions within other areas as needed.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

Compressed/Flexible: Available

Telework: AD-HOC only

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Position Description/PD#: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist/ PD50219A and PD50220A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized