Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Summary The Mental Health Rehabilitation (MHR) Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) in this position will have emphasis on programs within the VHA VRS program and is overseen by the VRS Coordinator who reports to the MHR Program Manager and ACC Program Manager in MHS. The VRS also completes related administrative tasks as assigned and provides cross‑coverage for other VRS programs as clinically necessary. Administrative tasks include billing and completing payroll. Qualifications Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement July 10 2026. Time-in-Grade Requirement: Current and former federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-11 position, you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. An SF-50 that shows your time-in‑Grade eligibility must be submitted. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not show the required one-year time-in-Grade; you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year. Time‑In‑Grade also applies to Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 appointments. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 is required. Experience may include: obtaining and applying occupational information for people with disabilities; knowledge of the interrelationships of involved professional and specialist services; counseling techniques to motivate and encourage individuals served; familiarity with vocational rehabilitation problems of the disabled; knowledge of resources and skill in identifying, evaluating, and utilizing resources; vocational guidance or teaching in a recognized vocational rehabilitation program; developmental or supervisory work in programs of vocational rehabilitation or training programs for the disadvantaged; or personnel or employment placement work providing knowledge of training and adjustment requirements necessary to place persons with disabilities or social adjustment problems. Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. For this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M. Graduate education must be in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or other fields related to the position. Combination of education and experience is also acceptable if the education portion exceeds the amount required for the next lower grade. Physical Requirements: You must have a valid driver's license and be able to ambulate 2-3 hours a day. Applicants must possess an unrestricted state driver's license, have a safe driving record, and be medically qualified to operate the appropriate vehicle. You must pass the agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination. Duties Complete Supportive Employment (SE) or Community Based Employment Services (CBES) intakes, Vocational Assessment Profile, and Strategic Employment Plan of Action. Appropriate documentation in CPRS; meet with veterans at minimum every 14 days during job development stages and at least every 30 days during follow‑along support via FTF or VVC. Approach employers with veterans or on their behalf to inquire about job opportunities or explore the job market. Coordinate with other members of the treatment team and social support to help veterans achieve their vocational goals. Report program progress in accordance with National SE directive, NEPEC, CARF, and VACO. Program outreach - support and development by conducting job development with the local community and VA employers. Administration and Program Support. Assess risk of suicide and homicide. Collaborate with veteran’s primary mental health outpatient treatment team to coordinate care and promote mental health recovery. Work collaboratively as a team member in VRS completing administrative tasks such as payroll, entering purchases, and data collection for program improvement. Appropriate and timely documentation of intakes, consults, counseling sessions, and discharges in CPRS. Transmit all veteran personal health related information using secure and VA approved platforms such as encrypted email, BHL-Touch, and secure messaging. Possess a current and valid U.S. driver’s license and be able to independently operate a federal government vehicle to transport veterans in the community for the provision of VRS services. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full‑Time 7:30am – 4:00pm. Telework: Ad‑Hoc – May be authorized at supervisor discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist/PD00652-O. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr