Summary

The Rehabilitation Counselor (RC) serves as an advanced-practice - independent clinician responsible for providing comprehensive - evidence-based vocational rehabilitation services to Veterans with complex medical - psychosocial - and vocational needs. The RC provides expert vocational assessment - individualized rehabilitation planning - job development and placement services - employer engagement - interdisciplinary care coordination - program evaluation - and performance improvement activities.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education Requirements: (1) A master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling from a rehabilitation counseling program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• If the applicant's degree was granted prior to July 1 - 2017 - the program must be accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education OR (2) A master's degree in counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• OR (3) A master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that 3 emphasized rehabilitation - counseling - disability - therapy - health - employment - wellness - or human development from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by CHEA
• OR (4) Foreign graduates with a degree acceptable by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
• Certification: Current - full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling
• Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations- GS-12: Experience
• Completion of one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Ability to apply and teach principles and practices of the evidence-based model of individual placement and support - supported employment (IPS - SE) - by engaging others in multiple training methods including hands-on - virtual and telephone trainings - utilizing excellent consultative - facilitative and organizational skills as well as coaching/listening skills
• (b) Ability to conduct in person coaching - develop community-wide learning events - and lead mock SE fidelity reviews to provide feedback regarding SE program services and adherence to the SE model
• (c) Skill to apply principles and practices of IPS - SE - psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery principles - customized employment and fidelity scale measures to successfully engage Veterans and care providers in the rehabilitation process
• (d) Skill to apply advanced counseling skills - crisis intervention and personal and 9 family counseling to intercede on behalf of Veterans - their families and significant others needing specific assistance with employment - housing and finances
• Preferred Experience: 1 year of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling experience Staff mentoring - coaching and training Program data oversight - quality improvement - and compliance High level interdisciplinary coordination Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - walking and standing up to an hour - and operating a motor vehicle
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Government vehicle operation required
• Drivers license required Environmental Factors: Outside and inside - working closely with others and working alone.

Duties

• Conducts expert-level vocational assessments - including evaluation of functional capacities - psychosocial factors - education/training history - transferable skills - and labor-market opportunities
• Develops and implements individualized - recovery-oriented vocational rehabilitation and employment plans tailored to complex Veteran needs
• Delivers advanced - evidence-based counseling and vocational interventions to promote employment - functional independence - and community reintegration
• Manages a complex caseload generally within the 20-25 Veteran range - with caseload adjustments based on assignment and operational needs
• Supported Employment (SE): Implements and monitors fidelity to Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
• conducts rapid job search - employer outreach - and follow-along supports
• ensures Veteran-centered - competitive employment outcomes
• Transitional Work (TW): Supports therapeutic work experience programming
• ensures compliance with TW policies and safety protocols
• develops and manages worksite partnerships
• fiscal/budgetary functions related to payroll
• supports transition to competitive employment
• Community Based Employment Services (CBES): Program/Team Lead Functions: Coordinates team operations - facilitates team/program workflows - supports staff development - fiscal/budgetary functions and monitors adherence to national policy and program expectations
• Provides consultation to interdisciplinary teams including Mental Health - SUD - PRRC - Homeless Programs - Primary Care - and specialty medical services in absence of program director
• Delivers training on vocational rehabilitation principles - IPS fidelity - TW operations - and best practices
• Participates in case conferences - treatment planning - interdisciplinary huddles - and collaborative care activities
• Conducts systematic job development
• cultivates and maintains employer and community partnerships
• Provides guidance on accommodations - disability disclosure - benefits interaction - and job retention strategies
• Advocates for Veterans' vocational goals across internal and external systems
• Collects - tracks - and analyzes program outcomes including engagement - access - employment rates - job tenure - wages - safety - and satisfaction
• Prepares reports for leadership
• contributes to VISN and national reporting requirements
• Participates in continuous quality improvement efforts to enhance program efficiency - fidelity - and Veteran outcomes
• Ensures documentation accuracy and adherence to national policies - Joint Commission standards - and local requirements
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (subject to change based on facility needs) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: FS 02360F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized