The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) provides and coordinates a wide range of rehabilitation counseling and case management services to disabled Veterans through the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program. The focus of CWT Program is to promote optimal occupational functioning to individuals whose employability or job adjustment is impaired by physical, mental, emotional, or other disability, or by a lack of basic education and job skills. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: 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 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 A master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that 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 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. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR GS-12) 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: 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 (KSAs): In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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 family counseling to intercede on behalf of Veterans, their families and significant others needing specific assistance with employment, housing and finances. References: VA Handbook 5005/133, Part II, Appendix G62, July 21, 2020 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Major duties and responsibilities: Provides extensive vocational rehabilitation services to patients with a history of homelessness, substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and physical disabilities. Receives and responds in a timely manner to referrals of Veterans who are interested in vocational rehabilitation services. Assessment and Treatment Planning: Following CWT admission guidelines and procedures, provides a comprehensive assessment to determine appropriateness for CWT intervention, and refer to alternative care if CWT admission is not realistic. Transitional Work: Places Veterans in CWT assignments within the medical center and the community for evaluation and training purposes. Counseling: The incumbent will provide individual and group counseling that addresses work adjustment issues, vocational development and assessment, adjustment to disability, barriers to rehabilitation, substance abuse, job seeking and job survival, employment and career planning, life management, follow-up care following graduation, and other issues identified as part of the rehabilitation process. Case Management: The specialist utilizes case management procedures to provide rehabilitation services. Coordination and integration of identified health care services requires the specialist to be aware of the unique and complex needs of the patient. Aftercare and Follow-up: The specialist will provide aftercare and follow-up services to CWT graduates to ensure continuous support in adjusting to success, and handling the full range of social, living, personal, financial, and vocational issues. Rehabilitation Systems: The incumbent keeps abreast of current rehabilitation methodology, counseling techniques, and related professional literature and participates in continuing professional education. Provides in-service training for Mental Health staff and presents educational lectures to other Mental Health programs. Consultation: Will provide consultation services required by patients referred to CWT. The specialist will conduct the initial assessment, determine required assistance, inform referral source of findings, and develop a plan of action. Documentation: Will document Veteran encounters in the computerized patient record system (CPRS), and complete all required documents: admission assessments, efficiency reviews, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, exit surveys, correspondence, and other necessary forms or documents. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
