The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) are located in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Office (RO), RO Out based office location, Vet Success On Campus (VSOC) school site, or Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES military installation).
Summary
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) are located in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Office (RO), RO Out based office location, Vet Success On Campus (VSOC) school site, or Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES military installation).
This vacancy announcement is open ONLY to current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees and current/former VA employees who are CTAP eligible.
VRCs in the VBA provide and coordinate a wide range of rehabilitation counseling and case management services to
disabled veterans and other eligible individuals. VRCs assigned to VSOC are located at a partnering school campus and serve as a liaison with school officials and represent VA on all matters under VA jurisdiction. The IDES VRCs are located at partnering Department of Defense (DOD) military installation and provides early outreach to wounded, ill or injured active duty Service members. Incumbent may be assigned to one or more schools or military installations, requiring coordination and interaction with officials from different schools or military officials. Some responsibilities per grade:
At the GS-9, under the general supervision of the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Officer (VREO); incumbent performs a limited range of case management responsibilities for training and employment services on a range of cases including those
requiring special procedures.
- Will be assigned limited range of initial evaluation cases in which the degree of difficulty in determining entitlement is minimal.
- Provides individual and group counseling sessions to provide information and assistance with the program.
- Conduct comprehensive initial evaluations to determine entitlement to Chapter 31
rehabilitation benefits and the need for independent living services.
- Assists the veteran in exploring and identifying rehabilitation needs, goals and objectives.
- Provides problem solving counseling to a diverse adult population with a wide range of disabilities to facilitate the achievement of rehab objectives.
- Provides comprehensive employment and post-employment services.
- Participation in outreach programs (both onsite and offsite.)
- Represents the VA by acting as liaison with local military installations by providing information on the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VRE) programs.
- Participates in existing partnerships with community educational facilities to provide on campus support to veteran students.
- At the GS-11 grade level the incumbent performs a full range of case management responsibilities for training and employment services.
- Will be assigned initial evaluation cases by the VREO in which the degree of difficulty in determining entitlement ranges from simple to complex.
- Represents the VA by partnering with local schools, federal, state and local agencies by providing information on the VRE programs.
- Provide recommendations on comprehensive plans and resources for veterans including development and post services.
At the GS-12 Grade level; the incumbent provides counseling services to severely disabled veterans with complicated rehabilitation plans such as those calling for homebound and self-employment services.
- Independently carries through the full range of case management responsibilities for training and employment services on all types of cases including those requiring special procedures.
- Will be assigned evaluation cases which range in degree of difficulty range from minimal to extreme.
- Must operate with minimal need for supervision and may be assigned as team leader over casework performed by lower grade Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
- Will provide supervision to assigned work study students as well as develop and
oversee mentoring programs, mentors and potential volunteers.
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. The grade progression for this position is: GS-09/11/12.
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Available Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Position Description Title/PD#: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, 38542A, 38543A, 38544A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to background/security investigation
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:
04/24/2020
TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level.
For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09 level.
For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 level.
The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR): There is an Individual Occupational Requirement that must be met to be found minimally qualified for this series, please read the requirement description carefully.
A master's degree in rehabilitation counseling that included an internship; OR
A master's degree in counseling psychology (or related field) that included an internship in rehabilitation counseling and was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours of course work in a majority of the following areas (coursework MUST have an emphasis on vocational rehabilitation counseling): foundations of rehabilitation counseling, human growth and development, counseling theories and techniques, vocational assessment, career development, job placement, case management, and medical/psycho-social aspects of disability; OR
A master's degree listed in 1 or 2 WITHOUT a rehabilitation counseling internship. Where the internship was substituted for professional experience following completion of the master's degree. [Experience suitable for substitution must be one full year in direct delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to adults with disabilities in rehabilitation programs, other than those in correctional facilities. The experience or internship/practicum must have been supervised by a professional in vocational rehabilitation or a closely related professional field that typically has oversight for vocational rehabilitation programs.]
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-09 Grade Level: There are no additional qualification requirements at this grade level.
GS-11 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) performing the following duties: One year of post-master's degree professional vocational rehabilitation counseling experience, equivalent to the GS-9 level. OR
Education Substitution: Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in rehabilitation counseling or counseling psychology. OR
Equivalent combinations of Specialized Experience and Graduate Education: A combination of specialized experience as described in A, and more than two years but less than three years of education as described in B. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond two years by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.) NON-QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE: Vocational rehabilitation experience obtained prior to completion of the requirements for the master's degree is not qualifying. If one year of work experience is credited for the Basic Requirement, that year cannot also be used for qualifying at the GS-11 level.
GS-12 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: In addition to the experience required at the GS-11 level, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience performing the following duties: Direct delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to adults with disabilities in rehabilitation programs, other than those in correctional facilities.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: This position is primarily sedentary with some walking, standing, bending, and/or carrying lightweight items.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
Additional information
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
You will be rated on the following competencies based on your application for this position:
Ability to read, analyze, and apply information contained in the Code of Federal Regulation, Division directives, manuals, etc. Knowledge of physical, mental and emotional disabilities and their effects on employability. This includes knowledge in areas such as abnormal psychology, psychological, disorders (neurosis and psychosis), behavior and attitude problems,
psychological dynamics, specialized medical psychological terminology, specific medical conditions and their treatment modes, medical specialties and rehabilitation theory.
Ability to effectively deal with callers and visitors with a variety of backgrounds and levels of understanding using skill in eliciting exactly what information they wish to obtain. Knowledge of differential diagnostic assessment processes used in vocational, educational, rehabilitation or personal adjustment counseling including theories of motivation, human development, vocational and education guidance techniques, ability to identify behavior and attitude problems, knowledge of types of jobs and required skills, appropriate work behaviors and employee expectations
Ability to plan and accomplish a variety of tasks with minimum supervision. Ability to relate to and effectively communicate with clients of differing age, sex, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic background including ability to explain counseling decisions, elicit relevant information about the individual, gain the client's acceptance and trust an use a variety of interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertinent to payroll and finance-related issues. Ability to apply a large body of rules and regulations, follow rules and procedures, work until time pressure and adjust to changing work situations as may be found inn a large structured agency setting, and the ability to develop (prioritize, plan, schedule, set goals, and final objectives) a written plan of vocational or educational rehabilitation.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume detailing your specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
A copy of your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50.
To verify you meet Time-in-Grade requirements, also submit a SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade held (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.).
A transcript reflecting your Masters degree (or related degree) in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
Your transcript must show the total number of credits earned to include graduation date (if applicable) and degree. A diploma is NOT sufficient to determine qualifications.
CTAP Eligibles: You must submit a Certification of Expected Separation, a Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or a Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and your most recent performance appraisal.
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/24/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10783156.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Oakland Regional Benefit Office
1301 Clay Street, Rm. 1400 North
Oakland, CA 94612
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume detailing your specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
A copy of your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50.
To verify you meet Time-in-Grade requirements, also submit a SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade held (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.).
A transcript reflecting your Masters degree (or related degree) in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
Your transcript must show the total number of credits earned to include graduation date (if applicable) and degree. A diploma is NOT sufficient to determine qualifications.
CTAP Eligibles: You must submit a Certification of Expected Separation, a Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or a Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and your most recent performance appraisal.
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/24/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10783156.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Oakland Regional Benefit Office
1301 Clay Street, Rm. 1400 North
Oakland, CA 94612
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
