The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) position is within the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program. The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) carries out all duties related to assisting Veterans and Service members with completing their program of rehabilitation services.
This announcement will close on Friday, September 26, 2025, for system updates to implement requirements under OPM's Merit Hiring Plan. If approved, the announcement may re-open at a later date.
Summary
The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) position is within the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program. The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) carries out all duties related to assisting Veterans and Service members with completing their program of rehabilitation services.
This announcement will close on Friday, September 26, 2025, for system updates to implement requirements under OPM's Merit Hiring Plan. If approved, the announcement may re-open at a later date.
Major Duties of this position are, but not limited to:
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) is responsible for the provision, supervision and coordination of the rehabilitation services for Veterans or Servicemembers participating in the various programs described in Chapters 36 and 31, and for selected participants under Chapters 18 and 35, of Title 38 U.S.C.
Authorizes all necessary services and benefits, and receives, reviews and authorizes all charges for services before submitting invoices to Finance Division for payment.
Provides case management services including coordination of all rehabilitation services, employment services, documentation of progress and adjustment, and maintenance of case records according to VA regulations.
Act as Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) to acquire evaluation, case management, employment, and other services needed in the rehabilitation process.
Provides training and supervision to contract service providers to ensure that the services rendered are appropriate and in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Case management services will include assistance applying for VA benefits and resolving individual VA benefits issues; referrals for medical and mental health services; transition support; and development of community and on-campus resources to provide comprehensive services to Veteran Students.
Provides coordination of all rehabilitation services, such as financial decisions, adjusts rehabilitation plans, and coordinates employment services.
Makes minor adjustments to rehabilitation plans, if necessary for the Veteran to meet the goals of the original plan.
Research resources and funding available in the community for consumers.
Provides comprehensive employment and post-employment services which include assessing employability and assisting in the development of an employment assistance plan.
Responsible for the provision, supervision and coordination of the rehabilitation services for Veterans or Service members participating in the various programs.
Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation
Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A probationary period may be required for employees and supervisors
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: 09/26/2025.
This announcement will close on Friday, September 26, 2025, for system updates to implement requirements under OPM's Merit Hiring Plan. If approved, the announcement may re-open at a later date.
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.
For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07.
For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09.
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. These requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement.
If you are a current VBA employee seeking reassignment or change to lower grade via this vacancy announcement, you must currently hold the GS-09 (or higher) and the promotion potential of your current position must be at least GS-11.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist series requires that all applicants meetboth the Basic Requirement per the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) AND the Specialized Experience described below:
Individual Occupational Requirements Education
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or other fields related to the position.
**NOTE: ALL EDUCATION MUST BE A BACHELORS DEGREE OR HIGHER AND ALL TRANSCRIPTS MUST HAVE A CONFERRED DATE**
OR
Experience
Specialized Experience: Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
Work that required obtaining and applying occupational information for people with disabilities, knowledge of the interrelationships of the involved professional and specialist services, and skill in employing the methodology and techniques of counseling to motivate and encourage individuals served by the program.
Experience that demonstrated knowledge of the vocational rehabilitation problems characteristic of the disabled, including familiarity with available resources and skill in identifying, evaluating, and making effective use of such resources to serve individuals with disabilities; or of the disadvantaged, including knowledge of adjustment problems of the educationally or culturally disadvantaged, familiarity with available adult education and training resources, and ability to recognize problem areas needing special attention.
Experience in vocational guidance or teaching in a recognized vocational rehabilitation program or school, developmental or supervisory work in programs of vocational rehabilitation or training programs for the disadvantaged, or personnel or employment placement work that provided extensive knowledge of the training and adjustment requirements necessary to place persons having disabilities or social adjustment problems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-09 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is work experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience in rehabilitation services, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness or human development theory and principles; or experience in career development programs and career development theory. OR
Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree: Major study - vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or other fields related to the position, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. OR
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 1 full year of graduate level education.
GS-11 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is work experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience in rehabilitation services, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness or human development theory and principles; Rehabilitation counseling skills, techniques and resources needed to address complex issues associated with multiple disabilities, homebound veterans, veterans with acute or chronic mental disabilities and those with problems adjusting to social and occupational requirements. OR
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree: Major study - vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or other fields related to the position, or 3 full years of progressively higher- level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 2 full years of graduate level education.
Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information.
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: The work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion. Some travel may be necessary on occasion for training, etc.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
**NOTE: ALL EDUCATION MUST BE A BACHELORS DEGREE OR HIGHER AND ALL TRANSCRIPTS MUST HAVE A CONFERRED DATE**
Additional information
VBA Top Jobs video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyRI5EkgiHk Please refer to the Qualification section of this announcement for the requirements specific to this position.
This announcement will close on Friday, September 26, 2025, for system updates to implement requirements under OPM's Merit Hiring Plan. If approved, the announcement may re-open at a later date.
"This announcement is being recruited for the VBA Southeast District. Please see list of locations above in the Overview section. Vacancies may be available and/or offered at additional Regional Offices or out-based locations.
This is not a Virtual/ Remote position. Relocation expenses are not approved for this vacancy. Applicants who apply and are selected for locations outside of their local commuting area are responsible for all costs associated with a move to the new official worksite.
Applicants can only apply to one location.
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: Full time, Monday through Friday: Hours to be determined by hiring office Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the hiring office Telework: Available as determined by agency policy Position Description/PD#: 38707A, 38706A Bargaining Unit: This position is in the bargaining unit Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more 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.
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.
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.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
This announcement will close on Friday, September 26, 2025, for system updates to implement requirements under OPM's Merit Hiring Plan. If approved, the announcement may re-open at a later date.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the specialized experience needed for the position (as described above in the job announcement) in their resume or who do not possess the education to substitute for it will not be referred for consideration. After you have met the minimum qualifications, you will be rated on the following competencies based on your application for this position:
Therapy and Counseling
Planning and Evaluating
Partnering
Customer Service
Organizational Awareness
Referral lists will be created on a biweekly basis. Final disposition will be completed once the position has been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement.
See schedule below.
First cut-off date Wednesday August 06, 2025
Second cut-off date Wednesday August 20, 2025
Third cut-off date Wednesday September 3, 2025
Fourth cut-off date Wednesday September 17, 2025
Fifth cut-off date Wednesday October 1, 2025
Sixth cut-off date Wednesday October 15, 2025
Closing date Monday October 20, 2025
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job-related information, which may include, but is not limited to responses to the knowledge, skills, and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or 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.
Notice to Applicants: It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience will be used only to determine the person's qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual's personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.
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.
The following documents are required for all applicants:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Review the information below and submit any additional documents (as needed) to demonstrate your eligibility and/or qualifications for the position:
SF50
Current Federal Employees:
If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee you must submit an SF-50.
To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 in order to demonstrate their eligibility.
If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.
Resume
Your resume may be submitted in any format, however we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Accepted Documents
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Other Supporting Documents
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Proof of Marriage Status
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Transcripts
If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted, however it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must also submit:
Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Or
Worker's compensation separation: agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50. Or
Disability annuity termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held. Or
Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. You will not be contacted for additional information.
In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12769038 and submit the documentation specified in the job announcement. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date of the announcement.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/26/2025 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click apply online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 USAJOBS account, select the application status link and then select the more information link for this position. The details 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 USAJOBS accountand click update application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VBA Human Resources Center - Central Office
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
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. During our review, if your resume and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided). 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 USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJOBS Resource Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for all applicants:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Review the information below and submit any additional documents (as needed) to demonstrate your eligibility and/or qualifications for the position:
SF50
Current Federal Employees:
If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee you must submit an SF-50.
To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 in order to demonstrate their eligibility.
If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.
Resume
Your resume may be submitted in any format, however we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Accepted Documents
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Other Supporting Documents
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Proof of Marriage Status
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Transcripts
If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted, however it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must also submit:
Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Or
Worker's compensation separation: agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50. Or
Disability annuity termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held. Or
Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. You will not be contacted for additional information.
In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12769038 and submit the documentation specified in the job announcement. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date of the announcement.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/26/2025 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click apply online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 USAJOBS account, select the application status link and then select the more information link for this position. The details 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 USAJOBS accountand click update application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VBA Human Resources Center - Central Office
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
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. During our review, if your resume and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided). 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 USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJOBS Resource Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
