VHA Voc Rehab Service programs are recovery-oriented clinical vocational rehabilitation services that offer an array of vocational, educational, training, employment, and therapeutic work services. The incumbent serves as a Supervisory Rehabilitation Counselor responsible for the management and supervision of all rehabilitation services within VHA Voc Rehab Service. The incumbent also serves as the discipline lead for rehabilitation counseling and vocational rehabilitation providers. 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: 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. Exception. Rehabilitation Counselor graduates from an approved counseling or rehabilitation counseling program who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and the additional degree requirements for CRC certification by the CRCC, but do not possess the required certification, may be appointed, pending certification, as a graduate RC on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(D). English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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: Supervisory Rehab Counselor, 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 of the following KSAs: Ability to supervise (e.g. plan, direct, oversee, review work of subordinate staff),assess employee strengths, opportunities for growth, and qualifications to accomplish program goals, adapt work operations, and guide staff. Knowledge of labor/management agreements to effectively manage issues and concerns. Knowledge of applicable accreditation bodies (i.e. Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and their standards to ensure continuous compliance. Theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of rehabilitation delivery systems for the development, implementation, management and growth of rehabilitation programs and services. Knowledge of business administration practices such as managing participant payroll, accounting, budget planning, to successfully operate a rehabilitation program. Preferred Experience: Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation experience; Experience working with vulnerable populations including those with SMI, SUD, physical disabilities; experience working with Veterans; program management. References: VA Handbook 5005/133 PART II APPENDIX G62 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work requires the ability use a computer and ability to navigate throughout an office building environment. The work may require engaging Veterans in their environment. This may include emergency shelters, community agencies, veteran's residences and places not meant for habitation. Some encounters may be outdoors during all times of the year. There will be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, book, small parts; or driving an automobile, etc. The incumbent is required to transport veterans using a government assigned vehicle, therefore, would need to pass a driver's physical sufficient to meet the standards outlined in policies. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Administrative Duties Oversees the therapeutic modalities of the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) component, Vocational and Educational Assistance services, and vocational rehabilitation or employment service provided to other VA programs. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates. Sets and adjusts short-term priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work. Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the complexity of clinical cases, and the capabilities of employees. Develops realistic performance improvement standards and quality assurance efforts. Evaluates work performance of subordinates. Identifies the developmental and training needs of employees. Identifies ways to improve productivity and quality of the work directed. Serves as the Affiliate Coordinator for Graduate Trainee Educational Affiliation Agreements and directs clinical trainee program for trainees in Rehabilitation Counseling assigned to VHA Voc Rehab. Provides advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both clinical and administrative matters. Oversees attendance and leave, including approval of sick and annual leave and vacation schedules. Interviews candidates for positions in VHA Voc Rehab Service and participates on interview panels for all vocational rehabilitation positions within the facility; recommends appointments; promotions; or reassignments positions. Develops continuing education opportunities, conducts formal peer reviews, and reviews and concurs on all vocational rehabilitation research projects. Provides clinical and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of VHA Voc Rehab Service, including adherence to the Individualized Placement and Support model and other evidence based and evidence informed models and therapeutic interventions. Works with other leadership to develop and revise comprehensive policies, risk management assessments, and strategic plans based on feedback from stakeholders, accrediting bodies, and program evaluation data. Provides oversight of intake assessments of Veterans referred to the VHA Voc Rehab Service program and for developing vocational assessments to identify an individual's strengths, barriers, and areas of vocational interests. Clinical Duties Provide a variety of rehabilitation services using counseling practices and evidence based and informed modalities to aid Veterans with severe disabilities in achieving competitive employment, educational, and independent living goals. These rehabilitation services involve personal adjustment counseling, therapeutic rehabilitation interventions and case coordination services, and professional counseling practices. Provides clinical expertise through the timely application of therapeutic interventions, case coordination, crisis intervention, interdisciplinary team consultation, rehabilitation plan development, and ongoing assessment and job development practices. Reviews medical, psychological, vocational, and educational data to maximize the independence and employability of Veterans with personal, social, and vocational barriers as a result of mental health, medical, or psychosocial impairments. Provides psychoeducational and/or psychotherapeutic groups to facilitate effective job search skills, employer-desired soft skills, work and life skills fostering independence and recovery. Collaborates with the appropriate professionals to provide rehabilitation services, including the assessment of vocational interests, aptitude, and abilities by using clinical tests, observations, interviews, evaluations, and specialized vocational assessment instruments. Consult with interdisciplinary teams to enhance coordination of care, ensure medical clearance, and provide for optimal timing of further interventions. Synthesize assessment information to identify barriers to employment and their vocational implications. Completes various quality assurance and improvement activities to improve services provided. Supervisory Controls Rehabilitation Counselors, after certification are autonomous practitioners who can deliver Rehabilitation Counseling services independently. The incumbent reports directly to the service chief and is independently responsible for setting the objectives and planning, scheduling, coordinating, and carrying out the program to meet VHA goals. The incumbent is expected to carry out assignments making independent technical judgments concerning the interpretation and implementation of existing VHA Voc Rehab Service policies. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Available (Ad-hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92754-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.