The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Mental Health Clinical Center (MHCC) of the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) is responsible for the provision of a full range of Vocational Counseling and Rehabilitation Services associated with the daily operations of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program.

Duties

Duties: Conducts an assessment, determining the vocational goals and objectives of the client. Determines the extent to which the client possesses the knowledge, skills, or abilities necessary to meet the goals or objectives. Coordinates with various resources to locate a training facility in the community that will be specifically suitable from the standpoint of the needs and problems of the individual. Maintains awareness and fosters community contacts and contracts. Remains aware of current job and small business opportunities. Maintains day-to-day contact with potential employers, placement personnel, or other likely placement resources. Counsels and guides employee through difficult transitions or challenges in the adjustment to the specific placement or community employment. Helps the employer understand the nature of the client's limitations while maintaining a positive impression of the client's capability to succeed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. (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 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. (1) Exceptions for Graduate RCs. (a) RC 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). (b)Graduate RCs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (c)Temporary graduate RC appointments may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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: Rehabilitation Counselor, GS-09: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Rehabilitation Counselor, GS-11: Experience. Completion of one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. OR Education. A doctoral degree in rehabilitation counselor education or related field (e.g., rehabilitation psychology) from a CACREP accredited institution or from an institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by CHEA. Driver's License: Valid, unrestricted Driver's License required. Preferred Experience: None References: VA Handbook 5005/133 PART II APPENDIX G62 July 21, 2020 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 9 to GS 11. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 lbs.); light carrying (under 15 lbs.); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking (intermittent); standing (intermittent); hearing (aid permitted); clear speech. The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items like papers or books. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Maryland Health Care System 10 North Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 US
• Name: Teresa Hammond
• Phone: 410-605-7000
• Email: [email protected]