This position supports outpatient Mental Health, under the Behavioral Health section of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System in Topeka, Kansas. The primary purpose of this position is to provide Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Veterans consulted to any of the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) or Vocational Rehabilitation programs, who have physical, mental or other impediments, in order for them to reach their maximum vocational potential.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-11. At the GS-09 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. Conducts an initial assessment of the Veteran and develops, with the Veteran, an individualized vocational rehabilitation plan, revising it as necessary. The VRS provides individualized services designed for each Veteran, and applies comprehensive knowledge related to vocational struggles of Veterans with mental health and physical disabilities, as necessary. Coordinates and expedites services needed by the Veteran to obtain gainful employment and completes his/her treatment plan. Talks with employers in the community (after signed Release of Information) on behalf of the Veteran, to work towards the goal of employment for the Veteran. Transports Veterans by using a GOV to job interviews, to a community facility (i.e. library, employment office, etc.) to assist the Veteran with job applications, driving to a Veteran's residence to meet with the Veteran in his/her home and taking Veterans into the community for job searches. Assist Veterans in finding job placement. Develops contract work positions for Veterans within the local community, industry, state and federal agencies. Supports the Veteran while at work, if necessary, or mentoring for the Veteran to work out issues that may arise on the job, to help the Veteran maintain employment. Meets with the Veteran regularly until the Veteran is stable in employment. Meets with the Veteran on a semi-regular basis after the Veteran is employed, for support, mentoring, working through issues the Veteran may be having on the job, or to help a Veteran to decide when to leave a job or begin looking for another one. Serves as a liaison to the VA Regional Office for Veterans entitled to education, employment or training benefits through VBA (Veteran's Benefits Administration). Gives referrals to Veterans for other needs and services as necessary, i.e. homeless programs, community assistance agencies, VA care providers, etc.; And, All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday From 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Telework: 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.

Requirements

Qualifications

In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Proficiency in basic written and spoken English. -AND- Do you possess a current and valid State Driver's License. (Screen Out): NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued Driver's License. To Qualify for the GS9 you must meet one of the following: GS-9: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) in Federal Service that has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist GS-9. Specialized experience includes: a) 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; b) 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; and c) 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.-OR- SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of graduate level education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D. with a major study in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or other field related to this position. This education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. -OR- COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Your experience must be documented in your resume and transcripts are required. To qualify for the GS-11 you must meet one of the following: GS-11: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) in Federal Service that has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist GS-11. Specialized experience includes: Extensive 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. (Resume must clearly support the required experience and responses to the online questionnaire to receive credit. We will not make assumptions regarding experience.) (Unofficial Transcripts required) -OR- SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: I have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. To be creditable, education must include a major study in vocational rehabilitation, vocational or educational counseling, or other fields related to the position. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. (Unofficial Transcripts required) -OR- COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed related graduate-level education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. Only education in excess of a master's degree (excess of 2 years) may be combined with experience to meet this requirement. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: CommunicationDecision MakingPlanning and EvaluatingProblem SolvingTherapy and Counseling IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this job are moderate. Mobility is required to attend meetings throughout the facility and in making contacts within the community. Driving a GOV is part of the physical demands of a VRS. There is stress involved in dealing continually with persons who display a broad variety of psychological problems and/or psychiatric symptoms. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Contacts

• Address VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System 2200 SW Gage Blvd Topeka, KS 66622 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]