Rehabilitation Counselor

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Kentucky is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to support Veterans facing mental health, physical or psychosocial barriers to employment and independent living.

The role emphasizes IPS-based employment services and recovery-oriented counseling within VHA settings. The position requires a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or related fields, and CRC certification is preferred for GS-12 placement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from CACREP accredited program or CHEA accredited program.
• Foreign graduates with a qualifying degree may apply.
• CRC certification from CRCC required for GS-12, copy of certification may be requested.

Responsibilities

• Apply and teach principles of IPS/Supported Employment (SE) to Veterans and care providers.
• Conduct in-person coaching, develop learning events, and lead mock SE fidelity reviews.
• Engage Veterans and providers in rehabilitation process using IPS, SE, and recovery principles.
• Provide advanced counseling to assist with employment, housing, and finances.

Education

Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling

Master's degree in counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling

Foreign degrees acceptable by CRCC/CHEA

Job description

Rehabilitation Counselors in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) work with persons who experience functional impairments and disabilities associated with mental health, physical, and/or psychosocial challenges affecting employment, independent living, or personal adjustment.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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).ORA 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. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR GS-12)

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-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 the following KSAs:

• (a) Ability to apply and teach principles and practices of the evidence-based model of individual placement and support, supported employment (IPS, SE), by engaging others in multiple training methods including hands‑on, virtual and telephone trainings, utilizing excellent consultative, facilitative and organizational skills as well as coaching/listening skills.
• (b) Ability to conduct in person coaching, develop community‑wide learning events, and lead mock SE fidelity reviews to provide feedback regarding SE program services and adherence to the SE model.
• (c) Skill to apply principles and practices of IPS, SE, psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery principles, customized employment and fidelity scale measures to successfully engage Veterans and care providers in the rehabilitation process.
• (d) Skill to apply advanced counseling skills, crisis intervention and personal and family counseling to intercede on behalf of Veterans, their families and significant others needing specific assistance with employment, housing and finances

Preferred Experience: Masters In Rehabilitation Counseling or anticipated graduation date (required); Preferred Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC); preferred experience with providing employment services/vocational rehabilitation; preferred Experience working with substance use population; preferred experience partnering with others/building coalitions.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12

Physical Requirements

The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time, frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to take apart equipment and apparatus, lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling objects including wheelchairs. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above average agility and dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures.

The physical demands of this position are moderate. Although some of the physical work is sedentary, there will be significant (50 -70% of the time) local travel for support purposes, lifting and carrying items (boxes, clothing, etc. < 60 lbs.). The stress related to providing services to Veterans in emotional distress or who may be demanding and uncooperative, can be more significant than that of most sedentary positions.