Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (SUD)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 58,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs in Charleston, SC seeks a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Mental Health service line. You will provide vocational assessments, counseling and work-based rehabilitation services to Veterans enrolled in the Compensated Work Therapy program.

The role emphasizes knowledge of disabilities, evidence-based counseling, and employment-focused strategies, with CACREP/CHEA education routes and CRC certification essential for practice.

Qualifications

• Master’s in rehabilitation/related field with CACREP/CHEA accreditation.
• Current CRC certification from the CRCC required.
• Experience in vocational counseling and case management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide vocational assessments and counseling for Veterans.
• Deliver work-based rehabilitation services and job placement support.
• Coordinate transportation to interviews and hiring events.

Skills

Knowledge of disabilities

Counseling theory

Career development processes

Job analysis methodology

Evidence-based counseling

Education

CACREP-accredited Master’s in rehabilitation counseling

CHEA-accredited Master’s/Doctoral in related field

CRC certification

Job description

This position is located within the Mental Health service line and works directly with the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provides vocational assessments, counseling and work-based rehabilitation services to Veterans. The CWT is a therapeutic work program designed to help Veterans develop or restore work skills, work tolerance and productive habits in preparation for competitive employment.

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: Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
• Education: Individual must meet one of the requirements below:
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: Must possess a current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling.

Grade Determination:GS-11 Rehabilitation Counselor

Completion of one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled. Examples of experience related to the GS-09 grade level includes but not limited to: providing vocational and personal adjustment counseling, case management and transferrable skills analyses to aid Veterans with severe disabilities in pursuit of their self-determined employment, educational and independent living goals; conduct assessments through record reviews, observations and interviews with Veterans to document personal, vocational and educational histories; develop and amend patient-centered treatment plans utilizing specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time-based goals; facilitate job placement for Veterans by teaching valuable job search skills, resume/application development, interview skills and basic computer skills; and coordinate transportation to interviews/hiring events. OR

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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of physical and psychological disabilities, appropriate accommodations and assistive technology principles to mitigate and reduce or eliminate barriers to integrate into the community.
• Knowledge of counseling theory, medical and psychiatric terminology and signs and symptomology of suicidal and homicidal ideations, to communicate appropriately with community health care professionals to provide useful input to other team members and employers in relation to the Veteran and/or his/her family's psychosocial needs and to recommend and help implement suitable treatment plans.
• Ability to use evidence-based and evidence informed vocational and professional counseling practices to include individual placement and support (IPS), customized employment and supported employment models and motivational interviewing skills to promote self-awareness, adjustment to disability, enhanced job retention and successful integration to the community.
• Knowledge of career development processes and job analysis methodology to determine essential functions of jobs, worksite modifications and/or alternative vocational goals given the work history and residual functional capacities of individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to administer and interpret a wide variety of assessment methods including transferrable skills and labor market analyses to evaluate for individual interests, aptitudes and abilities and to identify suitable vocational goals for the development of an effective individual service delivery plan.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies to develop collaborative partnerships/Memorandums of Agreement within VA and local business community to enhance employment and/or work opportunities.
• Knowledge of military lifestyle, specific factors, and dynamics associated with Veterans, particularly combat Veterans, to assist those who are returning to community and community based-work.

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

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands of this position involve primarily walking, sitting, talking, driving, use of the telephone, etc. Strenuous physical activity is not required although the incumbent is expected to withstand pressure and stress as part of their day-to-day activities. There is ongoing exposure to individuals having psychiatric and physical illness and disabilities. These include violent or aggressive behavior and chronic psychiatric and medical problems. Light lifting, under 15 pounds, Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Hearing (aid permitted)