Empowering Veterans: Careers in Vocational Rehabilitation
Are you looking to turn your counseling expertise into a career of service? The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently hiring two Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) to join the Buffalo Regional Benefit Office in New York. These roles are essential to the mission of ensuring that Veterans and active-duty service members successfully transition into the civilian workforce and achieve personal independence.
Job Responsibilities
As a VRC, your days will be defined by meaningful human interaction and strategic planning. Your responsibilities include:
- Comprehensive Evaluations: Conducting entitlement assessments and rehabilitation planning.
- Case Management: Coordinating services to ensure Veterans receive the support they need for education, training, and employment.
- Career Counseling: Partnering with academic institutions and military bases to provide targeted vocational guidance.
- Collaborative Outreach: Liaising with community resources, state agencies, and Vet Centers to expand the support network for our clients.
Position Comparison
| Feature | IDES VRC (Fort Drum) | VSOC VRC (Syracuse University) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Wounded/Ill Service Members | Veteran-Students |
| Environment | Military Installation | University Campus |
| Goal | Early outreach during evaluation | Academic and vocational success |
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or a closely related field. You must also possess a supervised internship or at least one year of post-master’s professional experience in vocational rehabilitation. For internal federal candidates, meeting time-in-grade requirements is mandatory for consideration.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $116,362 annually. Beyond the salary, VA professionals enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans (FERS/TSP)
- Generous paid time off
- A stable, mission-driven career path
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit a completed application package via USAJOBS by July 27, 2026. Your resume must not exceed two pages and must explicitly state your work history with dates and, if applicable, federal grade levels. Ensure all transcripts are included to verify your educational qualifications.
Serving as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is more than a job—it is a way to honor our Veterans. If you are a licensed professional ready to advocate for those who served, apply today to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job Matters
Transform lives as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Support those who served by guiding them toward meaningful employment and independence.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job Overview
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is seeking two dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to join the Buffalo Regional Benefit Office. These pivotal roles support our nation's heroes through specialized, compassionate care. One position is based at Syracuse University for the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program, while the other serves at Fort Drum as part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). You will manage a caseload focused on rehabilitation, career development, and long-term adjustment for Veterans, helping them reach their full potential.
Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree or higher in rehabilitation counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, counseling psychology, mental health counseling, or social work
- Completion of a supervised internship in vocational rehabilitation or one year of post-master's direct vocational rehabilitation experience
- Current Federal GS employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade)
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Two-page maximum resume limit
Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Extensive experience managing complex caseloads involving diverse disability conditions
- Proficiency in vocational assessment and career placement strategies
- Ability to work effectively with partners in military and academic environments
- Strong interpersonal skills for individual and group therapy settings
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal salary and promotion potential up to GS-12
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance options
- âś“Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and training
- âś“Collaborative and mission-focused work environment
đź’ˇ How to Apply Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account and prepare your two-page resume.
- Ensure your transcripts showing your Master's degree and SF-50 documentation (if current/former federal employee) are ready for upload.
- Visit the provided job link to complete the online questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents before the July 27, 2026, deadline.
- Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you adhere to the strict two-page limit.
- Be explicit in your resume regarding start/end dates and grade levels for previous federal positions; the VA cannot make assumptions.
- Save your documents in PDF format to maintain formatting integrity.
- Use keywords from the job announcement to align your experience with the required competencies.
- Check your spam folder regularly for communications from the agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the two positions?
The IDES counselor works at Fort Drum to assist active-duty service members during the disability evaluation process, while the VSOC counselor is based at Syracuse University to support student Veterans.
Is telework available?
The position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. Employees are generally required to be on-site at their designated station.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, volunteer experience in relevant fields is credited on a pro-rated basis if it demonstrates the required professional competencies.
Job from Veterans Benefits Administration
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) serves as the primary provider of benefits and services to those who have defended our nation. Guided by the 'I CARE' core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VBA strives to improve the quality of life for all Veterans. By joining our team, you become a vital part of a mission that prioritizes the needs of those who have sacrificed the most.