Empowering Veterans: Careers in Vocational Rehabilitation
Supporting our nation’s Veterans requires more than medical care; it requires a commitment to their long-term professional success and quality of life. The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist position at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, Florida, is a pivotal role designed to assist those who have served in overcoming barriers to employment and independent living.
Job Responsibilities
As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, you will manage a caseload of Veterans facing complex, multi-layered disabilities, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD. Your responsibilities include:
- Comprehensive Assessments: Conducting biopsychosocial and vocational evaluations to determine service needs.
- SMART Planning: Developing personalized rehabilitation plans with Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound goals.
- Team Collaboration: Working within an interdisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, and therapists to coordinate care.
- Employment Advocacy: Arranging work experiences and coordinating with employers to ensure successful job placement.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level.
- Meet specific educational criteria (degrees in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or related fields).
- Comply with mandatory vaccination programs (COVID-19 and Influenza).
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $74,678 - $97,087 |
| Schedule | Full-time (Tuesday - Saturday) |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Benefits | Comprehensive Federal Benefits |
Application Tips
To stand out, be extremely detailed in your resume. Use your own words to describe your accomplishments rather than copying the job description. Ensure all dates (month/year) are included for every job listed.
If you have a background in rehabilitation counseling and a passion for serving Veterans, this role offers an opportunity to provide life-changing advocacy. Apply by August 27, 2026, to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Matters
Empower our nation’s Veterans by shaping their future through expert vocational rehabilitation counseling and career development at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center.
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to join the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service in Tampa, Florida. This critical role involves managing a complex, individualized caseload for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members facing significant vocational, educational, and independent living challenges due to severe disabilities.
Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Completion of a probationary period
- Successful background and security investigation
- Current seasonal influenza vaccination or authorized exemption
- Compliance with COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care personnel
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level
Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential
- Advanced experience in standardized vocational assessment and interpretation
- Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams for job placement and retention
- Proven success in recommending assistive technology and ADA-compliant accommodations
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Federal holiday leave
- ✓Professional development opportunities
- ✓Stable career growth within the VA Healthcare System
💡 How to Apply Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume ensuring it includes employment dates, hours worked, and salary details.
- Gather necessary documentation such as transcripts, SF-50s (if a federal employee), and certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 27, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not copy duty descriptions verbatim from the vacancy announcement.
- Ensure your resume shows clear progression and the required amount of specialized experience.
- Always include your pay plan, series, and grade for any federal service listed.
- Check your application status regularly via your account to ensure all documents have cleared the system's virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is not a virtual position and telework is not available. The incumbent must physically report to the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa.
Can I use volunteer work to meet the experience requirements?
Yes, both paid and unpaid experience (including volunteer work with national service programs) can be credited if it provides relevant skills and knowledge.
What happens if I forget to submit my transcript?
Failure to submit required transcripts if using education to qualify will result in an incomplete application, and you may not be considered for the position.
Is this role virtual?
No, this position requires physical attendance at the Tampa medical facility.
What if I have foreign education?
You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who have borne the battle. The VA Tampa Healthcare System is a leader in clinical excellence, serving as a primary hub within the Sunshine Health Care Network (VISN 8). With 20 locations, including the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, the system provides integrated, whole-person care for thousands of Veterans.