Empowering Veterans: Your Career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Do you possess a passion for helping others overcome obstacles and achieve their potential? The VA Bedford Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist. This role is not just a job; it is a chance to provide direct, life-changing support to the men and women who have served in our nation's military.

Job Responsibilities

As a member of the Compensated Work Therapy team, you will focus on helping Veterans improve their vocational functioning. Your daily tasks will include:

Developing individualized training and employment plans based on each Veteran's unique capacities.
Identifying and securing suitable employment opportunities within the local community.
Providing ongoing counseling and support to help Veterans navigate the transition into the workforce.
Educating employers on the strengths and capabilities of Veteran candidates.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-09/11 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education/Experience: You may qualify through specialized experience (GS-07 equivalent for GS-09; GS-09 equivalent for GS-11) or by substituting with relevant graduate-level education.
Documentation: Transcripts and SF-50 forms are required where applicable.
Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire competency assessment.

Salary and Grade Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range and a clear path for advancement.

Level	Grade	Salary Range
Entry/Mid-Level	GS-09 - GS-11	$69,905 - $109,959

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:

Competitive federal health insurance plans.
Excellent retirement savings options.
Predictable work schedules that promote work-life balance.
Opportunities for professional development and training.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Ensure your resume is detailed, including specific duties and hours worked per week.
Mind the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less.
Stay Current: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure compliance.
Don't Forget Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, ensure your transcript is uploaded with your application.

If you are ready to make a tangible impact on the lives of Veterans in Bedford, Massachusetts, this role offers an ideal platform to exercise your skills in counseling and rehabilitation. Apply today and start your career journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Matters

Empower those who served by transforming lives through career rehabilitation—join the VA Bedford team and make a meaningful impact today.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Overview

The VA Bedford Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to join our Mental Health services team. In this role, you will provide critical support to Veterans as they navigate psychological, social, and vocational challenges. You will act as a bridge between the Veteran and the workforce, developing individualized training plans, fostering community employer relationships, and helping those who have sacrificed for our nation achieve independence through meaningful employment.

Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Current federal employees must provide an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade.
Resume must not exceed two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Masters degree or higher in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or a related field.
Prior experience with psychosocial rehabilitation and supported employment models.
Strong interpersonal skills for negotiating with employers and motivating clients.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate with community resources and local businesses.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
✓Predictable work schedules (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm).
✓Career growth and leadership development opportunities.
✓Potential for telework eligibility as determined by management.
✓Participation in the federal retirement system.

💡 How to Apply Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job

Create a USAJOBS account or log in.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a two-page maximum resume highlighting relevant experience.
Complete the online questionnaire and required assessments.
Attach all necessary documentation (transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214).
Submit the application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on September 11, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
Be specific—include job titles, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week for every position.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Set aside at least three hours for the online competency assessments.
Double-check that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade if you are a federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position remote?

No, this is not a virtual position. However, it may be eligible for telework, which can be discussed during the interview process.

What is the maximum resume length?

Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be two pages or less. Applications with longer resumes will not be considered.

Do I need to submit an SF-50?

Yes, if you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your most recent SF-50 to document your tenure and grade.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated health care system in the nation. Driven by the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—known as 'I CARE'—the VA is dedicated to providing compassionate care to Veterans, their families, and survivors. Working at the VA offers unique professional satisfaction and the opportunity to be part of a team that prioritizes whole-person health.