Vocational Development Specialist: Help Veterans Find Meaningful Employment

Are you passionate about helping others succeed? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a Vocational Development Specialist to serve at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA ACC in Columbus, Ohio. This role is essential to our mission, focusing on helping homeless Veterans transition into competitive, sustainable employment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Vocational Development Specialist, you will:

Act as a central liaison for homeless services.
Develop community-based employment opportunities.
Provide customized job placement and pre-employment assessment.
Advocate for Veterans with employers and clinical staff.

Requirements

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education/Experience: GS-9 level requirements (one year of specialized experience at GS-7 or equivalent, or relevant graduate education).
Vaccinations: Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Assessments: Must complete mandatory online competency assessments.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $64,406 to $83,733 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Qualification Level	Requirement Type	Description
Basic	Education	Bachelor's degree or higher
Specialized	Experience	1 year of related job placement experience
Competitive	Combination	Mix of graduate education and professional experience

Benefits

Working with the VA offers more than just a paycheck. You will gain access to federal health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and the satisfaction of knowing your daily work directly impacts the lives of those who served.

Application Tips

Follow the two-page resume limit strictly.
Use action-oriented, results-focused language in your resume.
Submit all required documents, including SF-50 forms, well before the deadline.

If you are ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to apply for this position. Your expertise can provide the spark that helps a Veteran regain their independence through meaningful work.

Why This Vocational Development Specialist Job Matters

Empower those who served by bridging the gap between military service and sustainable, meaningful careers in the civilian workforce.

Vocational Development Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Vocational Development Specialist to join the Chalmers P. Wylie VA ACC in Columbus, Ohio. In this pivotal role, you will act as a Community Employment Coordinator for Homeless Veterans, providing essential guidance, advocacy, and strategic support to help Veterans secure and maintain competitive employment.

Requirements for Vocational Development Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of all online assessments as required.
Meet specific time-in-grade requirements if currently or previously a federal employee.

Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Development Specialist

One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
Experience in providing pre-employment assessments and workforce re-entry planning.
Ability to coordinate with community agencies and employers to facilitate job placement.
Proven capability in providing individualized and customized job development strategies.
Relevant graduate-level education (master's degree or higher) or a combination of education and experience.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Telework eligibility as determined by the agency.
✓Work-life balance with a stable Monday-Friday schedule.

💡 How to Apply Vocational Development Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Vocational Development Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and formatted correctly.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of 10/06/2026.
Monitor your email for notifications regarding mandatory USA Hire assessments.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists job titles, duties, and hours worked per week.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page requirement.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Highlight experience in workforce development or vocational support.
Read the entire job announcement carefully before beginning your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Vocational Development Specialist?

The specialist serves as a liaison and advocate for homeless Veterans, helping them overcome barriers to employment by connecting them with both VA and community-based resources.

Can I work remotely for this position?

This position is not virtual, though it may be eligible for telework, which will be discussed during the interview process.

What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?

Resumes exceeding two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for this position.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.*

How do I request a testing accommodation?

*A: You may request an accommodation during the online application process before starting your assessments.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. By embracing a 'Whole Health' model, we empower Veterans to take charge of their well-being, providing personalized care that extends into their communities.