Empowering Veterans: Your Career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in Alaska

Are you looking to merge your passion for counseling with a profound sense of purpose? The Anchorage VA Medical Center is actively seeking a compassionate and skilled Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to join their team. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our country, helping them transition into rewarding civilian careers despite physical or mental health barriers.

Job Responsibilities

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, you will be the bridge between a Veteran and their professional potential. Your daily duties will include:

Assessing vocational goals and identifying barriers to employment.
Developing individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each Veteran’s needs.
Coaching clients through the adjustment process in new work environments.
Partnering with local businesses to locate suitable job placements.
Monitoring progress and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure client success.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency: Advanced command of the English language.
Documentation: All applicants must submit a resume limited to two pages.
Assessments: Completion of mandatory online competency-based assessments.
Health: Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position is competitive, reflecting the expertise and commitment required for the role.

Pay Grade	Salary Range (Per Year)
GS-7/9	$57,055 - $90,731

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
Flexible spending accounts and retirement savings (TSP) with government matching.
Accrued paid leave that increases with your years of service.
Access to specialized training and professional growth paths.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Federal resumes are scrutinized closely. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Be Specific: Use the 'I CARE' language and align your experience with the competencies listed in the job posting.
Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, always include your official transcripts to avoid delays.
Proofread: Double-check your contact information and ensure all attachments are in readable formats like PDF.

Serving as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in Anchorage is an exceptional way to utilize your clinical skills in a mission-critical environment. By helping Veterans overcome employment obstacles, you contribute to their overall wellbeing and self-sufficiency. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.

Why This Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Matters

Empower our nation's heroes by helping them reclaim their professional identity and secure meaningful employment as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in beautiful Anchorage, Alaska.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Overview

The Anchorage VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to join our Mental Health Service team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Service, providing essential guidance, vocational assessments, and rehabilitation planning for Veterans. You will help clients navigate the complexities of disability in the workplace, foster community partnerships, and facilitate the transition to competitive, rewarding careers.

Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must undergo a pre-placement physical examination.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Ability to complete online competency-based assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Master's degree in vocational rehabilitation, vocational/educational counseling, or a related field.
Proven specialized experience in vocational guidance, counseling, or placement services for individuals with disabilities.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate with community and VA resources to support client adjustment.
Experience in behavioral modification techniques and workplace accommodation negotiations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Generous federal retirement and pension benefits.
✓Paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Life insurance options.
✓Potential for service credit based on prior federal or military experience.
✓Access to ongoing professional training and leadership development.

💡 How to Apply Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job

Review the full announcement and required documentation list.
Log into your USAJOBS account to build or upload your resume (strictly limited to two pages).
Complete the initial online questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the deadline of 11/02/2026.
Check for follow-up emails regarding required USA Hire Assessments.
Complete the assessment within the specified timeframe to remain eligible.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes detailed descriptions of your duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
Save your resume as a PDF and follow the two-page limit strictly to avoid automatic disqualification.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
Highlight experience with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or disabilities in your application materials.
Double-check that all required SF-50 forms are included if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, for the GS-7 and GS-9 levels, you may qualify through a combination of specialized experience and graduate education, or by meeting specific educational milestones in relevant fields.

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position has a full performance level of GS-9, meaning you may be promoted without further competition once all regulatory and performance requirements are met.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, relocation or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What is the work schedule?

This is a standard Monday-Friday role, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with potential for ad-hoc telework.

How do I handle reasonable accommodation requests?

You can request accommodations for the online assessments directly through the application portal before beginning the tests.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: to care for those who have served in the military and for their families. Working at the Anchorage VA Medical Center offers a unique opportunity to provide "Whole Health" care in a high-impact facility. Anchorage provides a vibrant backdrop for your career, offering a unique blend of modern city life and unparalleled outdoor access, from hiking and fishing to world-class photography opportunities.