Become a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing life-changing support to those who have served our nation. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS), you will be at the heart of this mission, empowering Veterans to navigate their professional paths, overcome barriers, and achieve meaningful employment. This is a unique opportunity to use your counseling and rehabilitation expertise within a supportive, mission-driven organization.
Job Responsibilities
As a VRS, your daily duties are centered on case management and advocacy. Key responsibilities include:
- Case Coordination: Managing a diverse caseload of Veterans and ensuring they receive appropriate services.
- Career Planning: Assisting individuals in identifying vocational goals and developing tailored employment assistance plans.
- Community Liaison: Identifying and securing local resources and funding to support the rehabilitation process.
- Service Oversight: Supervising contract service providers to ensure the highest standards of professional care.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
- Education: A major in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or a related field is required for meeting the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR).
- Experience: Candidates must possess specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 or GS-09 level depending on the application grade.
- Documentation: A strict 2-page resume limit is in effect.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary structure based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale:
| Grade Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-09 - GS-11 | $61,722 - $121,371 |
Benefits
Working with the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term security. These include:
- Health Insurance: Robust health, dental, and vision options.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Paid Time Off: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, prioritize clarity and compliance. Use the USAJobs resume builder to stay within the 2-page limit, and ensure you clearly state your weekly work hours for all past experience. Review the job announcement thoroughly before submitting to ensure all required documentation, such as transcripts, is attached.
Serving as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist is a profound way to contribute to the welfare of America's Veterans. If you possess the passion and qualifications to help others succeed, we encourage you to apply and join our team in the Pacific District.
Why This Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Matters
Empower those who served by shaping their professional futures as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Overview
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Pacific District is seeking compassionate and dedicated professionals to serve as Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists. In this role, you will act as a vital link between Veterans, service providers, and the VA, coordinating comprehensive rehabilitation and employment services. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of those who have borne the battle, helping them transition into meaningful civilian careers.
Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must complete a 1-year or 2-year probationary period.
- Subject to a background/security investigation.
- Ability to complete an online onboarding process and provide I-9 acceptable identification.
- Must adhere to the 2-page resume limit requirement.
- Specialized experience or appropriate education level in counseling, rehabilitation, or human development.
Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
- Demonstrated experience in rehabilitation counseling and disability theory.
- Proficiency in career development theories and vocational guidance techniques.
- Ability to assess and assist individuals with diverse needs, including chronic mental or physical disabilities.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage caseloads effectively.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Life insurance coverage options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Competitive paid leave and federal holidays.
- ✓Potential for career advancement (Promotion potential to GS-11).
- ✓Flexible work schedule options and situational telework availability.
💡 How to Apply Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJobs.
- Prepare a concise 2-page resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Collect necessary supporting documents like transcripts or DD-214 forms.
- Apply online via the USAStaffing portal before the cut-off dates.
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the designated timeframe.
- Monitor your application status and email notifications for updates.
💡 General Tips
- Use the official USAJobs resume builder to ensure you meet the strict 2-page limit.
- Focus on results-oriented language rather than simply listing daily tasks.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week to verify specialized experience.
- Save documents as PDFs to maintain formatting and file size limits (5MB or less).
- Submit your application early to allow time for potential USA Hire assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple locations?
No, applicants are restricted to applying to only one location.
Is telework permitted for this position?
This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. Employees are expected to report to their duty station for their scheduled shifts.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per current federal guidelines, resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for the position.
How often is the applicant register reviewed?
The agency performs reviews every three weeks following the initial cut-off date.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position with only situational, ad hoc telework options available.
Job from Veterans Benefits Administration
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Pacific District is part of the Veterans Benefits Administration. Our culture is defined by the "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. We are dedicated to ensuring that every Veteran has the resources and guidance necessary to lead successful lives beyond their military service.