Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines your professional counseling skills with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) positions within the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Southeast District. This is an incredible opportunity to serve the men and women who have dedicated their lives to our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, you are the bridge between a Veteran’s service experience and their future civilian career. Your primary responsibilities include:

Case Management: Serving as the lead coordinator for comprehensive rehabilitation and employment services.
Strategic Planning: Creating and adjusting personalized rehabilitation plans that meet the unique needs of Veterans with disabilities.
Liaison Services: Connecting Veterans with vital community resources and professional training programs.
Supervision: Overseeing contract service providers to ensure the delivery of high-quality care that meets professional standards.
Employment Assistance: Conducting assessments to determine employability and facilitating job placement strategies.

Qualifications and Requirements

To qualify for this role, you must meet specific educational and professional standards. The position is open at both the GS-09 and GS-11 levels.

Level	Education/Experience Requirements
GS-09	One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level OR a Master’s degree/equivalent graduate study.
GS-11	One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level OR a Ph.D./equivalent doctoral degree.

All applicants must submit a resume that is strictly two pages long and includes documentation of all relevant professional experience, including dates of service and hours worked per week.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position ranges from $61,722 to $102,669, depending on grade level and experience. Beyond the competitive base pay, the VA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Excellent health and life insurance options.
Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Structured career advancement pathways.

Application Tips for Success

Applying for a federal position can be competitive. To ensure your application stands out:

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly reflects the skills mentioned in the job announcement without simply copying the text.
Formatting Matters: Stick to a 0.5-inch margin and use a clear, sans-serif font like Lato or Arial.
Include Transcripts: If you are using your education to qualify, ensure your unofficial transcripts are attached and display the degree conferred date.
Check Your Email: The hiring process involves several touchpoints via email. Be sure to monitor your spam folder to avoid missing interview requests or assessment links.

This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of American Veterans. If you possess the empathy, organizational skills, and professional dedication required, we encourage you to submit your application and join the Southeast District team today.

Why This Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Matters

Transform your career while fulfilling a promise to our nation's heroes. Join the Veteran Readiness and Employment team and provide the vocational guidance that changes lives.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists to join the Southeast District. In this role, you will act as a primary coordinator and liaison for Veterans and service members navigating their rehabilitation and employment journeys. You will manage complex caseloads, provide clinical guidance, and ensure that every Veteran has access to the resources they need to succeed in their transition to civilian careers. This position offers a unique chance to combine professional counseling expertise with a mission-driven environment focused on integrity, commitment, and advocacy.

Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must possess specialized experience in counseling, rehabilitation, or human development.
Must be capable of completing the mandatory online onboarding process.
Resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
Must be able to provide official transcripts upon selection.

Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Master's degree or higher in vocational rehabilitation, educational counseling, or a related field.
Proven experience in developing employment assistance plans for individuals with disabilities.
Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate resources for homebound or chronically ill clients.
Strong understanding of current vocational rehabilitation theories and career development techniques.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary and benefits package.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Generous retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.
✓Credit for job-related non-federal experience toward annual leave accrual.

💡 How to Apply Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job

Review the full announcement details and documentation requirements.
Prepare a two-page resume highlighting specific accomplishments.
Log in to USAJOBS to start your application.
Complete the online questionnaire and required assessments.
Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts and veterans' preference documents.
Submit your application before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume meets the strict two-page limit.
Quantify your experience; specify hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
Do not copy and paste the job duties from this announcement into your resume.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting.
Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessments if requested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position has a grade progression of GS-09 to GS-11, with the potential to reach the full performance level of GS-11.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position. While ad hoc, situational telework may be authorized on a case-by-case basis, you are generally expected to report to the duty station.

How often is the register reviewed?

This is a standing register. Applications are reviewed on an initial cut-off date, followed by subsequent reviews approximately every three weeks.

Can I apply for multiple locations?

*A: No, please only apply to one specific location identified in the announcement.*

What is the 'I CARE' philosophy?

*A: It is the foundation of the VA's culture: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.*

Are there relocation incentives?

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

Job from Veterans Benefits Administration

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is at the heart of the VA’s mission to uphold President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." The organization is currently undergoing a transformative shift toward a more people-centric and forward-looking model. As a member of the VR&E team, you will be part of a culture defined by the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.