Empowering Veterans: Your Career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is more than just a healthcare provider; it is an institution committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in Murfreesboro, TN, you will play a pivotal role in this mission by helping Veterans navigate the complexities of re-entering the workforce.

Job Responsibilities

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, your duties are diverse and impact-driven:

Client Assessment: Conduct intake interviews and assessments to understand the needs of Veterans with severe mental illnesses.
Employment Planning: Develop comprehensive rehabilitation plans that bridge the gap between disability and career capability.
Employer Engagement: Analyze job requirements and negotiate ADA-compliant accommodations to help Veterans thrive.
Program Leadership: Act as a local expert in supported employment, training colleagues, and implementing best practices.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-11 position, candidates must meet federal eligibility standards including:

U.S. Citizenship.
Proven specialized experience (equivalent to GS-9 level) or qualifying education (Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study).
Completion of an online assessment.
Ability to pass a background/security check.
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

Pay Grade	Salary Range
GS-11	$74,678 - $97,087 per year

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits designed to support your long-term success, including:

Competitive federal health insurance plans.
A comprehensive retirement package including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Ample paid leave, including sick and annual leave.
Access to professional training and career advancement opportunities.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the official builder to ensure compliance.
Be Specific: Detail your experience with month/year and hours worked per week; the VA cannot make assumptions.
Follow Procedures: Submit all required documentation—like transcripts and SF-50s—the first time to avoid disqualification.

If you have the heart to serve those who served us and the professional skills to drive vocational success, this role at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is an ideal next step. Apply today to start your rewarding career in Murfreesboro.

Why This Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country by empowering Veterans through vocational rehabilitation and supported employment in the beautiful Tennessee Valley.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to join the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS). In this role, you will provide critical support to Veterans with severe mental illnesses, helping them navigate barriers to employment and successfully integrate into the competitive workforce. This position is based in Murfreesboro, TN, and offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive care and career guidance within an integrated, world-class healthcare network.

Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Registration with the Selective Service (if male and born after 12/31/1959)
Must complete an online assessment as part of the application process
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory
Must undergo a background and security investigation
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Professional experience in vocational rehabilitation, educational counseling, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to perform job analysis and negotiate ADA-compliant accommodations
Extensive knowledge of community resources and work incentives
Experience in clinical assessment and managing psychiatric or substance abuse rehabilitation cases

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Federal retirement pension plan
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style savings with employer match)
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Career growth opportunities within the VA healthcare system
✓No state income tax in Tennessee

💡 How to Apply Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job

Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights results-driven experience, limited to two pages.
Submit your application and all required documents (transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214) by the closing date.
Complete the required online assessment when prompted via email or the application portal.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month and year for every job held and total hours worked per week.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the strict two-page limit.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and keep file size under 5MB.
Review your application thoroughly; the agency will not contact you for missing or corrected information.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the online assessment, as it is a critical component of your evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an onsite position based at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

What is the requirement for the SF-50 document?

If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit an SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year of time-in-grade eligibility at the GS-9 level or higher.

Are there specific font requirements for my resume?

While not strictly mandatory, the agency recommends sans-serif fonts such as Lato, Arial, or Calibri with 0.5-inch margins for optimal readability.

What if I have a disability?

The VA offers reasonable accommodations for the assessment process. Ensure you request these early in the application flow.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific announcement.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is an integrated network providing high-quality care across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. From acute medicine to specialized mental health services, TVHS serves over 146,000 Veterans. Working with TVHS means joining a culture of innovation, compassion, and professional development in a location that offers both urban amenities and a tax-friendly environment.