The Mental Health Rehabilitation (MHR) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) with emphasis to SE (Supported Employment), is assigned to the VHA Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VHA VRS) program and overseen by the VHA VRS Coordinator who reports to the MHR Supervisor and Outpatient Ambulatory Care Program Manager in Mental Health Services. The incumbent serves as a member of the VHA VRS treatment team with the focus on SE services with co-occurring substance use concerns. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education (1)A master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling from a rehabilitation counseling program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). If the applicant's degree was granted prior to July 1, 2017, the program must be accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education. OR (2)A master's degree in counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). OR (3)A master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that emphasized rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by CHEA. OR (4)Foreign graduates with a degree acceptable by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Certification Current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling. GRADE DETERMINATIONS GS-11 Experience Completion of 1 year of professional experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. OR Education. A doctoral degree in rehabilitation counselor education or related field(e.g. rehabilitation psychology) from a CACREP accredited institution or from an institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by CHEA. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a)Knowledge of physical and psychological disabilities, appropriate accommodations and assistive technology principles to mitigate and reduce or eliminate barriers to integrate into the community. (b)Knowledge of counseling theory, medical and psychiatric terminology and signs and symptomology of suicidal and homicidal ideations, to communicate appropriately with community health care professionals to provide useful input to other team members and employers in relation to the Veteran and/or his/her family's psychosocial needs and to recommend and help implement suitable treatment plans. (c)Ability to use evidence-based and evidence informed vocational and professional counseling practices to include individual placement and support (IPS), customized employment and supported employment models and motivational interviewing skills to promote self-awareness, adjustment to disability, enhanced job retention and successful integration to the community. (d)Knowledge of career development processes and job analysis methodology to determine essential functions of jobs, worksite modifications and/or alternative vocational goals given the work history and residual functional capacities of individuals with disabilities. (e)Ability to administer and interpret a wide variety of assessment methods including transferrable skills and labor market analyses to evaluate for individual interests, aptitudes and abilities and to identify suitable vocational goals for the development of an effective individual service delivery plan. (f)Knowledge of marketing strategies to develop collaborative partnerships/Memorandums of Agreement within VA and local business community to enhance employment and/or work opportunities. (g)Knowledge of military culture and specific factors and dynamics associated with Veterans, particularly combat Veterans, to assist those who are returning to community and community based-work. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/133, PART II, APPENDIX G62. REHABILITATION COUNSELOR QUALFICATION STANDARD, GS-0101, Veterans Health Administration dated July 21, 2020. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the position are minimal. The physical work is sedentary although the stress related to providing services to clients In emotional distress or who may be demanding and uncooperative can be more significant than that of most sedentary positions. there is some expectation of touring various worksites as needed to perform assessments and to provide coaching and workplace support to veterans and employers. ["Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Identify and evaluate strengths and barriers of participants in their ability to return to employment, and to communicate and discuss these issues with other members of the treatment team. Incorporate findings into action plans that may be used in the overall treatment planning process. Discuss the treatment plans and contracts developed by the team with Veterans. Provide Supported Employment (SE) services to Veterans with SE qualifying diagnoses including Psychotic Spectrum Disorders, Bipolar Disorders with cooccurring Substance-Use Disorders. Complete psychological and vocational assessment of the Veterans within their scope of practice. Recommends appropriate psychological/vocational interventions as part of each Veteran's individual treatment plan and assures appropriate consultation for specialized psychological services. Conducts job development with the local community and VA employers, in order to build relationships and facilitate the employment of Veterans within the program. Counsels and guides the Veteran through difficulties during the job search, on the job site and other locales, as needed. Helps employers understand the nature of the client's barriers, while maintaining a positive impression of the Veteran's capability to succeed. Performs mock interviews, role plays and offers to be a part of the interview process. Implements adjustments to the Veteran's treatment plan accordingly, including negotiations with employers to ensure Veterans maintain employment. Evaluates the results of the program and makes sound, professional advocacy, for recommended changes. Reports program progress in accordance with procedures established by the Veterans Health Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VHA VRS) program, National SE program directive, NEPEC, Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and VACO. Documents all therapeutic interventions, goals and objectives and outcomes through the writing of a comprehensive individualized employment plan and actively participates in the implementation of this employment plan, meeting the guidelines of CARF, TJC (The Joint Commission), and VA. Maintains documentation in the Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS). Participates in administrative and clinical Mental Health recovery team meetings updating and remaining current with clinical concerns and sharing strategies, progress, and integrating treatment team members' expertise and support into services delivered to the Veterans. May participate in other Mental Health Service (MHS) program team meetings and outside VA-linked programs to provide best practice continuity of care for the Veterans. Employment objectives of the Veteran is kept active and an ongoing component of the employment plan. Assists Veterans to become stabilized in the work environment and to develop strategies to gradually reduce his/her involvement with the Veteran so that both on and off-the-job interventions become less frequent, as the Veteran has less need for them. Serves as the primary point of contact among the Veteran, employers, and program staff during the time that the case is active. Coordinates scheduling and arranges for Veterans to complete program evaluation interviews. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm\nTelework: Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]