Rehabilitation Counselor (Coordinator)

Summary The Rehabilitation Counselor Program Coordinator is the program manager for the Transitional Work/Compensated Work Therapy (TW/CWT), Supported Employment/Compensated Work Therapy (SE/CWT), Compensated Work Therapy/Therapeutic Residence (CWT/TR), and Community Based Employment Services (CBES/CWT) Programs at VAIHCS and supervises staff assigned to these programs. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive is authorized for a highly qualified candidate. Responsibilities Program Administration: Administratively responsible for the day-to-day management and operational aspects the VHA Vocational Rehabilitation Program at VAIHCS which encompass the TW/CWT, SE/CWT, CWT/TR, and CBES/CWT Programs. Provides leadership, guidance, and coordination of staff following the mission/vision of VAIHCS and program direction of the Social Work Service Line. Required to conduct, evaluate, and coordinate the execution of the program. Coordination of day-to-day staffing schedules at multiple job sites involving up to 50 Veterans at any given time, coordination of VHA Vocational Rehabilitation staff productivity and efficiency, coordination of program/staffing cost effectiveness, coordination of quality performance and program outcomes, and coordination of clinic effectiveness and clinic productivity. Reviews/analyzes program activities, provide appropriate assessments of outcomes and make recommendations and corrections as needed. Assists in the development and implementation of follow-up systems to ensure the completion of program tasks which can encompass negotiation of MOUs with employers, responding to program consults, case management, counseling, contract or procurement, fiscal billing, payment, fund control points, resource allocation, outreach, etc. Serves as Control Point Official for VHA Vocational Rehabilitation fund control points including program purchase cards. Develops plans for salary costs, equipment purchases, and balancing of needs and expenses related to TW/CWT, SE/CWT, and CBES job sites and the CWT/TR. Works closely with Fiscal Service and assures all fiscal requirements, budgets and reporting requirements are completed and documented per VHA and VAIHCS guidelines. Ensures Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement activities are developed and maintained following policy and procurement/vendor/client/staff needs. Networking with a variety of programs both within the Medical Center and/or with a variety of community organizations (Workforce Investment Board, NAMI, Homeless Coalitions, non-profit agencies, VA Central Office officials, and management staff of small and large corporations) in developing support for VHA Vocational Rehabilitation goals and objectives. Personnel Management: Supervises VHA Vocational Rehabilitation staff and reviews work of supervisees though individual conferences, and mid-year and written performance appraisal based on performance standards annually. Ensures supervisees possess necessary knowledge, skills and abilities consistent with their position and assignments. Provides orientation to new staff and students and conducts unit meetings. Completes annual competency assessments and scope of practice reviews within prescribed timeframes. Ensures employees meet mandated safety training requirements and follows up with identified training needs of staff. Encourages staff growth and development and recognizes staff accomplishments and need for improvement. Ensures all lost work days are investigated and appropriate ASISTS reports are prepared and submitted to Human Resources within prescribed timeframes. Direct Patient Care: Provides case management and counseling services and is the primary screener of new applicants into the VHA Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Ensures an assessment on each Veteran is documented in the medical record and includes identification of psychosocial needs. Provides direct clinical services to Veterans and their families based upon psychosocial assessment that includes, but is not limited to, individual, family, marital, and group therapy, supportive casework, education, crisis intervention and milieu management. Assists the interdisciplinary treatment team in the formulation and documentation of the plan as well as in the reviews and updates. Documents in the computer record the appropriate and relevant interventions. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: May be authorized on an occasional basis with supervisor approval. Virtual/Remote: This is NOT a virtual position. Relocation Incentive: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications 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. Education: Must possess a masters 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 applicants degree was granted prior to July 1, 2017, the program must be accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education. OR Must possess a masters 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 Must possess a masters 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 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. GS-12 Grade Determinations: Experience: Completion of one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) directly related to the position being filled. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to address complexity of psychosocial rehabilitation factors and deliver timely and high-qualify outcomes consistent with statutes, regulations and policies. Theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of rehabilitation service delivery systems for the administration and management of clinical rehabilitation program. Ability to initiate and lead interdisciplinary groups of staff utilizing sound judgement and decision-making to improve customer service while delivering Veteran-focused and outcome-oriented health care. Knowledge of applicable accreditation bodies and standards to ensure long-term compliance. Knowledge of business administration such as managing participant payroll, accounting, billing, marketing, workforce development (vocational, educational and placement of Veterans) services and/or customer service to successfully operate a rehabilitation employment program. Preferred Experience: Prior supervisory experience References: VA Handbook 5005/133 Part II Appendix G62 Rehabilitation Counselor Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work are generally minor. The work is primarily sedentary, although the stress involved in dealing continually with persons in emotional distress and who may be uncooperative and occasionally assaultive makes this work notably more demanding than most sedentary positions. The incumbent may be expected to assume an irregular tour of duty, which may include evening hours and weekends. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.