Rehabilitation Counselor (Coordinator)

Full Job Description

This position is located at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System, Des Moines, Iowa, in the Mental Health Division.

Rehabilitation Counselors in the Veterans Health Administration work with persons who experience functional impairments and disabilities associated with mental health, physical, and/or psychosocial challenges affecting employment, independent living, or personal adjustment.

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: (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: Rehabilitation Counselor (Coordinator), GS-12 (1) Experience.

Completion of one year of professional experience at the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to address complexity of psychosocial rehabilitation factors and deliver timely and high-quality outcomes consistent with statutes, regulations and policies.

(b) Theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of rehabilitation service delivery systems for the administration and management of a clinical rehabilitation program.

(c) 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.

(d) Knowledge of applicable accreditation bodies and standards to ensure long-term compliance.

(e) Knowledge of business administration practices 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.

Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Major Duties:

Duties of this position are, but not limited to: Addresses the complexities of psychosocial rehabilitation factors and timely and high-quality outcomes consistent with statutes, regulations, and policies.

Resolves issues associated with specific projects involving best practices and provides leadership and direction on project implementation.

Coordinates workforce development (vocational, education, and placement of Veterans) services and/or customer service to successfully operate a rehabilitation program.

Uses sound judgment and decision-making while initiating and leading interdisciplinary groups of staff to improve customer service while delivering Provides input and guidance on program evaluations, strategic plans, and policy considerations to the supervisor as appropriate for all interested VA entities and accrediting bodies.

Monitors progress towards accomplishment of program goals and examines the benefits of process improvements.

Provides consultation, coordination, oversight, support, and feedback to staff of their designated program area and student interns on work assignments, time and caseload management, and employment outcomes.

Uses effective counseling skills to promote self-awareness, adjustment to disability, enhanced job retention and successful integration to the community and independent living.

Prepares data and maintains records of work accomplishments and administration information, as required, and coordinates the preparation, presentation, and communication of work-related information to the supervisor.

Provide a variety of rehabilitation services using counseling practices and evidence based and informed modalities to aid Veterans with severe disabilities in achieving competitive employment, educational, and independent living goals.

Provides clinical expertise through the timely application of therapeutic interventions, case coordination, crisis intervention, interdisciplinary team consultation, rehabilitation plan development, and ongoing assessment and job development practices.

Collaborates with the appropriate professionals to provide rehabilitation services, including the assessment of vocational interests, aptitude, and abilities by using clinical tests, observations, interviews, evaluations, and specialized vocational assessment instruments.

Consult with interdisciplinary teams to enhance coordination of care, ensure medical clearance, and provide for optimal timing of further interventions.

Synthesize assessment information to identify barriers to employment and their vocational implications.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Ad-hoc may be available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized