Social Work Service at the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania VA Medical Center serves as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) programs delivering services to Veterans receiving treatment for Substance Use Disorders. The Rehabilitation Counselor practices independently, using professional judgment and expertise to make decisions about services and treatment provided to veterans and their family members/significant others. This position is open to Federal Employees only
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.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. 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 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 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 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. Exceptions for Graduate RCs RC graduates from an approved counseling or rehabilitation counseling program who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and the additional degree requirements for CRC certification by the CRCC, but do not possess the required certification, may be appointed, pending certification, as a graduate RC on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(D). Graduate RCs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. Temporary graduate RC appointments may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, RCs must actively pursue meeting prerequisites for certification starting from the date of their appointment. This includes working towards completion of CRCC's required acceptable employment experience and completing required CRCC documentation to verify employment experience and supervision by a CRC. At the time of appointment, the RC supervisor will provide the RC with the written requirements for certification, including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to become certified within the prescribed amount of time will result in removal from the GS-0101 RC series and may result in termination of employment. Loss of Certification. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Rehabilitation Counselor, GS-11 Experience: Completion of one 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of physical and psychological disabilities, appropriate accommodations and assistive technology principles to mitigate and reduce or eliminate barriers to integrate into the community. 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. 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. 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. 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. Knowledge of marketing strategies to develop collaborative partnerships/Memorandums of Agreement within VA and local business community to enhance employment and/or work opportunities. 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, Part II, Appendix G-39The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
Monitor the progress of assigned patients in their rehabilitation plans, through frequent meetings with patients, staff and work area supervisors. Perform individual, group and crisis counseling with veterans enrolled in the CWT programs receiving treatment within the Substance Treatment And Recovery programs. Conduct educational classes and services for veterans enrolled in CWT programs. Coordinate and supervise patient work schedules with participating hospital services. Develop and implement patient discharge planning to ensure a smooth and orderly transition to community employment. Develops strategic plan, risk management and outcomes management plan to project future direction and demand of program services based on stakeholder feedback. Provide liaison services to local and state agencies to assist veterans in obtaining training/education/employment. Acts as liaison between VA and community resources, to include marketing and public relation duties as needed. Establish and monitor community-based contracts for CWT program, including initial contracts, memorandum of agreement, and standard operating procedures. Perform contract managerial duties for medical center and community- based contracts for CWT programs, including estimation of budget requirements. Prepare and maintain billing, payroll records, and account receivable records of financial transactions re: CWT program. Assist Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist staff in developing and writing medical center and community - based CWT contracts. Negotiate and secure contracted work appropriate to the skill level of assigned patients. Develop and maintain contacts with local companies and agencies in the community by correspondence, telephone, and personal contacts for the purpose of securing employment for veterans in the CWT program. Collects and organizes data on veterans served as required by the NEPEC, and the Director/medical center management. Develops the local supported employment program in accordance with current best practices as identified by the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF) and the Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC). Facilitates the development of other supported employment programs within WB VAMC in accordance with CARF and NEPEC guidelines. Complies with criminal conflict of interest laws and Executive Branch Standards of conduct to avoid conflicts of interest The incumbent performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Rehabilitation Counselor/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required