Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

This position supports the Therapeutic & Supported Employment Services (TSES) / Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program by helping Veterans secure and maintain competitive employment. The role provides individualized vocational services based on each Veteran's treatment plan and works closely with the clinical team to ensure coordinated care. Staff in Community Based Employment Services operate under the supervision of the CWT Program Manager or Supervisor.

This position is located within Therapeutic & Supported Employment Services (TSES) / Compensated Work Therapy (CWT), part of the Comprehensive Homeless Center Programs (CHCPs) at the VA North Texas Healthcare System (VANTHCS), serving Bonham, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Texas. The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist provides individualized employment services to unemployed Veterans referred through Vocational Services Consults. Using best practices in Community Based Employment Services (CBES), the VRS supports Veterans with mental health conditions-including Serious Mental Illness, PTSD, substance use disorders-and co-occurring physical conditions. Duties and Responsibilities Rehabilitation, Training, Employment & Follow-Up Delivering therapeutic vocational services such as skills training, job development, job placement, and employment supports. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary treatment teams, including physicians, therapists, social workers, vocational counselors, housing case managers, and community providers. Building and maintaining relationships with community agencies and employers to secure suitable employment opportunities for Veterans. Providing ongoing support after job placement, including workplace accommodation guidance, onsite coaching, and helping Veterans develop natural workplace supports. Assisting Veterans in adjusting employment plans when challenges arise. Assessment & Referral Conduct vocational interviews and assessments for Veterans referred to the CWT program. Use Motivational Interviewing and other evidence-based techniques to identify vocational strengths, interests, and job-search goals. Provide job-seeking skill development and strategies. Educate Veterans on the impact of employment on financial benefits and entitlements. Monitor progress, provide feedback, and support stable long-term employment. Utilize job development strategies such as job carving to assist Veterans with obtaining community employment. Administrative & Documentation Document all Veteran interactions in CPRS and capture workload in DSS. Complete assessments, individualized service plans, discharge summaries, and NEPEC CWT evaluation forms. Submit annual program census data as required. Use office automation tools to manage electronic documents, correspondence, and email communications. Frequent/Occasional Travel The position requires frequent travel away from the duty station to visit Veteran's at their homes or work, employment opportunity worksites and other community agencies. A valid state driver's license is required and will need to be qualified to obtain and maintain a government driver's license. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist/PD09385A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.