Job Listing: VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Upper Peninsula, MI

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  VM181531 (Include on all documents)

 

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

This vacancy exists at the VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain, Michigan.  Incumbent will be assigned to the Mental Health Service Line.
Duties include the following:


Responsibility for the implementation of the program goals of vocational rehabilitation, training, and placement for veterans who suffer from serious mental illness with an emphasis on those with psychosis

Monitors the case findings of vocational rehabilitation candidates, and develops and disseminates information on vocational rehabilitation resources to program staff and patients

Solicits and develops employment opportunities for veterans suffering from psychosis tough a wide arrange of employment search approaches and activities within the local community, industry, state, and federal agencies

Oversees and places patients assigned to various competitive employment positions within the Medical Center and the community through the Compensated Work Therapy Program

Provides and assists in arranging suitable placement of more severely disabled, difficult to place veterans who may require more individualized treatment plans in vocational and academic training, community employment, and conducts follow-up and follow along services on these placements

Provides job coaching, job accommodation and adaptation services to both veterans with psychosis and to those employers who employ these veterans either here at this Medical Center or within the local community

Provides vocational rehabilitation, including the screening of vocational interests, aptitude and abilities, through the use of observations, interviews, and specialized vocational assessment equipment

Provides and coordinates a variety of professional rehabilitation counseling and case management services

Assesses data received from medical and psychological reports, develops rehabilitation plans, and as appropriate, provides rehabilitation services

Serves as case manager for patients within the Supported Employment Initiative within the CWT program.

Serves as a consultant to the interdisciplinary treatment team regarding patient’s problems in his/her area of specialized knowledge

Provides consultation on vocational rehabilitation for the interdisciplinary treatment team and other clinical staff.

Establishes and maintains a liaison between the Medical Center and those organizations within the community which provides competitive employment opportunities for veterans under the Supported Employment Initiative of the CWT program.
Tour of Duty:  Fulltime, Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm OR 8:00am-4:30pm
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES
MAY BE AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement (Wednesday, April 09, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verification, if necessary.
You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 09, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 09, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

VM181531

 

1. Title of Job

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (11) you will accept for this position.

11
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0190 Upper Peninsula, MI
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1.

Do you have a Master's degree (from an accredited college or university) in rehabilitation counseling, including an internship OR a Master’s degree (from an accredited college or university) in counseling psychology or a related field, including at least 30 semester hours of course work in such areas as foundations of rehabilitation counseling, human growth and development, counseling theories and techniques, vocational assessment, career development, job placement, case management, and medical/psycho-social aspects of disability?  Total graduate study must have included or been supplemented by a supervised internship.  [For Master’s degree programs without a supervised internship/practicum, substitution is allowed for successful professional experience following completion of the master’s degree.  Experience suitable for substitution must be one full year in direct delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to adults with disabilities in rehabilitation programs, other than those in correctional facilities.  The experience or internship/practicum must have been supervised by a professional in vocational rehabilitation or a closely related professional field that typically has oversight for vocational rehabilitation programs.]

A. Yes. Your transcripts must accompany your application materials.
B. No.

2.

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement listed above, choose from the choices below the one that best describes your minimal qualification for this GS-11 position. 

A. One year of professional vocational rehabilitation counseling experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level in Federal service. PLEASE NOTE: Vocational rehabilitation experience obtained prior to completion of the requirements for the master’s degree is NOT qualifying.
B. Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in rehabilitation counseling or counseling psychology. This education must have been achieved from an accredited college or university.
C. I do not possess the experience or education substitution listed above.

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form C. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

3. Knowledge of the theories, principles, concepts, and methodologies of vocational rehabilitation.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

4. Skill in the use of appropriate professional counseling principles/techniques in order to guide patient to a realistic recognition of his/her problem, to understand and accept their capabilities and limitations, and to assist the patient in selecting a suitable vocational goal and develop rehabilitation plan.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

5. Ability to exercise professional leadership in the program, including providing consultation services o staff, program planning, and evaluation, as well as research and development of new concepts and techniques.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

6. Skill in approaching individuals and groups to establish rapport with persons who may be emotionally distraught, fearful, suspicious, uncooperative, or dangerous.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

7. Knowledge of training concepts and the purposes and services of each of the various professional and technical specialties involved in the rehabilitation process.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

8. Demonstrated experience soliciting and developing employment opportunities for patients suffering from psychosis through a wide range on employment search approaches and activities within local community, industry, state, and federal agencies.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

9. Demonstrated experience providing and assisting in arranging suitable placement of more severely disabled, difficult to place patients who may require more individualized treatment plans in vocational and academic training, community employment, and conducting follow-up and follow along services on these placements.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

10. Demonstrated experience providing job coaching, job accommodation and adaptation services to both patients with psychosis and those employers who employee patients within the community.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

11. Demonstrated experience monitoring and reporting summary data utilized for the associated performance measures.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

12. Demonstrated experience providing and coordinating a variety of professional rehabilitation counseling and case management services.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

13. Demonstrated experience providing personal adjustment and problem solving counseling, allowing treatment to continue on schedule by using effective counseling skills to determine the causes and extent of the adjustment problem and referring patient, if problem remains unresolved, to other treatment professionals.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

14. Demonstrated experience applying a variety of professional counseling techniques to assist patient in receiving, assimilating, and acting upon information obtained from medical and/or case records, tests, and interviews. 

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

15. Demonstrated experience serving as a consultant to an interdisciplinary treatment team regarding patient's problems.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

16. Demonstrated experience participating in policy making, goal setting, and treatment service planning procedures.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

17. Demonstrated experience providing rehabilitation services, including assessment and intervention to an assigned area within the scope of his/her clinical privileges and special proficiencies.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

18. Demonstrated experience participating in quality assurance and improvement activities within a Mental Health organization.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

19. Demonstrated experience in participating in professional peer review and individual case review of his/her own work and that of other psychology staff.

PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT YOUR RESPOSNE TO THIS QUESTION.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Wednesday, April 09, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (VM181531), Position Title (VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR), and grade (11/11);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.  Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.  Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

 

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here - http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf .  Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
VHA Nationwide DEU-COA

Phone: (610)466-2241

Fax: (478)757-3144

Email: Coatesville.Deu@va.gov


Or write:
VHA DEU Coatesville
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
Thank you, PA 00000

Fax: (478)757-3144


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.