Rehabilitation Technician

Clarification from the agency

Special authorities include: Former overseas employees and foreign service employees. Clarification for these authorities is provided in the questionnaire. First AOC (Area of Consideration) is Facility employees; Second AOC is VA Agency; Third AOC are all other eligible applicants.

This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-07, however a selection can be made at any of the following grade levels: GS-05, GS-06 OR GS-07. At the GS-05 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. At the GS-06 grade level, you will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-07. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance.

The incumbent in this position assists the other members of the provider staff team with the responsibility of administering and providing services to the VA SORCC DRRTP residential rehabilitation treatment programs. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with specialized treatment services for Veterans with serious mental illnesses, PTSD, substance abuse, dual diagnoses, and other psychological problems. In any area of the program, the incumbent will provide support and rehabilitation services directed towards the goal of returning the veteran to his/her community, without dependence on drugs or alcohol, functioning effectively and compliant with medications and treatment. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

He/she is responsible for the care and comfort of all Domiciliary Veterans and acts as Domiciliary first-line clinician. Accepts responsibility for a specific group of residents during the work shift, and reports individual progress or problems to the interdisciplinary team. Acts on recommendations by the team and accepts responsibility for working with the individual Veterans to bring about a reconciliation of issues. In conjunction with the treatment team, the incumbent exercises judgment to identify veteran treatment goals, support treatment plan, and obtain other pertinent clinical information. The incumbent directs and supports the veteran in the implementation of treatment goals and provides input into the treatment and discharge plans. Provides consultation to and leadership of the therapeutic community groups and resident committees, where appropriate. (45%)

The incumbent facilities daily individual and group sessions, utilizing sophisticated skills to achieve the veteran s goals of highest level of function and rehabilitation through personal growth; accepting responsibility for the behavior and recovery; gaining insight into their medical, psychosocial, and mental health problems; and clarifying alternatives for positive independence in the rehabilitation of the Veteran. (20%)

A variety of techniques will be used including, but not limited to: Utilizing and teaching communication, relapse prevention, and problem solving techniques with individuals and groups; role play and ongoing small group discussion will be utilized to identify common problems in daily living as well as methods of coping. Facilitating ongoing individual group sessions to teach Veterans evidence based interventions aimed at identifying and combating negative cognitions and/or maladaptive coping strategies. Providing counseling follow-up of veteran case load, utilizing accepted standards for individual counseling techniques concerned with psychosocial recovery and rehabilitation. The incumbent interacts with interdisciplinary treatment teams on treatment plan development, implementation and progress review. He/she provides pertinent information during treatment team planning meetings and assists Veterans in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals. (10%)

Maintains ongoing contact with Veterans in the programs, monitoring their progress through all phases of the program with individual contact and through written notes in the resident's medical record (frequency dated in the program's policy and procedures manual). Documents all work in appropriate systems including Computerized Veteran Record System and Decision Support System Event Capture. Carries out administrative and clinical services required by program and accreditation agencies such as safety checks, chart reviews, and other procedures and monitors as identified by supervisor and program managers. (10%)

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Work Schedule: First week- Sun-Tues:6a-6:30pm PST , Wed:6a-2:30pm PST, Second Week- Sun-Tues: 6a-6:30pm PST
Compressed/Flexible: Authorized
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Rehabilitation Technician/PD90333A, PD90334A, and PD90335A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• 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 identification 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet time-in-grade requirements and specialized experience within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 09/23/2026.

GS-5 Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees may be advanced without time restriction to positions up to GS-5 position if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade the employee held within the preceding 52 weeks under his or her latest non-temporary competitive appointment.

• Applicants must have held a GS-03 or higher to be eligible for the GS-05 level.

GS-6 and GS-7 Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

• Applicants must have held GS-05 or higher for at least (1) year to be eligible for the GS-06 grade level.
• Applicants must have held GS-06 or higher for at least (1) year to be eligible for the GS-07 grade level.

The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR). An IOR is a basic requirement that must be met in order to qualify for the GS 0181 occupational series. To qualify for this occupational series, applicants must have oneof the following listed below:

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): You must have experience that involved the observation of and assistance in the application of techniques relating to behavior, capacities, traits, interests, and activities of either humans or, under laboratory conditions, animals. Experience may have been gained in connection with a program of research or direct services in psychology that gave a practical understanding of some of the principles, methods, and techniques of psychology needed to assist professional psychologists. OR;

For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of subjects as shown above for GS-3.

In addition to meeting the IOR, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-05:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Developmental level assisting various members of a provider staff team with administering and providing services to a residential rehabilitation treatment programs; Ability to assist with specialized treatment services for Veterans with serious mental illnesses, PTSD, substance abuse, dual diagnoses, and other psychological programs. OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of subjects such as psychology, statistics, or other directly related subjects. This education was obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. If you are qualifying on education, transcripts are required. OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education in excess of 60 semester hours (2 years) is creditable. If you qualify by a combination, your experience must be detailed in your resume and transcripts are required.

GS-06:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Intermediate level-Skill at assisting various members of a provider staff team with administering and providing services to a residential rehabilitation treatment programs; Ability to assist with specialized treatment services for Veterans with serious mental illnesses, PTSD, substance abuse, dual diagnoses, and other psychological programs; Knowledge of support and rehabilitation regulations, policies, procedures, and techniques directed towards the goal of returning the veteran to their community, without dependence on drugs or alcohol, functioning effectively and compliant with medications and treatment..

GS-07:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Skill at assisting various members of a provider staff team with administering and providing services to a residential rehabilitation treatment programs; Ability to assist with specialized treatment services for Veterans with serious mental illnesses, PTSD, substance abuse, dual diagnoses, and other psychological programs; Knowledge of support and rehabilitation regulations, policies, procedures, and techniques directed towards the goal of returning the veteran to their community, without dependence on drugs or alcohol, functioning effectively and compliant with medications and treatment; Skill at maintaining contact and monitor Veteran progress through all phases of the rehabilitation process; Ability to respond appropriately to unexpected situations and developing innovative monitoring programs. OR;
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 1 full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position such as psychology, statistics, or other related subjects. This education must be obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. If you are qualifying on education, transcripts are required.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of 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 nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

• Job title
• Duties (be as detailed as possible)
• Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
• Salary/Rank etc.
• Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
• References, current or recent supervisor

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. The experience stated in your resume must support your assessment responses.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

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