Supervisory Rehabilitation Counselor Job in Albuquerque, NM

Vacancy No. CBSX-12819985-26-KR Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $106,527.00 to $138,486.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/20/2025 Close Date 1/16/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Albuquerque, NM


Summary

This Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Supervisory position is located within the VHA-Vocational Rehabilitation section of the Behavioral Health Care Line (BHCL) at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. As a multi-disciplinary effort to support Veterans in their ability to obtain and maintain permanent employment, our VRCs work well together within our Outpatient Mental Health Section as well as two on-site Residential Treatment units.



Duties

Duties Include, Not Limited To:

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Supervisory Position Advertising Verbiage New Mexico VA Health Care System Behavioral Health Care Line Compensated Work Therapy GS-13 The advertised Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Supervisory position is located within the VHA-Vocational Rehabilitation section of the Behavioral Health Care Line (BHCL) at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. As a multi-disciplinary effort to support Veterans in their ability to obtain and maintain permanent employment, our VRCs work well together within our Outpatient Mental Health Section as well as two on-site Residential Treatment units. Programming in the Compensated Work Therapy Section is heavily influenced by fostering resiliency associated with the MH Recovery Model, utilized through the Evidence-Based Practice of Supported Employment. The Supervisory Rehabilitation Counselor will have responsibility for providing oversight and supervision of a significant number of professional rehabilitation counselors, specifically Supported Employment counselors as well as other Vocational Rehabilitation Service staff. Provides discipline specific clinical supervision for all Vocational Rehabilitation staff on campus as well as being the focal point for organization, implementing, and evaluating employment and vocational rehabilitation services in New Mexico.
  • This supervisor will oversee staff that are analyzing mental health, physical disabilities or other psychosocial handicaps to identify how those affect motivation, adjustment to training, and difficulty in employment placement; determining the vocational goals and objectives of the client; assessing training needs to meet the client's vocational goals and objectives as well as creating an employment service plan in order to address and reduce those barriers to successful, sustainable employment.
  • Provides advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both clinical and administrative matters. Oversees attendance and leave, including approval of sick and annual leave and vacation schedules. Writes position descriptions and/or functional statements; and interviews, selects and recommends candidates for positions. Interviews candidates for positions in VHA Vocational Rehabilitation Service and participates on interview panels for all vocational rehabilitation positions within the facility; recommends appointments; promotions; or reassignments positions. Develops continuing education opportunities, oversees formal peer reviews, and reviews and concurs on all vocational rehabilitation research projects.
  • Serves as the Affiliate Coordinator for Graduate Trainee Educational Affiliation Agreements and directs clinical trainee program for trainees in Rehabilitation Counseling assigned to VHA Vocational Rehabilitation.
  • Identifies developmental and training needs to ensure organizational proficiency. Establishes labor mapping, adjusts workloads, and forecasts future work assignments and projects. Maintains effective labor and management relationships. Manages personnel in accordance with applicable laws, policies, directives, and labor and management agreements. Leads others, assesses employee strengths, opportunities for growth and qualifications to accomplish program goals, adapt work operations and guide staff.
  • Provides direction and guidance in accomplishing major milestones, goals, and objectives. Determines which programs and projects should be initiated, expanded, revised, or replaced through systematic analyses, program evaluations, and accountability measures. Maintains current knowledge of and ensures conformance to applicable standards set by accrediting bodies such as CARF and The Joint Commission.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • 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).
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
  • Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
  • Certification. Applicants must hold a current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling
  • Education. Applicant must have 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 Have 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 Have 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 is aforeign graduate with a degree acceptable by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
Grade Determinations:
  • GS-13 Experience: Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience as a professional Rehabilitation Counselor, equivalent to the GS-12 level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Skill in leading others, assessing employee strengths, opportunities for growth and qualifications to accomplish program goals, adapt work operations and guide staff..
    2. Knowledge of labor/management agreements and how to follow their provisions to effectively manage issues and concerns.
    3. Knowledge of applicable accreditation bodies and their standards to ensure continuous compliance and successful maintenance of program accreditations.
    4. Ability to use both qualitative and quantitative methods for the development and implementation of meaningful program evaluation tools, study of program trends and program improvement.
    5. Knowledge of business administration practices such as managing payroll, accounting, budget planning, marketing, workforce development and customer service to successfully operate a rehabilitation program.
Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity(difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Supervisory RCs typically supervise a significant number of professional staff at the SE/Mentor Trainer and RC (Coordinator) level and below as well as other equivalent clinical staff. Lead, coordinate and manage all aspects of a clinical rehabilitation service delivery system within an organization. Supervise daily operations to include coordinating interdisciplinary staffing, treatment services, work assignments, budget, staff schedules, safety in the community, training requirements and conducts meetings. Determine which programs/projects should be initiated, expanded, revised or replaced through systematic analyses, program evaluations and accountability measures. Develop and revise comprehensive policies, risk management and strategic plans based on feedback from stakeholders, accrediting bodies and program evaluation data. Allocate program resources to improve quality and delivery of care provided to Veterans while considering staff talents and achieving program mission. Establish staff performance expectations and conduct staff work performance reviews. Effect disciplinary measures as appropriate based on the authority delegated to this area. Write position descriptions and/or functional statements and recommend or select for positions, career ladder promotions, within-grade increases, status changes, awards, staff travel and overtime. Maintain effective labor/management relationships and manage personnel in accordance with applicable laws, policies, directives and labor/management agreements. Resolve formal and informal complaints and grievances. Project budget based on historical and anticipated workload taking into consideration the production capability of the unit to make justified requests or proposals. Oversee the maintenance of billings, payroll, pay records, specific to the CWT-TW program and the accuracy of all financial reports connected with the program which are submitted to VACO. Maintain oversight of the administrative and programmatic resource allocations (e.g., budgets, purchasing, labor mapping) within the VHA Vocational Rehabilitation (VHA VR) programs, including oversight for Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) related to CWT-TW. Maintain accounting controls, functions as an approving official for purchase cards and fund control points.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G62- Rehabilitation Counselor Qualification Standards

Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling (.5 hours) ;Pushing (.5 hours); Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Hearing (aid permitted); Transport of veterans.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until January 16, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 20, 2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until position is filled.

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

Required Documents

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

  • Certification. Current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitationcounselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling.
  • Resume
  • Transcript


Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Certification. Current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitationcounselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12819985.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Kimberly Ross
Address
Raymond G Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1501 San Pedro Drive, Southeast
Albuquerque, NM 87108
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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