Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees Area of Consideration Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees to the facility 2.All other VA employees NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

PRINIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Program Development and Management: 45%
The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing all clinical and support services for veterans in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, including planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating program operations to deliver effective community-based vocational services. They develop policies for creating employment opportunities, address vocational accommodations, and promote services to a diverse veteran population with various disabilities. The role involves marketing the program, building inter-agency partnerships, managing budgets and financial controls, and ensuring compliance with VA and fiscal requirements. The incumbent also supervises the administration of the Transition Work Experience component, oversees procurement, payroll, billing, and program reports, and works to improve efficiency and reduce costs while achieving positive employment outcomes for veterans.

1. Develops and implements goals for the Therapeutic Work Program, ensuring integration with hospital services and a seamless continuum of care.
2. Manages program resources effectively, ensuring proper acquisition, allocation, and utilization to support program activities.
3. Adjusts organizational structure as needed to meet changing treatment needs and align with national guidelines.
4. Considers policies, public relations, economic impacts, and other factors when making program decisions or recommendations.
5. Coordinates program efforts with Medical Center operations and community agencies for effective service delivery.
6. Assesses how changes in VA and non-VA programs may impact employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
7. Communicates program goals, policies, and philosophy clearly to staff and partner organizations.
8. Manages personnel policies, EEO guidelines, and operational practices affecting staff and management actions. .
9. Ensures compliance with all relevant policies, manuals, and directives.
10. Leads staff meetings, participates in community task forces, and writes grant or funding proposals.
11. Carries a small caseload of complex veterans needing vocational rehabilitation transitional work.

Program Evaluation/Accountability 30%
The Program Manager evaluates and reports to top leadership program accomplishments in meeting the VA mission, the attainment of established goals, the objectives, performance measure and:

1. Develops, tracks, analyzes, and manages data for NEPEC, prepares RCN annual report and other local, National reports as required.
2. Ensures effective program participation in VAMC quality assurance and utilization review workload data capture and CPRS documentation by staff conduct a fiscal audit annually. Reviews monthly MRP report workload by tracking analysis performance improvement.
3. Directs CARF accreditation process for CWT and TJC. Initiates actions essential to the elimination of program deficiencies identified during evaluative processes.
4. Is responsible for tracking, development of action plans, and reporting on all other program related metrics such as SAIL.

Staff Supervision 25%

1. Plans work to be accomplished, setting priorities, and establishing schedules for accomplishment of work assigned. Ensures clinical documentation in CPRS and event captures by all VRS clinicians.
2. Bases work assignments on program priorities, considering the nature of the work and the capacities of the staff.
3. Interviews and selects candidates for Vocational Rehabilitation Program staff positions, making recommendations for promotions and awards related to performance.
4. Performs work performance evaluations of Vocational Rehabilitation Program staff which reports to her/him.
5. Assesses the quality and quantity of work accomplished by each staff member.
6. Develops or, as may be appropriate in the care of some profession level team members, participates in the development of performance standards with staff.
7. Hears and resolves staff concerns and complaints. As appropriate, refers group grievances and unresolved serious complaints to top management.
8. Effects, as needed, disciplinary actions and recommends action in mores serious cases.
9. Identifies developmental and training needs of staff members, ensuring appropriate access to necessary training and development opportunities.
10. Assigns staff to VA committees, community meeting and task forces, reviewing/evaluating performance and making decisions on problems presented by staff.
11. Demonstrates interpersonal effectiveness, develops collaborative work relationships, treats all staff fairly and respectfully, fosters positive work environment.

Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Ad-Hoc, Will be discussed during interview process.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
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.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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

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:
  • (1) 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
  • (2) 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
  • (3) 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
  • (4) Foreign graduates with a degree acceptable by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
• Certification: Current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: Supervisory Rehabilitation Counselor, GS-13

• (1) Experience. Completion of one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower GS-12 grade level directly related to the position being filled.
• (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • (a) Skill in leading others, assessing employee strengths, opportunities for growth and qualifications to accomplish program goals, adapt work operations and guide staff.
  • (b) Knowledge of labor/management agreements and how to follow their provisions to effectively manage issues and concerns.
  • (c) Knowledge of applicable accreditation bodies and their standards to ensure continuous compliance and successful maintenance of program accreditations.
  • (d) 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.
  • (e) Knowledge of business administration practices such as managing payroll, accounting, budget planning, marketing, workforce development and customer service to successfully operate a rehabilitation program

Preferred Experience: at least 1 year of leadership experience and a background in Vocational Rehabilitation, demonstrating the ability to manage programs, lead staff, and effectively support veterans in achieving employment goals.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

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.

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

• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• 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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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