Working at PVA provides the opportunity to join a diverse and passionate team of individuals committed to improving the lives of veterans, specifically the lives of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disease and their caregivers.
At PVA, our employees know they are making a difference every day. Our unique backgrounds and cultures blend together to help us fulfill PVA’s mission. So, whether you’re at our National Office in Washington, D.C., or one of our several service offices across the country, you have the benefit of knowing that everything you do is part of PVA’s effort to help our veterans. Join us and make a difference!
Job Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Reports To: Director of Veterans Career Program
Position Overview:
As a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Veterans Career Program (VCP), the individual in this position will provide expert employment and vocational rehabilitation counseling services to members of the military community including transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers.
Position responsibilities and duties:
- Provides and assists in arranging suitable placement may be employment opportunities for more severely disabled, difficult-to-place veterans who may require more individualized treatment plans in vocational and academic training, and community employment, and conducts follow-up and follow-along services on these placements.
- Case management – Analyzing, planning, supervising, and administering the sequential flow of rehabilitation services as well as coordinating the services of other professionals and resources.
- Assessment – Collecting in-depth information about a client's situation as it pertains to vocational and employment services, in order to identify the client's needs and develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
- Planning – Determining specific objectives, goals, and actions designed to meet the client's needs as identified through assessment results.
- Serves as a member of PVA’s Employment Network with Social Security Administration’s Ticket To Work Program, assisting veterans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance as they pursue paid employment.
- Provides personal adjustment and problem-solving counseling, thus allowing treatment on schedule by using effective counseling skills to determine the causes and extent of the adjustment problem and referring the veteran, if the problem is unresolved after counseling, to other treatment professionals.
- Ensures proper preparation, development, maintenance, and follow-up on diversified vocational rehabilitation and employment.
- Ensures the expansion of the client base through the development and pursuit of an effective outreach program.
- Develops and encourages good working relationships with chapters of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Department of Veterans Affairs, other veterans’ service organizations, employment agencies and community resources in order to maximize employment opportunities for paralyzed veterans.
- Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with VAMCs and SCI Centers within the assigned areas of jurisdiction.
- Serves on committees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or other related organizations as directed.
- Works directly with local PVA National Service Officers to provide employment assistance, obtain resources, and ensure maximum VA benefits and quality health care.
- Assists Medical Services and Field Advisory Committee personnel in scheduled and focused SCI site visits, as needed and participates as directed.
- Researches and prepares reports and documents on issues of concern to Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Veterans Benefits Department.
- Travels as required by the Veterans Benefits Department, and attends scheduled training seminars, employment/hiring events, and related activities.
- Serves as vocational and employment experts at PVA training seminars, to PVA’s field representatives, and other internal and external functions as assigned. Plans, prepares and conducts individual training presentations.
- Ensures that Chapters are fully apprised of information relating to or affecting the delivery of Vocational Rehabilitation services to veteran beneficiaries.
- Ensures compliance with Paralyzed Veterans of America policies and procedures and National Service Office Operations Manual guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Must have a Master’s level degree in vocational rehabilitation.
- Must have and be able to maintain the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certificate.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation for representatives
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a favorable Suitability clearance for the Social Security Administration Employment Network.
- Must maintain the confidentiality of all personnel and client files and information.
- Travel (10%)
- A minimum of 4 years’ experience in the vocational rehabilitation field in the private sector, government, or non-profit arenas is preferred but not required.
- Must have demonstrated expert proficiency in assisting clients in obtaining employment.
- Must possess superior oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including superior interviewing techniques.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Experience working with members of the military community.
Top Perks and Benefits:
- Hybrid work schedule: Working 2 days in the office and 3 days from home.
- Employer-Paid Benefits – Employer-paid benefits like Medical Insurance, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-term Disability.
- Healthcare Insurance – Affordable Medical, Vision, and Dental options for team members and their families.
- Optional Insurance – Including Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, and more.
- 401k Match–401k retirement savings plan with a guaranteed employer contribution and matching option.
- Tuition Reimbursement – We empower our team to be the very best they can be by offering a competitive reimbursement plan for education related to your role.
- Work-Life Balance – We honor 14 paid holidays, vacation leave starting at 15 days per year, and sick leave with no limit on the amount to be accrued.
- Additional Benefits –Health Savings Account with an employer contribution, Parking & Transit Spending Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, TicketsAtWork Membership, and more!
