Employment Specialist

Position Overview

This role involves working closely with disabled veterans to guide them in selecting the most suitable employment path, recognizing the flexibility to switch tracks. The Employment Specialist will conduct assessments to determine veterans' readiness for rapid employment access, including resume and interview preparation, career exploration, accommodation needs, and job searching assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote employment opportunities to employers aligned with vocational goals of job-ready disabled veterans.
• Advise employers on incentives such as on-the-job training, paid work experiences, and applicable tax benefits.
• Organize and coordinate employment readiness training sessions for veterans needing additional job preparation skills.
• Maintain and enhance the VR&E program's reputation through active employer networking and engagement.
• Guide employers on reasonable accommodations and rehabilitation technology solutions.
• Provide up-to-date labor market information to veterans and counselors to support informed employment decisions.
• Keep and update a comprehensive database of job-ready disabled veterans using systems like Corporate WINRS.
• Support veterans in job networking, development, and placement initiatives.
• Establish partnerships with employers and external agencies (e.g., Department of Labor, Small Business Administration) to expand employment services.
• Assist counselors in compliance with employment follow-up requirements.
• Help develop job clubs, labs, and resource centers to aid veterans in job readiness and self-directed searching.
• Maintain detailed records of employment activities through case notes.
• Serve as the primary liaison for employers managing return-to-work processes for disabled veterans.

Working Conditions and Schedule

The position operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Flexible or compressed work schedules may be available at the discretion of the hiring office. Telework and virtual work options are not offered. Relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized.

Qualification and Employment Conditions

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens; males born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
• A security background check is mandatory before employment.
• A one-year probationary or trial period may be required during which performance and conduct will be evaluated.
• Applicants must meet specific federal grade progression and specialized experience requirements for GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 levels.
• Educational qualifications may substitute experience at various levels, with defined requirements for graduate degrees.
• Experience working with disabled individuals in employment contexts, recruitment, or human resources is essential.
• Volunteer and paid experiences relevant to the role will be credited equally.
• Physical requirements include advocating for disabled veterans' employment and negotiating workplace accommodations.

Additional Information

• Selection may involve promotion potential through GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12 grades based on performance and qualifications.
• The position is covered under bargaining unit agreements.
• Financial disclosure reports are not required.
• Employment offers are contingent upon verification of credentials and official transcripts if education-based qualifications are claimed.
• The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) offers preference to eligible displaced VA employees with appropriate documentation.
• Management reserves the discretion to fill vacancies through various personnel actions including reassignment or appointment.