Veterans Health Administration Develops Rehabilitation Counselor Qualification Standards to Meet Future Needs

Abstract

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) released qualification standards establishing the requirements for appointment as a rehabilitation counselor. The qualification standards represent a conversion of the previous vocational rehabilitation counselor occupational series to the broader discipline of rehabilitation counseling, the establishment of a national certification requirement, and conversion to the Hybrid Title 38 hiring authority to facilitate increased recruitment and retention. This article provides an overview of the new qualification standards and requirements for employment, reviews the occupation in the VHA, discusses internship opportunities, emphasizes how academia can help prepare students for service delivery to veterans, and offers guidance on connecting with a local Veterans Administration Medical Center and applying for federal employment.