Vocational Rehabilitation
Positions involving counseling and assistance to individuals with disabilities to achieve employment.
💰GS-1715 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1715
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or disability services.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1715
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal vocational rehabilitation position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1715
Career Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation is the series behind VA employment and rehabilitation counselors. A 79S who guided Soldiers through transition decisions has a real story here.
Recruiting and Retention NCO
Experience in assessing individual capabilities and providing guidance aligns well with vocational rehabilitation roles.
Navy Counselor
Navy Counselors provide career guidance and counseling, which is directly applicable to vocational rehabilitation.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Assess client capabilities
- •Develop rehabilitation plans
- •Provide vocational counseling
- •Coordinate services
- •Place clients in employment
- •Monitor client progress
- •Collaborate with employers
- •Document case activities
- •Advocate for clients
- •Evaluate program outcomes
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to provide vocational counseling.
Skill in managing rehabilitation cases.
Ability to assess client needs and capabilities.
Skill in assisting with employment placement.
Understanding of disabilities and accommodations.
Ability to coordinate rehabilitation services.
Skill in working with clients and employers.
Ability to advocate for client needs.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1715
What is a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?
A GS-1715 Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist helps individuals with disabilities achieve employment. These counselors assess client capabilities, develop rehabilitation plans, provide vocational counseling, coordinate services, place clients in jobs, and advocate for their needs—primarily serving veterans at VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) and other federal disability programs.
How much does a federal Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist make?
Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale following two-grade intervals. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 VR Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108. VA VR&E is the largest employer with positions at every regional office.
What are the requirements for GS-1715 positions?
GS-1715 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or related field, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in vocational rehabilitation, disability services, or counseling. Master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling are preferred for advancement.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1715?
Relevant military experience can count toward qualifications. Veterans who served in Wounded Warrior programs, Military OneSource counseling, transition assistance, or disability evaluation roles have transferable skills. Personal experience navigating VA disability processes as a veteran also provides valuable perspective for serving disabled veteran clients.
What is the career progression for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?
VR Specialists follow the two-grade interval GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior counselors and team supervisors reach GS-12/13. Career paths include specializing in specific disability populations, transitioning to VR&E program management, or advancing to regional coordinator positions.
How do I apply for GS-1715 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist" or "VR&E Counselor" under series 1715. VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment is the primary employer. Highlight rehabilitation counseling experience, disability services knowledge, and case management skills. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential strengthens applications significantly.
Ready to Apply for GS-1715?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.