Qualifications for vocational rehabilitation counselors and vocational rehabilitation employment coordinators employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)

In general

Chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

3123.

Qualifications for vocational rehabilitation counselors and vocational rehabilitation employment coordinators

(a)

Vocational rehabilitation counselors

Each individual employed by the Department as a vocational rehabilitation counselor shall— (1)have completed a masters degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling before being so employed; (2)by not later than five years after the individual is first so employed, obtain certification by an accredited certifying body recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies; and (3)as a condition of continued employment, maintain such certification. (b)

Vocational rehabilitation employment coordinators

Each individual employed by the Department as a vocational rehabilitation employment coordinator shall— (1)have completed a bachelors degree in the relevant field, as designated by the Secretary, before being so employed; (2)by not later than five years after the individual is first so employed, obtain certification by an accredited certifying body recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies; and (3)as a condition of continued employment, maintain such certification. (c)

Remediation plan

If an individual employed by the Department as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or a vocational rehabilitation employment coordinator fails to meet a condition of employment applicable to such individual under subsection (a) or (b), the Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service shall develop a remediation plan for such individual. If the individual fails to complete the remediation plan, such failure shall be cause for termination.

(b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

3123. Qualifications for vocational rehabilitation counselors and vocational rehabilitation employment coordinators.

(c)

Applicability

(1)

Individuals hired after date of enactment

Section 3123 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to an individual hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2)

Individuals hired before date of enactment

In the case of an individual hired as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or a vocational rehabilitation employment coordinator by the Department of Veterans Affairs before the date of the enactment of this Act, such individual is required to have the qualifications described in section 3123 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), for the position held by the individual by not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.