Clarification from the agency

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The Low Vision Therapist works closely with the eye care specialist (i.e., an optometrist or ophthalmologist with training and skills in delivering low vision care) to evaluate the use of optical and/or electronic devices for enhancing the use of vision for daily tasks that are goals for rehabilitation. The Low Vision Therapist assists in the evaluation of appropriate devices, recommends devices that are prescribed and reviewed by the qualified eye care specialist, and provides appropriate follow up recommendations to patient and/or referring source.

The Low Vision Therapist trains patients in the use of specific visual motor skills such as the identification and use of preferred retinal locus for fixation, accurate saccades, smooth pursuits, etc. The Low Vision Therapist trains the use of vision in both static and dynamic viewing conditions. The Low Vision Therapist trains the use of visual perceptual and visual motor skills in relation to overall perceptual and motor skills and coordination and the use of specific visual perceptual skills such as visual closure, part-to-whole relationships, figure ground, etc. The Low Vision Therapist trains the appropriate and safe use of low vision devices including component skills such as establishing and maintaining focal distance, compensation for reduced field of view and/or depth of focus, development of necessary manual and ocular dexterity and implementation of appropriate ergonomic strategies for effective and efficient positioning and elimination of fatigue.

The Low Vision Therapist provides instruction in the use of adaptive equipment that enhances visual function and/or compensates for loss of vision through tactual and/or auditory means: This can include use of large print, reading stands, lighting management (lamps, sun lenses, tints/filters and other illumination control), writing implements, software, electronic devices, etc.

The incumbent is directly involved in deciding and justifying whether to issue or withhold issuance of prosthetic equipment. When participating in approved research activities, the incumbent is responsible for following all applicable research compliance and assurance policies and in contributing to the production of research results of high integrity.

The Low Vision Therapist also provides and trains the use of appropriate environmental modifications such as positioning, organization, illumination control, marking, etc.: trains in the use of environmental cues such as signage, shadow, contrast, form, pattern, and use of non-visual techniques for safe and effective management of the environment such as audio or tactile markings, etc., communicating and coordinating with the Orientation & Mobility Specialist in these areas.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; Tour of duty based on needs of the service
Compressed/Flexible:Not available
Telework: Adhoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Blind Rehab Specialist Low Vision Therapist/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
• Education and Experience (1) The individual must have earned:

(a) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation, closely related program in rehabilitation, special education for the visually impaired, family and consumer science education, or technology and industrial arts education.
OR,
(b) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined in (1)(a) above) that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following:
** At least 30 semester hours of directly related, upper level undergraduate courses (e.g., at least 200-course level or higher, or as identified by the college or university).
** One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15 - 18 semester hours).
** A certificate from an accredited college or university in the core curriculum in orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, assistive technology for blind and visually impaired individuals, or low vision therapy and a directly related practicum/internship in the occupation, either included in the degree or post-degree.
** Foreign Graduates must have proof of a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in blind rehabilitation.

Certification Required

1. Applicants must possess at least one active, current, full and unrestricted certification to be eligible for appointment. Certification must be granted by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP), or another equivalent, closely related professional credential in special education or rehabilitation. NOTE: The ACVREP administers four certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology Instruction and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.
2. BRS who provide the Blind Rehab Specialist-Low Vision Therapy must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows:

• Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT).

GRADE DETERMINATIONS: Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (BRS-LVT), GS-11
(1) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade. OR,
(2) Education. Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field.
(3) Certification. Certification is required at this grade level and above. Staff BRS candidates must meet the certification requirements in paragraph 3c(1) above. BRSs at the GS-11 grade level must have at least one certification from ACVREP or a related, equivalent, professional certification.
(4) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

• (a) Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation.
• (b) Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
• (c) Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes.
• (d) Skill in instructional methods and learning principles.
• (e) Ability to employ interventions and unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan. (f) Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required.

The incumbent must utilize a variety of skills to teach patients with varying cognitive and physical abilities. This includes being creative in adapting or modifying techniques and teaching methods for person with orthopedic problems, amputations, hearing loss, etc. The incumbent must understand the various levels of sight loss ranging from partial sight to functional blindness. The incumbent must understand the holistic rehabilitation program and ensure that the patient is appropriately assimilated into it. The incumbent must initiate contacts both in and out of the program to meet the needs of the patient and be responsive to the advice of peers and professionals from other disciplines.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005-34, Part II, Appendix G 40, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist

Physical Requirements: Work may require, moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), light lifting (under 15 lbs.), light carrying, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, both hands required, standing ( 4 hours), both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid permitted, hand hygiene. Environmental factors are working alone, dust, and working closely with others.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.