The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing a program of study leading to a degree in orientation and mobility, low vision therapy or vision rehabilitation.This program will help alleviate the health care workforce shortages in VA by obligating scholarship recipients to complete a minimum of 3 year service obligation at a VA health care facility after graduation and licensure/certification.
Summary
The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing a program of study leading to a degree in orientation and mobility, low vision therapy or vision rehabilitation.This program will help alleviate the health care workforce shortages in VA by obligating scholarship recipients to complete a minimum of 3 year service obligation at a VA health care facility after graduation and licensure/certification.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing scholarship opportunities for U.S. citizens seeking degrees in orientation and mobility, low vision therapy or vision rehabilitation.
The Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP) awards scholarships to students pursuing a program of study leading to a degree in orientation and mobility, low vision therapy or vision rehabilitation to increase the supply of qualified Blind Rehabilitation Specialists for VA and the Nation.
The Scholarship awards provide for the payment of tuition and required fees with an annual cap of $15,000.
Awards of scholarships under the VIOMPSP are subject to the availability of funds, and VA may award a full-time student a scholarship for a maximum of 4 years. VA may also award a part-time student a scholarship for a maximum of 6 years.
After completion of their education, participants must serve as a full-time clinical VA employee for a minimum of three years in the VA in a qualified discipline in an assignment or location determined by VA while participating in the VIOMPSP. This obligated service would begin on the date on which the participant obtains any required applicable credentials and when appointed as a full-time clinical VA employee in a position for which the degree prepared the participant.
Other terms and conditions apply. For more information on this program, please visit VA Careers at http://www.vacareers.va.gov
Must be unconditionally accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in orientation and mobility, low vision therapy, or vision rehabilitation or a dual degree at an accredited institution in the U.S.
You may not have had previous breaches (broken an agreement with) of any federally sponsored scholarship program.
You may not be delinquent (31 days past due) on payment of a federal debt. This includes delinquent taxes, audit disallowances, guaranteed or direct student loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or VA mortgages, and other misc admin debts.
You may not have previously applied for or received waivers of financial obligation for any federally sponsored scholarship program.
You must not currently owe obligation to any other entity to perform service after you complete the course of study for this scholarship program.
You must agree to relocate, at your own expense if needed, to complete the required full time VA employment service obligation after graduation and required licensure/certification.
You must possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale in your current program of study. Provide unofficial transcripts to your application that support your response
Qualifications
Must be accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in orientation and mobility, low vision therapy, or vision rehabilitation therapy degree from an accredited educational institution that is in the United States.
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale in your current program of study. Provide unofficial transcripts to your application that support your response.
Education
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit for that education.
Additional information
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Veterans will be considered first among all equally qualified candidates. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) we will review applications to ensure requirements are met.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Résumé: The applicant's résumé supports information contained on all forms. Do not assume that the information on the résumé will automatically translate to information on the Application.
Use the résumé to support all the information provided on the application and the answers provided on the Online Questionnaire.
Include prior education, professional licenses, registrations, certifications, and detailed descriptions of volunteer and work experience, especially those that are healthcare related.
The résumé must not exceed five single-sided pages and must be at least 11-point font.
Dates should be in MM/YYYY format.
Transcript: NOTE: An unofficial transcript is acceptable from program currently in or previous transcript for courses completed.
At a minimum, the student must provide an un-official transcript to support the CGPA the school put on the Academic Verification form.
If there is not a supporting transcript for the CGPA, then the application will not be considered.
Declaration for Federal Employment: (OF-306) This form is required to complete the Background Investigation. If the applicant does not submit this form, the application will not be considered.
Page 1 of the DFE should not be included in your application submission as it is an instructional page for the applicant.
The information on the form is self-explanatory and all information should be filled in.
Once you have filled in the information, print out the form and Sign/date line 17a.
Document Handling
Because many of the documents should be printed and signed, you will need to re-scan those documents back into the computer so they can be prepared for final submission. Here are some notes when rescanning:
The preferred file type is a .pdf.
When scanning, set your dpi (dots per square inch) to 100. This will keep the file size down.
Name your files: (LastnameFirstinitial - Example SmithJ)
LastnameFirstinitial - Application
LastnameFirstinitial - Academic Verification
LastnameFirstinitial - Declaration for Federal Employment
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - VA Supervisor
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - Supervisor or Employer or Friend
LastnameFirstinitial - Resume
LastnameFirstinitial - Transcript
Upload documents as required into USAJobs.
For questions and additional information on filling out the forms, contact the HPSPTeam@va.gov.
Veterans' Preference: When applying, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/03/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10427326.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click "Submit My Answers" to submit your application package.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click "Update Application" in the vacancy announcement.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the review is complete, applicants will be notified of their status by email.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Résumé: The applicant's résumé supports information contained on all forms. Do not assume that the information on the résumé will automatically translate to information on the Application.
Use the résumé to support all the information provided on the application and the answers provided on the Online Questionnaire.
Include prior education, professional licenses, registrations, certifications, and detailed descriptions of volunteer and work experience, especially those that are healthcare related.
The résumé must not exceed five single-sided pages and must be at least 11-point font.
Dates should be in MM/YYYY format.
Transcript: NOTE: An unofficial transcript is acceptable from program currently in or previous transcript for courses completed.
At a minimum, the student must provide an un-official transcript to support the CGPA the school put on the Academic Verification form.
If there is not a supporting transcript for the CGPA, then the application will not be considered.
Declaration for Federal Employment: (OF-306) This form is required to complete the Background Investigation. If the applicant does not submit this form, the application will not be considered.
Page 1 of the DFE should not be included in your application submission as it is an instructional page for the applicant.
The information on the form is self-explanatory and all information should be filled in.
Once you have filled in the information, print out the form and Sign/date line 17a.
Document Handling
Because many of the documents should be printed and signed, you will need to re-scan those documents back into the computer so they can be prepared for final submission. Here are some notes when rescanning:
The preferred file type is a .pdf.
When scanning, set your dpi (dots per square inch) to 100. This will keep the file size down.
Name your files: (LastnameFirstinitial - Example SmithJ)
LastnameFirstinitial - Application
LastnameFirstinitial - Academic Verification
LastnameFirstinitial - Declaration for Federal Employment
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - VA Supervisor
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - Supervisor or Employer or Friend
LastnameFirstinitial - Resume
LastnameFirstinitial - Transcript
Upload documents as required into USAJobs.
For questions and additional information on filling out the forms, contact the HPSPTeam@va.gov.
Veterans' Preference: When applying, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/03/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10427326.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click "Submit My Answers" to submit your application package.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click "Update Application" in the vacancy announcement.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the review is complete, applicants will be notified of their status by email.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
