Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent VA Nationwide employees, Federal employees of other Agencies, and U.S. Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties of the Blind Rehabilitation Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Interpreting documentation prior to evaluation and training
• Interpreting assessments, medical, and other professional documentation on an on-going basis during the patient's rehabilitation program.
• Interpreting policies and directives to veterans in blind rehabilitation.
• Evaluating with other team members and ancillary staff (e.g. Optometry, low vision therapy, computer/technology, etc.) the patient's cognitive abilities, visual functioning, memory, and motivation.
• Upon completion of the orientation and mobility assessment and other relevant VISOR assessments, the instructor will develop a training plan based on assessment results, patient goals, and patient needs.
• Providing instruction in the use of low vision and mobility aids.
• Recommending adaptive prosthetic devices to meet individual needs.
• Working with prosthetics to order equipment.
• Working with local vendors for the delivery and setup of specific devices.
• Keeping abreast of current literature, teaching strategies, and technological advances specific to visual impairment.
• Documenting, in written form, the patient's progress, barriers to training and current treatment plan.
• Becoming cross-trained with other specialties within the VISOR program for providing instruction in this area.
• Attending and actively participating in staff/team meetings and serving as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Writing required treatment plans, progress notes, and summaries for patient treatment.
• Maintaining 5.0 data as required by VA Blind Rehabilitation.
• Manage clinic utilization by scheduling and canceling appointments according to VA policies.
• Assisting in the research of new devices and techniques for orientation and mobility training.
• Presenting in-service, consultation, intra-VA details and community programs about visual impairment.
• Completing required hours for VA educational training.
• Obtaining and maintaining certification in respective areas.
• Coordinating courtesy Quarter during VISOR HOPTEL.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the Agency)
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 580-00783-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
Education: 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 at the GS-11 grade level and above.

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.
2. BRS who provide the following service must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows:
   1. Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS®).
   2. Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT®).
   3. Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT®).
   4. Assistive Technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS®).

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.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: Blind Rehabilitation Specialist GS-09
(1) Experience. Bachelor's degree and completion of one year of experience. OR,
(2) Education. Completion of at least two full years of progressive graduate education or a master's degree in a field directly related to the position.

(3) Certification. No certification is required at this level.

(4) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service.
(b) Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation.
(c) Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor.
(d) Skill in instructing Veterans and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques.
(e) Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice.
(f) Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.

Grade Determinations: 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. 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: The work requires occasional bending; reaching above the shoulder; moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); medium carrying (up to 40 pounds); both hands required; walking for 4 hours; standing for 5 hours; pushing or pulling objects; near vision correctable; and hearing (aid may be permitted). You may be required to offsite; work closely with others; and work alone. The work requires the ability to cope with a variety and complexity of situations due to the diversity of patients, duties and responsibilities.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Area of consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1st Area of Consideration - current permanent Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center employees;
2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees;
3rd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees;
4th Area of Consideration - current permanent Federal employees from other Agencies;
5th Area of Consideration - all other applicants based on Veterans' Preference

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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.