Summary
Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Visual Skills Department) position which provides training and instruction in blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and Service Members. The purpose for blind rehabilitation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with vision loss through participation in a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation program, so they may successfully reintegrate back into their community and family environments.
Duties
- The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist position is located at the GCBRC which provides training and instruction in blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and Service Members. The purpose for Blind Rehabilitation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with vision loss through participation in a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation program, so they may successfully reintegrate back into their community and family environments. Major duties includes but not limited to: The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for functioning as a full member of the rehabilitation teams responsible for the total rehabilitation process including assessing needs and identifying Veteran-specific goals, development of individualized treatment plan, implementation of that plan, counseling, and recommending prosthetic and adaptive equipment to best meet the Veteran's training goals. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist provides direct patient care and support services to an adult population of Veterans which is characterized by a very significant number of older Veterans. Review of demographic data discloses that the average age of the GCBRC Veteran is over 60 years old with a distribution of 90% male and 10% female. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist works with family members and/or significant others to educate and counsel about the ramifications of visual impairment. Family members are taught to recognize and change behaviors and behavior patterns that impede Blind and Vision Rehabilitation and how to cope with the psychological and social problems and their own individual stress The essential elements are the independent evaluation, treatment, and management of a Blind and Vision Rehabilitation program of instruction that teaches Veterans with visual impairments to utilize adaptive skills and techniques necessary to cope with the demands of everyday life. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm Monday to Friday. (Subject to change based on the need of the facility). Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 02149F, 02150F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available
Requirements
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. Must be able to independently operate Government Vehicle. Must provide clean driving record report from the DMV during the pre-employment process. (Unless visually impaired, not required). 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.
Education
BRS, GS-9 (Entry Level): Experience: Bachelor's degree and completion of one year of experience. 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. Certification: No certification is required at this level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service. Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation. Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor. Skill in instructing [Veterans] and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice. Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs. BRS, GS-11 (Full performance level) 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. Certification: Certification is required at this grade level and above. Staff BRS candidates must meet the certification requirements in paragraph 4c(2) above. BRSs at the GS-11 grade level must have at least one certification from ACVREP or a related, equivalent, professional certification. 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: Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation. Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions. Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes. Skill in instructional methods and learning principles. Ability to employ interventions and unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.