Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Visual Skills)

Job TitleBlind Rehabilitation SpecialistJob DescriptionThe Blind Rehabilitation Specialist provides direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients which is characterized by a very significant number of older male patients in the Orientation and Mobility Department. Review of demographic data discloses that the average age of a Central Blind Rehabilitation Center patient is 67.4 years with a distribution of 96% male and 4% female. Within these broad categorizations, the employee must tailor patient care and support services to meet the needs of the individual patient. This includes the responsibility for assessment of each patient's needs and the delivery of services which are responsive to the concerns of individual patients to the extent possible. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:Provides direct care and support services to adults with blindness or visual impairment, including a substantial population of older male veterans.Assesses each veteran's needs, abilities, limitations, concerns, and barriers to treatment, then develops individualized goals and treatment plans.Provides instruction in adaptive skills and techniques that promote independence and help veterans manage everyday activities.Addresses the physical, emotional, psychological, social, vocational, and recreational effects of blindness and visual impairment.Works as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team and may serve as Team Coordinator for one or more veterans.As Team Coordinator, develops and coordinates the veteran's Interdisciplinary Plan of Care with input from the veteran and other team members.Serves as a primary advocate for assigned veterans by communicating their needs and concerns to the rehabilitation team.Provides and documents professional assessments, individualized program plans, training progress, post-training skills, and recommendations.Evaluates and prescribes low-vision and adaptive technologies, including electronic travel aids, computer-assisted technology, closed-circuit television, speech-output and input devices, large-print devices, and Braille equipment.Instructs veterans in the proper use, capabilities, and limitations of prescribed devices.Supports veterans with complex needs, including additional medical, psychological, substance-use, or cognitive concerns.Builds rapport with veterans and provides interventions designed to enhance the rehabilitation process.Mentors new visual rehabilitation staff, employees from other departments, interns, and clinical trainees requiring cross-training.May assume administrative responsibilities during the absence of the supervisory specialist, including scheduling, supply management, work orders, service recovery, and leave and attendance reporting.Perform other related duties as assigned.Requirement: Driving patients for training purposes.Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pmTelework: Not Suitable.Virtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 02293F, 02329FRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.Salary Ranges: GS 09: $68,999 - $89,703 GS 11: $83,482 - $108,533