Blind Rehabilitation Specialist-Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Summary The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist located at the Michael E. DeBakey VISOR Program provides care and services to enhance the quality of life for individuals with vision loss. This is accomplished when the Veteran/Servicemember participates in the VISOR program, which provides an individualized treatment plan designed to enhance independence and integration back into the family and community. 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: Must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in blind or vision rehabilitation, closely related rehabilitation program, special education for the visually impaired, family and consumer science education, or technology and industrial arts education; OR a bachelor’s degree without such a major that included at least one of the following: At least 30 semester hours of directly related advanced undergraduate courses (200‑level or higher). One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically 15–18 semester hours). A certificate from an accredited college in orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, assistive technology, low vision therapy, and a related practicum/internship. Foreign graduates must have proof of a minimum bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or foreign equivalent) with a specialization in blind rehabilitation. Certification: Required at the GS‑11 grade level and above; candidates must possess at least one active, current, full, and unrestricted certification. Certification granted by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) or an equivalent professional credential. For BRSs: Orientation and mobility training – Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), Communication and daily living therapy – Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT), Low vision therapy – Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT), Assistive Technology – Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS). English language proficiency required; applicants not proficient in written and spoken English will not be appointed. See Chapter 2 – Section D – paragraph 5a for additional requirements. May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria). Grade Determinations:

GS‑09:

Experience: Bachelor's degree plus one year of experience. Education: At least two full years of progressive graduate education or a master’s degree in a directly related field. Certification: Not required at this level. KSAs: Knowledge and skills in policies, assessments, planning, instruction, prosthetic recommendation, and team coordination.

GS‑11:

Experience: One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS‑9. Education: Three years of higher‑level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree or a doctoral degree in blind rehabilitation or a related field. Certification: Required at this grade level and above. KSAs: Advanced evaluation, assessment, planning, instructional methods, intervention coordination, and prosthetic recommendation. Physical Requirements: Occasional bending, reaching above shoulder, moderate lifting (15‑44 pounds), medium carrying (up to 40 pounds), use of both hands, walking for 4 hours, standing for 5 hours, pushing or pulling objects. Near‑vision correctable and hearing sufficient for job duties (hearing aid may be permitted). Possible off‑site work and the ability to work closely with others or alone. Work Environment: Office/clinic setting with normal safety precautions; adequately lit, heated, and ventilated; requires ability to multitask and handle stressful situations. Duties Interpret documentation prior to evaluation and throughout the rehabilitation program, including assessments and medical/professional records. Interpret policies and directives for veterans in blind rehabilitation. Evaluate patient cognitive abilities, visual functioning, memory, and motivation with team members and ancillary staff such as optometry, low‑vision therapy, and technology specialists. Develop orientation and mobility training plans based on assessment results, patient goals, and needs. Provide instruction in the use of low‑vision and mobility aids. Recommend adaptive prosthetic devices and coordinate orders with prosthetics and local vendors for delivery and setup. Stay current on literature, teaching strategies, and technological advances related to visual impairment. Document patient progress, barriers, and current treatment plans in written form. Cross‑train with other specialties within the VISOR program as needed. Attend and actively participate in staff/team meetings, serving as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team. Write required treatment plans, progress notes, and treatment summaries. Maintain 5.0 data as required by VA Blind Rehabilitation. Manage clinic utilization by scheduling and canceling appointments according to VA policies. Assist in researching new devices and techniques for orientation and mobility training. Present in‑service, consultation, intra‑VA details, and community programs about visual impairment. Complete required hours for VA educational training. Obtain and maintain certification in respective areas. Coordinate courtesy Quarter during VISOR HOPTEL as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (subject to change based on agency needs). 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. Reference For more information on this qualification standard, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs