Summary

The incumbent will provide blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and service members. Blind Rehabilitation Specialist functions as part of an interdisciplinary team providing low vision therapy, visual rehabilitation, manual skills instruction, and assistive technology instruction. The incumbent possesses professional knowledge of, and skill in applying concepts, principles, and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation including assessment and treatment.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

01/22/2024 to 09/30/2024

* Salary

$59,966 - $94,317 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 9 - 11

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

* Sioux Falls, SD

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

* Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Permanent -

* Work schedule

Full-time -

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

* Job family (Series)

0601 General Health Science

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

* Announcement number

CBSY-12284211-24-JJA

* Control number

771830100

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This job is open to

* The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens and other current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. Other federal employees will be referred on a separate certificate. Current, permanent employees of the VA should apply to: CBSY-12284212-24-JJA

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Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis; applicants will be reviewed on a weekly basis, as long as the vacancy exists.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

* Reviews and obtains documentation to determine eligibility for low vision programming.

* Interprets documentation on a recurring basis during the veteran's rehabilitation program.

* Assesses the veteran's background, interest, goals, motivation, needs, and capabilities for vision rehabilitation training.

* Assesses visual functioning utilizing specialized tests and procedures.

* Interdisciplinary team evaluates mentation, visual functioning, orientation and mobility, and overall potential.

* Interdisciplinary team develops an individualized treatment plan based on veteran goals and recommends equipment as medically indicated.

* Educates patients and families on techniques and devices including but not limited to, or video magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, lighting, and glare control devices, and/or eccentric viewing techniques used to maximize remaining vision.

* Orders low vision devices and assists with repair of previously issued equipment.

* Coordinates technical support of devices using VA and community-based resources.

* Provides education of community and VA transportation options to attend medical appointments.

* Provides low vision training appointments in person, via telehealth, or in the home environment.

* Provides cross training for other low vision staff and developing instructional materials that can be utilized by any member of the team.

* Completes documentation in Electronic Medical Record as outlined by facility guidelines.

* Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and outreach events representing the Intermediate Low Vision Clinic

* Assists in evaluating new technology and facilitating acquisition of optometry and low vision instruments, equipment, and devices.

* Completes facility accreditation requirements including but not limited to, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) requirements including annual report for low vision users and stakeholders, Veteran satisfaction questionnaires (uSpeq), data collection for pre-post testing (Visual Functioning Questionnaire).

* The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist utilizes clinical judgment in applying evidence based, procedures, and diagnostic measures.

* The incumbent conducts independent evaluation, treatment, providing instruction that teaches Veterans with visual impairments to utilize adaptive skills and techniques necessary to cope with the demands of everyday life. These needs constitute significant physical, emotional, and social disabilities. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist develops a treatment plan in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team to improve the quality of life for blind and visually impaired Veterans through the development of skills and capabilities needed for personal independence, emotional stability and the successful integration into community, family, and environment.

* The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist engages with family members, health care teams and caregivers to educate on visual impairment. Teaching them to recognize and change behaviors and behavior patterns that impede blind and vision rehabilitation progress and how to cope with the psychological and social problems.

Work Schedule: 08:00 to 16:30, Monday through Friday

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

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.

* You may be required to serve a probationary period.

* Subject to background/security investigation.

* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

* Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

* Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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 (1) 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:

* i. 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).

* ii. One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15 18 semester hours).

* iii. 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.

* iv. 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:

* (a) Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS).

* (b) Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT).

* (c) Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT).

* (d) 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.

Grade Determinations:

BRS, GS-9

(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.

BRS, 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. Staff BRS candidates must meet the certification requirements in paragraph 3c(1) 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. Candidates 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.

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package.

References: VA Handbook 5005/109 PART II APPENDIX G41

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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: 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:

Additional information

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

* Benefits

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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.

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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.

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.

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.