Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) - Veterans Health Administration

Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Education and Experience: The individual must have earned: 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, A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined 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. 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. Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (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®). In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, you must meet the following requirements below: GS-12 Grade Determination: BLIND REHABILITATION SPECIALIST (VIST COORDINATOR): Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-11 grade level. Experience must demonstrate case-management responsibilities supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Experience includes managing an active caseload; completing assessments; developing individualized rehabilitation or adjustment plans; coordinating services; and documenting progress and outcomes. It also includes applying broad knowledge of medical conditions related to vision loss; educating individuals and their families on available rehabilitation services and resources; providing guidance on compensation and benefit options; delivering readjustment counseling to support psychosocial adjustment; and collaborating with interdisciplinary staff to ensure timely and effective service delivery. AND, In addition to the Experience above, the candidate must demonstrated the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).In addition to meeting the KSAs at the GS-11 grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate all [of] the following KSAs: (1) Skill to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with staff at all organizational levels, with Veterans and their family members, with community groups, and individuals with varying degrees of understanding. (2) Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for therapeutic interventions. (3) Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines and contains observable, measurable goals that identify specific outcomes. (4) Knowledge of VA and non-VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs. (5) Skill in interpersonal relationships dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers, and other stakeholders. (6) Knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles. (7) Ability to coordinate with various resources to identify and