Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Living Skills)
This work involves evaluating and assessing needs, capabilities and limitations, goal setting and prescribing a treatment plan for individuals experiencing blindness/visual impairment caused by injury or disease. The Specialist works as part of a team coordinating care for blind and visually impaired veterans. The specialist is responsible for developing and coordinating the veteran's Interdisciplinary Plan of Care (IPOC) with input from the Veteran and all team members. 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. These needs constitute significant physical, emotional, and social disabilities. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist studies visual and non-visual barriers and related processes that result in activity limitations, participation restrictions, loss of vocational and avocational opportunities, and psychological distress. In providing direct services, they use diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and instrumentation to identify and resolve or minimize these problems. This Blind Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for training veterans in all areas of Activities of Daily Living, Adaptive Kitchen Skills, Braille, and Communications skills including various types of computer access technology for communication. These skills encompass a broad range of activities including personal grooming, food preparation, eating skills, household management, time management and labeling techniques that serve to increase a person's independence in their home and personal life. The specialist also teaches communication skills including braille, typing or keyboarding, handwriting, and the use of assistive technology to accomplish tasks such as storing and retrieving information, reading, managing financial records, etc. Technology includes but is not limited to:
PC and Apple computers with screen reading and enlargement software, accessible note taking appliances; tablets and smartphones (IOS and Android); OCR devices; and on line access solutions. The Specialist is responsible for assessing veterans to determine abilities, limitations, goal preferences, and learning ability in each of the areas of the Living Skills program in order to recommend appropriate the appropriate training program to meet the Veteran's goals and needs. The specialist individualizes training to a pace and style compatible with the Veteran's needs and ability to maximize independence and efficiency. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 7:
30-4:
00 Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j. Education:
Must possess 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 (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 GS-11 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, related professional credential in special education, rehabilitation or health care. If all certifications are impaired, the individual is ineligible for appointment in VA. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation). Preferred
Experience:
Experience with computer access technology (e.g. software, smart phones, and tablets). Grade Determinations:
GS-9 Level:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of experience OR 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 is not required at the GS-9 level. Must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service. 2. Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation. 3. Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor. 4. Skill in instructing Veterans and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques. 5. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice. 6. Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs. Grade Determinations:
GS-11 Level:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-09); OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following professional KSAs:
1. Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation. 2. Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions. 3. Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes. 4. Skill in instructional methods and learning principles. 5. Ability to employ interventions, unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan. 6. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required. Certification:
Applicants must possess an 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). (Must provide Copy of Certification) References:
VA Handbook 5005/109, Part II, Appendix G-41, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-9-GS-11. Physical Requirements:
The work requires regular and recurring exertion such as standing, ascending and descending stairs, or walking for up to two continuous hours; frequent bending; reaching above the shoulder; heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds and over), pushing or pulling objects.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
PC and Apple computers with screen reading and enlargement software, accessible note taking appliances; tablets and smartphones (IOS and Android); OCR devices; and on line access solutions. The Specialist is responsible for assessing veterans to determine abilities, limitations, goal preferences, and learning ability in each of the areas of the Living Skills program in order to recommend appropriate the appropriate training program to meet the Veteran's goals and needs. The specialist individualizes training to a pace and style compatible with the Veteran's needs and ability to maximize independence and efficiency. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 7:
30-4:
00 Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j. Education:
Must possess 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 (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 GS-11 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, related professional credential in special education, rehabilitation or health care. If all certifications are impaired, the individual is ineligible for appointment in VA. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation). Preferred
Experience:
Experience with computer access technology (e.g. software, smart phones, and tablets). Grade Determinations:
GS-9 Level:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of experience OR 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 is not required at the GS-9 level. Must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service. 2. Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation. 3. Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor. 4. Skill in instructing Veterans and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques. 5. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice. 6. Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs. Grade Determinations:
GS-11 Level:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-09); OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following professional KSAs:
1. Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation. 2. Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions. 3. Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes. 4. Skill in instructional methods and learning principles. 5. Ability to employ interventions, unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan. 6. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required. Certification:
Applicants must possess an 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). (Must provide Copy of Certification) References:
VA Handbook 5005/109, Part II, Appendix G-41, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-9-GS-11. Physical Requirements:
The work requires regular and recurring exertion such as standing, ascending and descending stairs, or walking for up to two continuous hours; frequent bending; reaching above the shoulder; heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds and over), pushing or pulling objects.
- Department:
0601 General Health Science - Salary Range:
$72,278 to $113,681 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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