Blind Rehab Specialist (Living Skills)

Veterans Health Administration • Biloxi, MS

13d

About The Position

The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist—Living Skills position is located at the GCBRC, which provides training and instruction in blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and Service Members. The role supports individualized rehabilitation programs intended to improve quality of life and help people with vision loss reintegrate into their communities and family environments.

The specialist evaluates needs, capabilities, and limitations; sets goals; and develops and delivers treatment plans. The role may coordinate care and, when serving as team coordinator, develop the Veteran’s Interdisciplinary Plan of Care with input from the Veteran, family, and the interdisciplinary team. The specialist uses assessment and therapeutic techniques to identify and address visual and non-visual barriers that limit activities, participation, vocational or avocational opportunities, or emotional well-being.

The specialist uses and maintains rehabilitation technology, determines which devices are appropriate, and teaches Veterans their proper use and limitations. Equipment may include electronic travel aids, computer-assisted technology, closed-circuit television, speech output and input devices, large-print devices, and Braille devices. Optical devices prescribed by an eye care specialist are incorporated into treatment plans. The role also includes educating and counseling family members or significant others, advising healthcare professionals about blindness and vision rehabilitation, keeping current with technological developments, and participating in quality assurance and accreditation activities.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to change based on facility needs. Telework is available, but this is not a virtual position. The full-performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-9 through GS-11. The position is in an inpatient setting and may involve occasional exposure to ill Veterans and indoor and outdoor activities in heat or cold. A trial period of one or two years is required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated limited exception for non-citizens under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in blind or vision rehabilitation or a closely related field; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree plus qualifying related coursework, graduate coursework, or a relevant certificate and practicum/internship.
• Foreign graduates must provide proof of a qualifying bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent verified through an independent credential evaluation company.
• At GS-9: a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience, or at least two full years of progressive graduate education or a directly related master’s degree.
• At GS-9, demonstrated knowledge of blind/vision rehabilitation policies and procedures and assessment interpretation; ability to develop rehabilitation plans, instruct Veterans and families, recommend appropriate devices within scope of practice, and coordinate assigned Veterans’ programs.
• At GS-11: one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-9, or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree or a directly related doctoral degree.
• At GS-11 and above, at least one active, current, full, and unrestricted certification from ACVREP or an equivalent, closely related professional credential. Certifications applicable to service areas include COMS for orientation and mobility, CVRT for communication and daily living therapy, CLVT for low vision therapy, and CATIS for assistive technology.
• At GS-11, demonstrated knowledge of complex evaluations and diagnostic procedures; ability to assess Veterans with diverse and multiple disabilities; skill in writing measurable, multidisciplinary rehabilitation plans and applying instructional methods; and ability to coordinate interventions and recommend or adapt devices within scope of practice.
• A valid state-issued driver’s license is required unless the applicant is visually impaired. A clean driving record report and license copy are required during pre-employment processing.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation; complete online onboarding and required application documentation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA healthcare personnel.
• Ability to complete a one- or two-year trial period.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds, move, bend, stoop, use both hands, and assist Veterans with transfers.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) certification.
• Experience teaching Alexa devices, iPhone, iPad, OrCam/Meta glasses, and Apple Watch.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and assess Veterans’ needs, capabilities, and limitations related to blindness or visual impairment; set goals and prescribe treatment plans.
• Coordinate care for blind and visually impaired Veterans and, when serving as team coordinator, develop and coordinate the Veteran’s Interdisciplinary Plan of Care with input from the Veteran, family, and team members.
• Assess visual and non-visual barriers and use diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and instrumentation to resolve or minimize related activity and participation limitations.
• Develop and implement treatment plans with an interdisciplinary team to build skills and capabilities supporting independence, emotional stability, and community and family integration.
• Use and maintain rehabilitation technology, determine the need for devices, and instruct Veterans in their proper use, capabilities, and limitations.
• Incorporate optical devices prescribed by an eye care specialist into treatment plans.
• Educate and counsel family members or significant others about the effects of visual impairment.
• Keep current with technological developments through research and education.
• Advise healthcare providers and professionals as a subject matter expert on blindness, visual impairment, and blind and vision rehabilitation.
• Participate in quality assurance programs and accreditation preparations.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level