Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Des Moines, IA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist identifies Veterans who may benefit from blind and vision rehabilitation and provides outpatient services in Veterans’ homes, other residences, or community settings. The role involves coordinating with VIST, eye clinics, blind and vision rehabilitation services, and community resources to locate and serve Veterans.

The specialist assesses each Veteran, plans and delivers rehabilitation training, and evaluates outcomes using objective and subjective methods across the relevant skill areas. The specialist develops individualized plans with Veteran and/or family goals and measurable outcomes, uses complex training aids and assessment tools, and trains Veterans to use sophisticated prosthetics and sensory aids. The role also includes patient counseling to support adjustment to blindness, care management of VA and non-VA outpatient activities, and developing recommendations and specifications for contract services tailored to individual Veterans.

When serving as a manager for direct care, the specialist ensures assessments, training progress, consults, referrals, and recommendations are documented in the Veteran’s chart. The position is in the Excepted Service, with a stated full-performance level of GS-12 and selection at GS-11 to GS-12. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under applicable policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• A bachelor's degree in blind or vision rehabilitation or a closely related field; or a master's degree in such a field; or a bachelor's or master's degree in another field plus an accredited certificate in the core curriculum in orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, assistive technology for blind and visually impaired individuals, or low vision therapy, including supervised practice.
• For the education pathways requiring experience, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the BRS GS-9 level; alternatively, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree in blind rehabilitation or a directly related field.
• At least one active, current, full, and unrestricted ACVREP certification for appointment.
• GS-11 candidates must demonstrate knowledge and abilities in complex blind/vision rehabilitation assessments, evaluating patients with multiple disabilities, developing rehabilitation plans with measurable goals and outcomes, teaching and learning principles, and coordinating interventions with other professionals. Additional stated KSAs include recommending and adapting appropriate prosthetic devices, planning and distributing work assignments, and mentoring.
• GS-12 candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level and two ACVREP certifications demonstrating full mastery in two blind rehabilitation areas.
• GS-12 candidates must demonstrate the ability to independently develop and administer complex treatment programs; serve as a subject matter expert, consultant, supervisor, or mentor; coordinate and manage staff or committees; disseminate information; work effectively with patients and stakeholders; recognize and modify team dynamics; and apply decision-making to adjust programs and plan goals and resources.
• GS-11 hires must obtain a second ACVREP certification within two years of initial appointment to demonstrate mastery in two specialty areas and qualify for GS-12; failure may result in removal from the occupation and may result in termination.
• An unrestricted driver's license, a clean driving record report from the DMV, and a driver's physical are required.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation, complete online onboarding and required application documentation, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after that period.

Responsibilities

• Identify beneficiaries who may benefit from blind and vision rehabilitation training.
• Consult with VIST, eye clinics, blind and vision rehabilitation services, and community resources to locate and serve potential Veterans.
• Provide direct blind and vision rehabilitation services in Veterans’ homes, other residences, or community settings as needed.
• Assess Veterans, plan and provide rehabilitation training, and evaluate outcomes using objective and subjective assessment methods.
• Develop individualized rehabilitation-training plans with Veteran and/or family goals and achievable, measurable outcomes.
• Use complex training aids and assessment tools, and train Veterans to use sophisticated prosthetics and sensory aids.
• Ensure assessment, rehabilitation-training progress, consults, referrals, and recommendations are properly documented in the Veteran’s chart when managing direct care.
• Provide care management for VA and non-VA outpatient blind and vision rehabilitation activities.
• Develop recommendations and specifications for blind and vision rehabilitation contract services specific to each Veteran’s care.
• Provide patient counseling to support adjustment to blindness.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student-loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, for an award of up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other applicable factors.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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