Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator)

Veterans Health Administration • Manchester, NH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) works in Sensory and Physical Rehab services at the VA Manchester Healthcare System in Manchester, New Hampshire. The role applies knowledge of blind and vision rehabilitation concepts, principles, and practices, including assessments, therapies, and technologies, to improve independent function, quality of life, and adjustment for Veterans who are blind or visually impaired. The specialist may work independently in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, educational institutions, and home environments.

The position provides direct patient care and support services to adults, including low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction, and computer access instruction. The specialist evaluates needs, capabilities, and limitations; establishes goals; and prescribes treatment plans for people experiencing blindness or visual impairment due to injury or disease. The role coordinates care as part of a team and examines visual and non-visual barriers and related processes that can limit activities and participation, reduce vocational and avocational opportunities, and cause psychological distress. Other related duties may be assigned.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling may be considered. Telework is ad hoc; the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-12, and selection may be made at GS-09 through GS-12. This is an Excepted Service position.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in blind or vision rehabilitation, a closely related rehabilitation special-education program for the visually impaired, family and consumer science education, or technology and industrial arts education; alternatively, a bachelor's degree plus qualifying related coursework or a relevant certificate and practicum/internship.
• Foreign graduates must provide proof of at least a bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent, verified through an independent credential evaluation company, with a specialization in blind rehabilitation.
• At the GS-11 developmental level, in addition to the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-9, or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctorate, or a doctorate in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field.
• At the GS-12 full performance level, in addition to the basic requirements, at least one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-11.
• VIST Coordinator certification or credentialing is required at GS-11 and above, through ACVREP; a state license or certification for independent master's-level social work practice; CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification; or an applicable state license or certification for independent practice in another relevant health-care occupation.
• Maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent certification or license applicable to the appointment; loss of the required credential may result in removal from the occupation or termination.
• Demonstrate the applicable grade-level knowledge, skills, and abilities, including communication with staff, Veterans, families, community groups, and people with varying understanding of visual impairment; assessing Veterans with diverse and multiple disabilities; developing rehabilitation plans with measurable goals and outcomes; knowledge of VA and non-VA blind and low vision rehabilitation programs; interpersonal skills; knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles; and coordinating referrals to suitable training programs.
• At GS-12, additionally demonstrate ability to apply decision-making principles to adjust programs day to day, develop short- and long-range goals, and plan for future resource utilization.
• Register with Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Pass a background/security investigation and pre-employment physical evaluation; participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program; complete online onboarding and application requirements, including acceptable identity documentation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated under the stated public-interest criteria.
• Physical requirements include light lifting and carrying, walking and standing for up to two hours at a time, moderate kneeling, ability to read typewritten and handwritten characters, ability to hear, and mental and emotional stability.
• Submit transcripts if education is used to meet qualification requirements; foreign education must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and support services to adult patients.
• Deliver services in low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction, and computer access instruction.
• Evaluate and assess patients’ needs, capabilities, and limitations; set goals and prescribe treatment plans for individuals with blindness or visual impairment caused by injury or disease.
• Coordinate care for blind and visually impaired Veterans as part of a team.
• Study visual and non-visual barriers and related processes that contribute to activity limitations, participation restrictions, loss of vocational and avocational opportunities, and psychological distress.
• Coordinate with resources to identify or refer Veterans to suitable training programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Selected applicants may qualify to receive credit for prior work or military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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