The primary purpose of this position is to provide supervision and subject matter expertise for provision of blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and Servicemembers. Blind Rehabilitation includes the disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction and computer access instruction.

Duties

GS-12 level Supervisory BRS duties: Provides supervision as well as direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients which is characterized by a very significant number of older male patients. Within these broad categorizations, the employee must tailor supervision and patient care and support services to meet the needs of the individual patient. T Oversees the assessment of each patient's needs and the delivery of services which are responsive to the concerns of individual patients to the extent possible. Oversees the evaluation and needs assessment, capabilities and limitations, goals and development of a treatment plan for individuals experiencing blindness/visual impairment caused by injury or disease. Oversees the staff as part of a team supervising and coordinating care for blind and visually impaired veterans. Participates in the planning, review and evaluation of proposed therapy programs at the inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC). Responsible for assisting other section supervisors in scheduling the patient's treatment program. The Supervisor manages the weekly/daily staff teaching schedule and patient assignments for the department. Supervises a staff of employees to accomplish the work of the organizational unit; assigns and reviews work as well as the administrative and personnel management functions. Identifies developmental and training needs for instructors and provides provisions for appropriate training. The Supervisor assigns departmental duties and sets priorities and schedules for the completion of these duties. Schedules, plans, and coordinates the orientation and training programs for new employees and clinical trainees under his/her supervision. The Supervisor trains new employees for the organizational unit. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Authorized Functional Statement #: 689-F04402 Recruitment and Relocation Incentive: A recruitment incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

Qualifications

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: [Be a ]citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and Experience: The individual must have earned: Education (1) The individual must have earned: (a) 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, (b) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined in (1)(a) above) that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following: 1. 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). 2. One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15 -18 semester hours). 3. 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. 4. 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. Language Requirement: Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Certification Requirement: Certification. Required at the GS-11 grade level and above. (1) 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. NOTE: The ACVREP administers four certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology Instruction and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. They may then use the designation for the certification they hold (as listed in subparagraph below: (2) BRS who provide the following service must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows: (a) Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS®). (b) Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT®). (c) Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT®). (d) Assistive Technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS®). Note: This certificate is preferred Grade Determinations: SUPERVISORY BLIND REHABILITATION SPECIALIST GS-12 (1) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. (2) Certification. BRS must meet the certification requirements as outlined above. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-11 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Ability to plan, direct, mentor, and distribute work assignments to volunteers, assistants, interns, and/or Blind Rehabilitation Specialists at lower grade levels. (b) Ability to act as a subject matter expert in the blind/vision rehabilitation field and as consultant, supervisor and/or mentor in evaluating and treating Veterans in specialty or program areas. (c) Ability to coordinate, motivate, and effectively manage staff and/or committee members to include organizing work, setting priorities, and delegating tasks and responsibilities. (d) Ability to disseminate appropriate information through various media as a consultant or mentor. (e) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with Veterans, employees, other team leaders, managers, and other stakeholders. (f) Ability to identify team group dynamics, objectively observe, and modify behaviors. (g) Ability to apply decision-making principles to adjust programs on a day-to-day basis, develop short term and long-range goals, and plan for future utilization of resources. (h) Skill in developing, planning, and administering complex treatment programs. (4) Assignment. [The employee assigned to this position is located within an inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) and functions in a supervisory position for BRS professional staff at the GS-9 and GS-11 grade levels and who are not VIST Coordinators or Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialists.] This employee serves as a subject matter expert, assuring that a complete range of skills are available for a diverse Veteran population at affiliated blind rehabilitation inpatient centers or outpatient clinics. At this level, the blind or vision rehabilitation program typically includes a variety of specialties, an extensive educational program, and data collection and review as well as research activities. Additional activities include the evaluation of new products and equipment and making recommendations concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. Other supervisory responsibilities include informing higher-level management of anticipated staffing variances and recommending promotions, reassignments, or other personnel actions such as retention or release of probationary employees as well as recommending recognition of superior performance when applicable. Grandfathering Provision: Current employees in this occupational series 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 and meet the criteria). References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G45 Physical Requirements: Light Lifting (up to 44 lbs.); Walking; Standing; bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Travel will be required throughout the VA CWM service area (Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Berkshire Counties, and bordering states as well). Incumbent would primarily work out of the Worcester Outpatient Clinic.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address West Haven VA Medical Center 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven, CT 06516 US
• Name: William Bernard
• Phone: 203 932-5711 X8234
• Email: [email protected]