This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

If you are NOT a current, permanent VA employees or Federal employee from another federal agency, you should apply under CBST-12151263-24-ARS. A recrutment or relocation incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate This Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (BRS) position is located in the Blind Rehabilitation Center at the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System in Biloxi, MS, which provides training and instruction in blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and Service Members. The purpose for blind rehabilitation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with vision loss through participation in a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation program, so they may successfully reintegrate back into their community and family environments. The Duties of the BRS include, but are not limited to: Responsible for the total rehabilitation process including assessing needs and identifying Veteran-specific goals, development of individualized treatment plan, implementation of that plan, counseling, and recommending prosthetic and adaptive equipment to best meet the Veteran's training goals 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. Studies visual and non-visual barriers and related procedures that result in activity limitations, participation restrictions, loss of vocational and avocational opportunities, and psychological distress. Uses diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and instrumentation to identify and resolve or minimize these problems. Develops a treatment plan in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team to improve the quality of life for blind and visually impaired Veterans through the development of skills and capabilities needed for personal independence, emotional stability and the successful integration into community, family, and environment. Responsible for using and maintaining technological equipment (discipline specific) necessary to assist in the Veteran's rehabilitation needs and processes such as electronic travel aids, computer assisted technology, closed circuit television, speech output and input devices, large print devices and Braille devices. Determines the need for these devices based on type, nature and severity of the problem, and assessments, and instructs the Veteran in the proper use of the device along with its abilities and limitations. Maintains awareness of new technological developments in the field through research and education. As subject matter expert, the BRS researches and evaluates new devices and training techniques relative to the specific discipline, as well as developing and implementing new therapy approaches. Participates in quality assurance programs and accreditation preparations. Serves as a subject matter expert for the other medical and allied health staff by providing counseling to health care providers and professionals on the nature of blindness/visual impairment and Blind and Vision Rehabilitation. Participates in the family training program to promote the continued personal development of the Veteran after returning to the home environment. Knowledgeable of VHA laws, and VA Medical Center guidance regarding documentation, privacy, and Patient Safety Goals to ensure successful accreditation of Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:GS-9, 520-0638-F; GS-11, 520-00639-F EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g. Education: The individual must have earned: 1) 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, 2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined in (2)(a) 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 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 (2)) below: (2) Blind Rehabilitation Specialists who provide the following service must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows: Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS®). Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT®). Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT®). Assistive Technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS®). NOTE: Required for GS-11 position English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the above Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Grade Determination criteria below: Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, GS-9 Experience. Bachelor's degree and completion of one year of experience. OR, Education. 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. No certification is required at this level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service. (b) Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation. (c) Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor. (d) Skill in instructing Veterans and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques. (e) Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice. (f) Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs. Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, GS-11 Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade. OR Education. Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field. Certification. Certification is required at this grade level and above. Staff BRS candidates must meet the certification requirements in the paragraph above. BRSs at the GS-11 grade level must have at least one certification from ACVREP or a related, equivalent, professional certification. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation. (b) Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions. (c) Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes. (d) Skill in instructional methods and learning principles. (e) Ability to employ interventions and unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan. (f) Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required. Preferred Experience: Experience with computer assistive technology for the visually impaired. Certification in Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS), by ACVREP. Multi-specialty Blind Rehabilitation experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/109, Part II, Appendix G41, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is active and, on occasion, physical--dependent upon the activity engaged with the vision impaired Veteran. Use of fingers and both hands. Physical activities such as lifting up-to 40 pounds, moving, bending, and stooping are required. Ability to assist Veterans with transfers. Exposure to heat and cold, inside and outside activities are part of the position.

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.

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.

Contacts

• Address Biloxi VA Medical Center 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi, MS 39531 US
• Name: Alan Stagg-Scalia
• Phone: (501) 231-9930
• Email: [email protected]