The incumbent serves as the Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and Supervisor under the supervision of the Chief of Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS) at San Juan, Puerto Rico. The position encompasses a wide range of duties related to the BRS to include the San Juan Blind Rehabilitation Center (SAJBRC) inpatient and outpatient program.

Duties

The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist 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. Review of demographic data discloses that the average age of a SAJBRC patient is 75 years with a distribution of 98% male and 2% female. Incumbent is responsible for overseeing the assessment of each patient's needs and the delivery of services which are consistent with the goals reported by the participant. Major Duties and Responsibilities included, but not limited to: The Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist participates in the planning, review, and evaluation of proposed therapy programs at the inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC). The Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for coordinating with BRS Program Coordinator the scheduling of patient's treatment program. The Supervisor manages the weekly/daily schedule and patient assignments. The Supervisor 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 The Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for providing coverage of veterans' treatment programs in the absence of their regularly assigned blind rehabilitation specialists. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to resolve instructor problems or complaints, to advise, counsel, and instruct these employees on both work and administrative matters. The Supervisor is also responsible for dealing with grievances, disciplinary problems, or conflicts involving other instructors. The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that staff members submit all required progress notes, reports, and summaries in a timely fashion. The Supervisor is responsible to submit Pertinence review documentation to the Medical Record Committee every quarter. The Supervisor reviews all final reports for completeness and accuracy. The Supervisor responsibilities further include periodic evaluation of instructional plans developed by instructors for veterans assigned to them for training, thus insuring consistency in curriculum, teaching methodology and quality of instruction. As a clinical supervisor, the Supervisor is a mentor to university trainees and is responsible for orienting them to the BRC and their experience as a BRC trainee/ future specialist in the field. The Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for the development and coordination of research programs as a subject matter expert (SME) in blind rehabilitation and for developing and implementing new opportunities. Maintains a constant surveillance of the Service's compliance with standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and other accrediting and regulatory agencies. In the absence of the Chief, the Supervisor may be called upon to assume administrative responsibilities to assure satisfactory continuation of the rehabilitation program. The Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Supervisor must maintain certification, as appropriate. Supervisor is accountable for program compliance with all applicable laws and VA policies, along with the accreditation standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and Joint Commission. The Supervisor must apply these requirements to the SAJBRC, consistent with existing circumstances, and act independently in resolving day-to-day problems. The incumbent operates with wide latitude in the use of clinical methods and modem technology. Work is reviewed on the basis of performance outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, achievement of program goals, and external review reports. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30-4:00pm Monday through Friday Telework: Available - Per Agency policy and Service Approval on an Ad-hoc Basis. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61760F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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 Policy. Education: 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, A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined 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: 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 below:. BRS 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). Grade Determinations GS-12: Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (BRS) Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the lower GS-11 grade level. Certification: BRS must meet the certification requirements above. 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: Ability to plan, direct, mentor, and distribute work assignments to volunteers, assistants, interns, and/or Blind Rehabilitation Specialists at lower grade levels. 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. Ability to coordinate, motivate, and effectively manage staff and/or committee members to include organizing work, setting priorities, and delegating tasks and responsibilities. Ability to disseminate appropriate information through various media as a consultant or mentor. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with Veterans, employees, other team leaders, managers, and other stakeholders. Ability to identify team group dynamics, objectively observe, and modify behaviors. 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. Skill in developing, planning, and administering complex treatment programs. VA Handbook 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/109, PART II, APPENDIX G41 Dated: March 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: Work is active and on occasions physical dependent upon the level of instructions that need to be given to the patients. It requires some light lifting less than 25lbs., walking, bending, and stooping. Occasional exposure to patients in an inpatient medical center setting occurs. No special physical requirements need to be met. Occasionally, the incumbent may be required to act as the Supervisor/Chief for BRC.

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 San Juan VA Medical Center 10 Calle Casia San Juan, PR 00921 US
• Name: Manuel Colon
• Phone: 321-370-3040
• Email: [email protected]