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 federal employee, you should apply under CBST-12212822-24-ARS. A relocation/recruitment incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist VIST Coordinator plans, develops, implements, directs, and evaluates the Visual Impairment Service (VIS) Team program at the VHA sites within his or her catchment area and has a major responsibility for the coordination of all services for visually impaired Veterans and Service members and their families through the Visual Impairment Services Team. The Duties of the BRS include, but are not limited to: VIST Coordinators are responsible for Outreach and Education including: Developing a cache of educational materials, in a variety of media that can be utilized to help achieve VIST outreach goals and objectives. Providing in-service educational classes for VA and non-VA agencies and personnel; Seeking to improve others' awareness about blindness issues. Utilizing developed methodologies to identify Veterans who are eligible for VIST program services, to include identifying blind Veterans from VA medical center diagnosis codes entered in their electronic medical record; and Educating VA medical center staff on the functional implications of vision loss and on blind rehabilitation matters. VIST Coordinators are case managers for all eligible Veterans who have visual impediments requiring blind rehabilitation services. Other duties include: The coordination and overview of the Veteran's blind rehabilitation needs. Determining the intensity of services based upon clinical judgment and the Veteran's goals. Flagging VIST-eligible Veterans' records so that medical center staff who access Veterans' records electronically are alerted to the Veteran's visual status. VIST Coordinators assess, treat, plan, and follow up treatment for visually impaired Veterans. This includes: Performing assessments to establish Veterans' needs as they relate to the continuum of vision and rehabilitation treatment services. Referring Veterans to the appropriate service component in the continuum of care for visually impaired Veterans. Developing focused treatment plans containing goals to meet the Veterans' needs. Providing follow-up for rehabilitation services that the Veteran has received. Develops, implements, and oversees special programs for visually impaired Veterans such as the local provision of computer equipment and training. Issue prosthetic equipment for blind and visually impaired Veterans in accordance with VHA policies. Requests authorization of funds with the intent of utilizing professionally qualified personnel to train the Veteran to appropriately use, care for and maintain the prosthetic device. Participate in CARF and Joint Commission requirements and surveys. Convenes and leads a support group for Veterans and Servicemembers with visual impairment and their families. Driver's License Required, unless visually impaired: The incumbent must have the ability to travel between Biloxi, MS and all CBOC locations as well as community and Veteran home locations. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: May be authorized based on the needs of the service Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00634F 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) 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. BRS VIST Coordinators may be drawn from traditional blind/vision rehabilitation backgrounds, and from counseling backgrounds such as social work, vocational rehabilitation counseling, etc. VIST Coordinators must be credentialed/certified through: Any certification via the ACVREP OR, Individuals appointed based on experience as a Social Worker must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers are appointed to the GS-0601 series, but must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment OR, Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC) OR, Individuals appointed based on experience in other health care occupations must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, such individuals are appointed to the GS-0601 series, but must still maintain their full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment. Examples of occupations may include but are not limited to Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 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 (VIST Coordinator-Developmental Level) GS-11 Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. 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. VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the certification requirements listed above. VIST Coordinators may be credentialed/certified through any of the following: Certification via the ACVREP; Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board; Certification via the CRCC; Equivalent and relevant professional credential in counseling or rehabilitation. Examples of other health care occupations may include but are not limited to Marriage and Family Therapists or Licensed Mental Health Counselors. 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) Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with staff at all organizational levels; with Veterans and their family members; with community groups; and individuals with varying degrees of understanding about visual impairment. (b) Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions. (c) Ability to write a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes. (d) Knowledge of VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs. (e) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers and other stakeholders. (f) Knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles. (g) Ability to coordinate with various resources to identify suitable training programs. Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator - Full Performance Level) GS-12 Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-11 grade level. Certification. VIST Coordinators must meet the certification requirements listed above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Skill to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with staff at all organizational levels, with Veterans and their family members, with community groups, and individuals with varying degrees of understanding. (b) Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for therapeutic interventions. (c) Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines and contains observable, measurable goals that identify specific outcomes. (d) Knowledge of VA and non-VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs. (e) Skill in interpersonal relationships dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers, and other stakeholders. (f) Knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles. (g) Ability to coordinate with various resources to identify and refer Veterans to suitable training programs. (h) Ability to apply decision-making principles to adjust programs on a day-to-day basis, to develop short term and long-range goals, and to plan for future utilization of resources. Preferred Experience: Experience in the field of Blind Rehabilitation and has an understanding of case management; Can work independently and stay on task; Strong writing skills; Enjoys working directly with Veterans and can collaborate to meet their goals/needs Continued in Education Section below...

Education

References: VA Handbook 5005/109, Part II, Appendix G41, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Qualification Standard, dated March 13, 2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Work is active and, on occasion, physically dependent upon the activity engaged with the vision impaired Veteran. Use of both hands and fingers. Physical activities such as lifting up-to 40 pounds, moving, bending, and stooping are required. Exposure to heat and cold, inside and outside activities are part of the position.

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]