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Form of workThe Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) operates as part of the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (TVCBHCS). The BROS manages and provides direct blind and vision rehabilitative training services to visually impaired Veterans and servicemembers. The BROS identifies, assesses trains manages and provides follow-up for Veterans using clinical resources of the facility.Qualifications: BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
(1) Qualified candidates 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, [or a closely] related program in rehabilitation, special education, family and consumer science education, technology, and industrial arts education; OR,
(b) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation, [or a closely] related program in rehabilitation, special education, family and consumer science education, technology, and industrial arts education; OR,
(c) A bachelor's [or master's] degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined in (1)(a) and (b) above) and obtained 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. This education must have included supervised practice; and Completion of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the BRS, GS-9 grade level: Individuals at this grade level serve as [entry level] staff BRSs. They are responsible for intake, assessment, planning for rehabilitation, intervention, and follow-up in the content specialties. They receive guidance from experienced staff members for the most complex [Veteran cases.]OR,
(d) Three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field. OR
(e) Foreign graduates must provide 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. The evaluation must be submitted with this application.
CERTIFICATION(S):
Qualified candidates must have at least two (2) to qualify for the GS-12 level. The certification must be in active, current, full, and unrestricted status.
(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 Specialist (CATIS).
Loss of Credential. Once certified, a BROS must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent certification[(s)] to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification[(s)] will result in removal from the BROS occupation and may result in termination of employment.
Preferred Experiences:
- Two years experience in an area of Blind Rehab practice and is independently licensed or certified by a state to practice.
- Experience working with families and/or caregivers and experience in providing outreach/educational programs.
- Experience in caregiver and family clinical interventions to facilitate the identification of caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress and social needs as treatment issues.
- Must be familiar with VA and/or local community agencies and resources.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and collaboration.
Grade Determinations:
BROS, GS-12 (Full Performance Level)
Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Individuals at the GS-11 level serve in a developmental capacity as the BROS at a medical center[,] or an outpatient clinic[,] and in patients' homes and communities. BROS are responsible for decision-making and [ ] independent care under the direction of their supervisors and the Blind Rehabilitation National Consultant for their region. Individuals in this assignment serve as a member of a specialty care team. At the GS-11 level, BROS[s] will receive training and oversight from the Blind Rehabilitation National Consultant for their regions.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the KSAs at the GS-11 grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate all [of] the following KSAs:
(a) Skill to independently develop, plan, and administer complex treatment programs.
(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 patients 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 patients, 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, to develop short[-]term and long[-]range goals, and to plan for future utilization of resources.
References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G42, Dated 5/14/2019
The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-12. The grades at which an applicant may be selected is GS-12.
Physical Requirements:
- Light lifting, carrying, under 15 lbs
- Walking, 4-6 hrs
- Standing, 3-6 hrs
- Repeated bending, hr
- Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor ehicle
- Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
- Depth perception
- Hearing, aid permitted
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.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by a body recognized by the US Dept. of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the U.S. Dept. of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.Employment Type: FULL_TIME
