Blind Rehabilitation Specialist

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Blind Rehabilitation Specialist. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist will function in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service.
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.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education: The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below:
• 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

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study, 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.

Grade Determinations:
GS-9 Education, Experience, and Certification. In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the GS-9 grade level:

• 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. (3)
• 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:

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service.
• Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation.
• Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor.
• Skill in instructing [Veterans] and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques.
• Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice.
• Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.

GS-11 Education, Experience, and Certification. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicant must possess:
Experience:

• One year of experience as a BRS equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.

OR

• Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field.

• 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 Specialist (CATIS)].

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:

• Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation.
• Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
• Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes.
• Skill in instructional methods and learning principles.
• Ability to employ interventions and unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan.
• Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required.

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).
Preferred Experience: CATIS Certification
References: VA Handbook 5005/109 PART II APPENDIX G41
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 occasions physical dependent upon the level of instructions that need to be given to the patients. It requires some light lifting less that 25lbs., such as walking, bending, and stooping. Work involves exposure to patients in an inpatient Medical Center. No special physical requirements need to be met.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.Employment Type: FULL_TIME