The Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist-Orientation and Mobility Specialist position located at the James A. Haley, VA Medical Center: AALVC program provides care and services to enhance the quality of life for individuals with vision loss. 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: Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Education and Experience : ( Submit transcripts) The individual 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, 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, 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; OR, Three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree in blind rehabilitation or a directly related field 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. ( Submit document if applicable ) Certification. Required at all levels. ( Supply document) Applicants must possess at least one active, current, full, and unrestricted certification to be eligible for appointment. An applicant who has, or ever had his/her certification suspended, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, Section B, Paragraph 16 of this part. An applicant who has or has ever had a certification revoked or terminated for cause, or voluntarily relinquished such certification after being notified in writing by the State of potential revocation or termination for cause, is ineligible for employment and must be removed from the GS-0601 series. This applies even if the applicant possesses one or more valid certifications or registration (38 U.S.C. § 7402(f)) NOTE: The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) administers [four (4)] certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation, and Mobility, [Certified Assistive Technology Instructions Specialist] and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. They may then use the designation for the certification they hold (as listed in subparagraph (2)) below: BROS who provide the following services must obtain and maintain one certification at the GS-11 grade level and two certifications at the GS-12 grade level 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 Specialist (CATIS®)]. Grade Determinations:GS-11 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Certification. Candidates must meet the certification requirements in subparagraph 2c above (at least one certification from ACVREP). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all [of] the following KSAs: Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation. Ability to properly assess a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions. Skill in development and writing of a] blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes. Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles. Ability to employ interventions, unusual motivational techniques, and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan. Skill in recommending appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for patients within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required. Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to volunteers, assistants, interns, and/or BRSs at lower grade levels and perform assigned mentoring duties for staff, students, and interns. BROS, GS-12 (Full Performance Level Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level [is required. Certification. Candidates must meet the certification requirements in subparagraph 3c above. BROS at the GS-12 grade level must achieve two ACVREP certifications to demonstrate full mastery in two areas of blind rehabilitation. 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: Skill to independently develop, plan, and administer complex treatment programs. 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. 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 patients, 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, to develop short[-]term and long[-]range goals, and to plan for future utilization of resources. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G42. 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: The work requires extreme patience and controlling of emotions. The work may require using appropriate techniques to physically restrain patients who present a danger to self or others. The work may also require assisting physically disabled veterans. Day-to-day work involves sitting, walking, standing and carrying light objects, such as medical records. ["Functions/Scope of Assigned Duties Interpreting documentation prior to evaluation and training. Interpreting assessments, medical, and other professional documentation on an on-going basis during the patient's rehabilitation program. Interpreting policies and directives to veterans in blind rehabilitation. Evaluating with other team members and ancillary staff (e.g., Optometry, computer/technology, etc.) the patient's cognitive abilities, visual functioning, memory, and motivation. Upon completion of the low vision assessment, orientation, and mobility assessment, and Optometry assessment, the instructor will develop a training plan based on assessment results, patient goals, and patient needs. Maintain cross training in order to provide instruction in the use of low vision and ADL aids. Providing instruction on the use of mobility aids such as canes and GPS systems. Recommending adaptive prosthetic devices to meet individual needs. Maintain GSA Vehicle requirements and compliance to applicable VA Directives. Working with local vendors for the delivery and setup of specific devices. Keeping abreast of current literature, teaching strategies, and technological advances specific to visual impairment. Documenting, in written form, the patient's progress, barriers to training and current treatment plan. Becoming cross-trained with other specialties within the AALVC program for providing instruction in this area. Attending and actively participating in staff/team meetings and serving as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team. Active Participant on all Accreditation Teams for ongoing survey readiness planning and development as Assigned by Supervisor. Writing required treatment plans, progress notes, and summaries for patient treatment. Maintaining BR 5.0 data as required by VA Blind Rehabilitation. Manage clinic utilization by scheduling and canceling appointments according to VA policies. Assisting in the research of new devices and techniques for low vision training. Presenting in-service, consultation, intra-VA details and community programs about visual impairment. Completing required hours for VA educational training. Obtaining and maintaining certification in respective Primary Orientation and Mobility Specialist and secondary certification in one of the other three skills areas. Over-seeing AALVC prosthetic stock: reorders, stocking, updated inventory list. Performing other duties as Otherwise assigned by Supervisor: to Include one or more of the other four skills that the incumbent holds and maintains qualifications to practice Work Schedule: 7:30am-4pm Telework: Available- Ad Hoc basis Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 71198F, 71067F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VA health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.
The Grand Junction VA Medical Center services those who serve our country providing critical medical services including acute and chronic inpatient and outpatient care. The facility consists of 53-bed capabilities for surgical procedures, specialty care, psychiatric in/outpatient services, as well as a Community Living Center, and social programs and services. The service area encompasses western Colorado and eastern Utah regions and includes the primary VAMC plus four satellite clinics.
