Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator)

The purpose of this position is to provide blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and service members. Blind Rehabilitation includes the disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction and assisted technology instruction. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist possesses professional knowledge of and skill in applying concepts, principles, and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation.

Major duties include but not limited to: Provides direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients. Tailors' patient care and support services to meet the needs of the individual patient. Responsibility for assessment of each patient's needs and the delivery of services which are responsive to the concerns of individual patients to the extent possible. Evaluates and assess needs, capabilities and limitations, goal settings and prescribing a treatment plan for individuals experiencing blindness/visual impairment caused by injury or disease. Works as part of a team coordinating care for blind and visually impaired veterans. Serves as Team Coordinator for one or more assigned veterans during the veteran's program. Develops and coordinates the veteran's Interdisciplinary Plan of Care (IPOC) with input from the Veteran and all team members. Studies visual and non-visual barriers and related processes that result in activity limitations, participation restrictions, loss of vocational and avocational opportunities, and psychological distress. Use diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and instrumentation to identify and resolve or minimize these problems. Develops a treatment plan in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team to improve the quality of life for blind and visually impaired Veterans through the development of skills and capabilities needed for personal independence, emotional stability and the successful integration into community, family and environment. Use and maintain technology (discipline specific) necessary to assist in the veteran's rehabilitation needs and processes such as electronic travel aids, computer assisted technology, speech output and input devices, large print devices and Braille devices. Determines the need for these devices based on type, nature and severity of the problem, and assessments, and instructs the Veteran in the proper use of the device along with its abilities and limitations. Optical devices, prescribed by an eye care specialist, are incorporated into the Blind Rehabilitation Specialist's treatment plan. Works with family members and/or significant others to educate and counsel about the ramifications of visual impairment. Family members are taught to recognize changed behaviors and behavior patterns that impede blind and vision rehabilitation progress and how to cope with the psychological and social problems and their own individual stress. Maintains awareness of new technological developments in the field through research and education. Serves as a subject matter expert for other medical and allied health staff by providing education and training to healthcare providers and professionals on the nature of visual impairment and blind and vision rehabilitation. Serves as a mentor for clinical trainees within the specific disciplines. Expected to obtain and maintain certification in the appropriate discipline of blind/vision rehabilitation Performs other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:10495F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.