### JOB SUMMARY:
Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Orientation & Mobility) located within the Rehabilitation Service at the Dayton VA Medical Center. The Medical Center is located in Dayton, Ohio, a city of approximately 141,527 population size, situated in Southwest Ohio. The Medical Center is a level 1-C tertiary care teaching hospital that provides a full continuum of care (inpatient and outpatient care including mental health services); encompassing acute care, Community Living Center (Nursing Home), Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (Domiciliary) along with home and community health programs. The Medical center currently has 500 operating beds (120 hospital beds, 115 domiciliary, 265 NHCU). The Medical Center also houses the national VHA PolyTrauma National Call Center.
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 1570093
**OUR MISSION**: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise – "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" – by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
**THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOWS THE NEW 2016 PAY SALARY.**
As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/****VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
### TRAVEL REQUIRED
* Not Required
### RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
* No
### KEY REQUIREMENTS
* Must pass pre-employment examination
* Must be proficient in written and spoken English
* Designated and-or Random Drug Testing required
* Background and-or Security Investigation required
* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
* Must submit Application VA Form 10-2850c
* Current Federal employees must submit latest copy of SF50
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### DUTIES:
The primary 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 instructions and computer access instruction. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist possesses professional knowledge of, and skill in applying concepts principles, and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation to include assessment, treatment and follow-up. Blind Rehabilitation specialist functions independently in a number of settings, including hospitals, community based outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, educational institutions and home environments. The work environment may be in an office, clinical setting, classroom, private home, VA grounds, nursing home, community sites and hospitals.
The secondary purpose of this position is to provide the Advanced Low Vision Clinic with Outcome Measures Tracking and Analysis in accordance with the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Standards and Systems Improvement to obtain and maintain CARF Accreditation. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist establishes, collects and analyzes the outcome measures data to ensure quality and efficient care, working closely with the management team. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist tracks, trends and identifies strengths and weaknesses of the individual programs within the Advanced Low Vision Clinic and reports the progress to the management staff. The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist ensures that data are entered and reports are generated quarterly and on an annual basis to be presented to the Rehabilitation Performance Improvement Committee. Principle duties and responsibilities are but not limited to the following:
* Provides direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients, which is characterized by a very significant number of older male patients.
* Evaluates and assesses needs, capabilities and limitations, goal setting and prescribing a treatment plan for individuals experiencing blindness/visual impairment caused by injury or disease.
* Studies visual and non-visual barriers and related processes that result in activity limitations, participation restrictions, loss of vocational and vocational opportunities, and psychological distress.
* Works with family members and/or significant others to educate and counsel about the ramifications of visual impairment.
* Provides Orientation & Mobility Services to Veterans in the Advanced Low Vision Clinic, and develops plans and administers can training programs specific to the Veteran's needs and goals
* Evaluates the use of optical and/or electronic devices for enhancing the use of vision for daily tasks that are goals for programs, prosthetic devices and interventions for diverse and multiple impaired Veterans.
* Provides visual training to Veterans under the direction of the Low Vision Optometrist; administers complex training programs and evaluates progress based on specialized visual evaluations and diagnostic testing.
**Work Schedule:**** **8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday - Friday******Functional Statement Title/#: Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Orientation & Mobility Specialist)**
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### QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
**Basic Requirements:**
* **U.S. citizenship.** Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
* **Education.** 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, related program in rehabilitation, special education, family and consumer science education, technology and industrial arts education, or health care; or,
(b) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined in (1)(a) above) that included or was supplemented by at least one of the following:
1. 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).
2. One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15-18 semester hours).
3. A certificate in the core curriculum in orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy or low vision therapy from an accredited college or university and a directly related practicum/internship in the occupation, either included in the degree or post-degree.
(2) 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.
**English Language Proficiency. ** BRSs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j.
**Certification. **Required at GS-11 and above.
(1) Applicants must posses at least one active, current, full and unrestricted certification to be eligible for appointment. Certification must be granted by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP), or another equivalent, related professional credential in special education, rehabilitation or health care. If all certifications are impaired, the individual is ineligible for appointment in VA.
NOTE: The ACVREP administers three certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Once certification candidates are approved, they receive an official letter of acceptance, a certificate, and a logo pin. They may then use the designation for the certification they hold (as listed in subparagraph (2) below:
(2) BRSs who provide the following service must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows:
(a) Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS).
(b) Communication and daily living therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching) - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT).
(c) Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT).
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
**Grade Determinations:**In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. This criteria is consistent with the 2 grade interval structure for professional/scientific professions found in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G17.
**(1) GS-7** [Entry Level]. None beyond the basic requirements. No certification required at this level.
**(2) GS-9**
(a)**Certification.**No certification is required at this level.
(b)**Education and Experience.**In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or completion of at least two full years of progressive graduate education or a master's degree in a field directly related to the position. The candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
(c)**Demonstrated KSAs**
1. Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service.
2. Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation.
3. Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor.
4. Skill in instructing patients and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques.
5. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for patients within the scope of practice.
6. Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned patients during their rehabilitation programs.
(d) **Assignment.**Individuals at this grade level serve as 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 patients.
(3) **GS-11 (Full performance level for BRSs who are not VIST Coordinators)**
(a) **Certification.**Required at this level and above.
**Staff BRS.**Candidates must meet the certification requirements in paragraph 2c(1) above. BRS (GS-11) must have one certification from ACVREP or a related, equivalent, professional certification.
(b) **Education and Experience.**In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade; or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following professional KSAs:
(c) **Demonstrated KSAs**
1. Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation.
2. Ability to properly assess a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
3. Ability to write a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes.
4. Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles.
5. Ability to employ interventions, unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan.
6. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for patients within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required.
7. Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to volunteers, assistants and, interns and/or BRSs at lower grade levels and perform assigned mentoring duties for staff, students, and interns.
(d) **Assignments.**This is the full performance level for BRSs who are not VIST Coordinators. (Refer to VA Handbook mentioned below for assignments for Staff BRS and Sole Practice BRS).
**References:** VA Handbook 5005/48, Part II, Appendix G41.This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
**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.
**Physical Requirements: **Light lifting under 15 pounds. Reaching above shoulder. Use of fingers and both hands required. Walking and Standing up to 1 hour intervals. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Both eyes required. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4. Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other. Depth perception. Hearing aid permitted.
### HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment**.**
**NOTE:**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-7 to GS-11. The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will recommend the grade and salary for new appointments. For internal selectees being promoted, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.****
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### BENEFITS:
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.
**Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave**: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
### OTHER INFORMATION:
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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### HOW TO APPLY:
**All applicants are encouraged to apply online.**
**To apply for this position**, you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, January 15, 2016 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click **Apply Online** to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click **Submit My Answers** to submit your application package.
*NOTE*: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
### REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
All applicants are _**required**_ to submit the following supporting document type(s):
* Resume
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
* Cover Letter
* DD-214
* OF-306
* Other (Application VA Form 10-2850c)
* Other Veterans Document
* SF-15
* SF-50
* Transcript
******VA Form 10-2850c** - Application for Associated Health Occupations **(required)**. Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey;=&Action;=Search
Please use this checklist__to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify),documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, etc. You will not be contacted for additional information.
NOTE: A resume alone does not constitute a complete application packet.
**CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PLEASE NOTE: You must submit a complete application package prior to the closing date, including your latest SF-50 that shows current grade and step. We cannot make assumptions for your SF-50 if it is not recent, and does not provide grade, step and career status. You may also need to submit additional SF-50s to show your highest grade and step held if it is needed to verify your eligibility to meet the length of specialized experience at particular grade levels. On your Resume include all of your relevant work information (i.e. starting and ending dates of employment, hours worked, duties, etc.) The information you provide through this application process is forwarded to the selecting official. It is highly recommended that you use the resume builder in USA JOBS as it contains all of the information we need to determine whether or not you are qualified for this position. Failure to provide a complete application package and all the documents requested in the announcement may render you not qualified for the position you are applying for.**
**Veterans' Preference:** When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), or 10pt (CP/CPS, XPP, XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section(s) provided. A legible copy of your DD214(s) indicating character of service, disability certification, SF-15 (if claiming 10 pt. preference) or if you are currently serving on active duty and expected to be released or discharged within 120 days; documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Documentation is required for eligibility verification.
**Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:**You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1570093.
*NOTE*: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
### AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Gwendalyn D. Williams
Phone: (937)268-6511x1212
Email: GWENDALYN.WILLIAMS@VA.GOV
Agency Information:
VHA Dayton VAMC
Department of Veteran Affairs
4100 West Third Street
HRM Service
Dayton, OH
45428
### WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on “Application Status.” For a more detailed update of your status, click on “more information.” Information regardingapplicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
*Job Title:* Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Orientation & Mobility Specialist)
*Department:* Department Of Veterans Affairs
*Agency:* Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
*Control Number:* 423249300
*Job Announcement Number:* KO-16-GW-1570093-BU