United States Citizens Permanent Full Time The Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) is located within the Rehabilitation Service at the Dayton VA Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. The Medical Center is a level 1-C tertiary care and 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 community health programs and four community-based outpatient clinics (Springfield, Middletown, Lima and Richmond, Indiana).
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 1454918
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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.**
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
The Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) functions independently in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, educational institutions and home environments. The work enviornment may be in an office, clinical setting, classroom, private home, VA grounds, nursing home, community sites, and hospitals. The five skill areas addressed by BROS are orientation and mobility, low vision therapy, vision rehabilitation therapy, computer assisted training and manual skills training. Primary responsibilities and duties include but are 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, as well as young OEF/OIF Veterans, who may have wound and trauma related vision loss.
* Uses objective and subjective assessment tools and methods requiring broadly based advanced knowledge in the five skill areas.
* Selects, interprets and adapts traditional strategies in order to meet Veteran needs.
* Prioritizes rehabilitation training activities so as to maximize Veterans served, consistent with quality care and safety.
* Works closely with local VIST, Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service and the regional Blind Rehabilitation Center to identify, recommend and obtain equipment for Veterans during their rehabilitation and provides full training.
* Provides effective patient counseling in the adjustment to blindness as an integral component of the work.
* Administer a blind and vision rehabilitation-training program for the operation of a Poly Trauma unit, creating necessary local policies, projecting and administering budgets, documenting workload, writing reports, outcomes, scheduling of patients etc.
* Responsible for ensuring the Advanced Low Vision Clinic is compliant with CARF standards to obtain and maintain accreditation status; develops policies and procedures for the Advanced Low Vision Clinic.
* Manages the mileage logs and maintenance of the Advanced Low Vision Clinic’s transportation vehicle, collaborates with Engineering’s transportation section as necessary.
* Acts as Veteran Satisfaction Service Representative for Low Vision Clinic and Rehabilitation Service; compiles monthly patient comment card reports.
**Work Schedule:******1st Shift 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday******Functional Statement Title/#: Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS)**
**Preferred for this position: Dual Certifications (Low Vision & Mobility)**
**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 and Experience**
(1) 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 master’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**
(c) A bachelor’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 in the core curriculum in orientation in orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy or low vision therapy from an accredited college or university. For individuals this education must have included supervised practice; **and**,
(2) Completion of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the BRS, GS-9; **or**
(3) Three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree in blind rehabilitation **or**a directly related field.
(4) 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.
c. **Certification**. Required at all levels.
(1) Applicants must possess at least one active, current, full and unrestricted certification to be eligible for appointment. If the applicant has or has ever had a licensure or certification revoked for cause, or voluntarily relinquished such license or certification after being notified in writing by the State of potential revocation for cause, the applicant is ineligible for appointment. This applies even if the applicant possesses one or more valid, unrestricted license or registration (38 §U.S.C. 7402(f)). If all certifications are impaired, the individual is also ineligible for appointment in VA.
* **English Language Proficiency.**BROSs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j.
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.
**NOTE**: _Appointments of BRSs at the GS-5 through GS-9 levels are made in accordance with Appendix G41 (Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Qualification Standard). The only grade levels for BROS positions are GS-11 and GS-12 as stated below._
(1) **GS-11 BROS (Entry level)**
(a) **Certification.**Candidates must meet the certification requirements in subparagraph 2c above (at least one certification from ACVREP).
(b) **Education and Experience.**In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the candidate must fully demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) below:
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.
(c) **Assignment of Staff BROS.**Individuals in this assignment serve in a developmental capacity as the BROS at a medical center or an outpatient clinic and in patients’ homes and communities and are responsible for decision-making and for independent care under the direction of their supervisor 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 will receive training and oversight from the Blind Rehabilitation National Consultant for their region.
(2) **GS-12 BROS (Full Performance Level)**
(a) **Certification.**Candidates must meet the certification requirements in subparagraph 2c above. BROSs at the GS-12 level must achieve two ACVREP certifications to demonstrate full mastery in two areas of blind rehabilitation.
(b) **Experience.**In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition to meeting the KSAs at the GS-11 level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to independently develop, plan, and administer complex treatment programs.
2. 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.
3. Ability to coordinate, motivate, and effectively manage staff and/or committee members to include organizing work, setting priorities, and delegating tasks and responsibilities.
4. Ability to disseminate appropriate information through various media as a consultant or mentor.
5. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers and other stakeholders.
6. Ability to identify team group dynamics, objectively observe, and modify behaviors.
7. 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.
(c) **Assignments**
1. **Sole Practice BROS.**Individuals in this assignment may serve as the only BROS at a medical center or an outpatient clinic or in patients’ homes and communities and, are responsible for independent decision-making and independent care. Individuals in this assignment may serve as a member of or as consultant to a specialty care team such as the Polytrauma System of Care. BROS will demonstrate mastery abilities in two of the blind/vision rehabilitation specialty areas: orientation and mobility, low vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation therapy. BROS will also demonstrate advanced skill in the practice of the other content specialties in blind rehabilitation, e.g., computer training and manual skills. At the GS-12 level, BROS practice independently, seeking support from the Blind Rehabilitation Service National Consultant for the region when necessary.
**References:** VA Handbook 5005/48, Part II, Appendix G42, Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist Qualification Standard.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. Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle. 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.
**Environmental Factors:**Works alone and/or closely with others. Counsels, Educates, Trains, Evaluates progress, outside and/or inside.
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-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12. 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.****
**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 Tuesday, August 04, 2015 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.
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
**SF50** (showing current grade and step) is required for current Federal employees.
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, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
**Veterans' Preference:** When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. For more information, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
**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 1454918.
*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.
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.
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides is an overview of the benefits currently offered:http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.**** 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.