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Blind Rehab Outpatient Specialist

Laredo, TX

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Security Clearance: None

The Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) operates as part of the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (TVCBHCS). The BROS manages and provides direct blind and vision rehabilitative training services to visually impaired Veterans and servicemembers. The BROS identifies, assesses trains manages and provides follow-up for Veterans using clinical resources of the facility.

Duties

The Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS):

functions in several settings including non-VA hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, educational institutions, home environments, as well as all VHA clinical settings.
is the sole practitioner of this specialty within the TVCBHCS but works closely with the TVCBHCS VIST Coordinator.
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 younger Veterans who may have wound and trauma related vision loss.
tailors patient care and support services to meet the needs of the individual patient.
is responsible for identifying beneficiaries who have the potential to benefit from blind and vision rehabilitation training (in concert with Blind Rehabilitation Center, Polytrauma team, all VIST and other facility resources.
consults with Poly trauma team and all VIST, eye clinics, blind and vision rehabilitation services, and community resources to locate and serve potential Veterans to offer direct blind and vision rehabilitation service in all five skill areas in the veteran's home, other residence or within the community as the need arises.
is responsible for blind and vision rehabilitation assessment, planning, raining, and outcomes evaluation on each Veteran for whom service is provided.
uses objective and subjective assessment tools and methods requiring broadly based advanced knowledge in the five skill areas.
consults with local, regional, and national resources for information. Incumbent selects, interprets and adapts traditional strategies to meet Veteran needs.
develops an individualized rehabilitation-training plan for each Veteran with rehabilitation potential. Each plan includes Veteran and/or family goals, as well as achievable and measurable outcomes.
prioritizes rehabilitation training activities to maximize Veterans served, consistent with quality care and safety. Rehabilitation training will be designed to shorten waiting time, minimize use of the inpatient treatment at a Blind Rehabilitation Center or obviate the need for inpatient services.
makes use of a wide variety complex training aids and devices to maximize Veteran's rehabilitation potential. The incumbent also uses complex assessment tools and trains Veterans on sophisticated prosthetics and sensory aids to accomplish the work, i.e., sophisticated computer interfaces for use with e-mail and Global positioning systems.
functions as an independent provider of blind and vision rehabilitation services. When providing direct care, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring documents of assessment, rehabilitation training progress, consults, referrals, and recommendations are properly entered in the Veteran's chart.
provides care management for both VA and non-VA outpatient blind and vision rehabilitation activities.
develops recommendations and specifications for all blind and vision rehabilitation contract services specific for a Veteran's blind and vision rehabilitation care.
monitors the quality and quantity of non-VA contract or fee-basis blind and vision rehabilitation services provided to eligible beneficiaries.
provides effective patient counseling in the adjustment to blindness as an integral component of the work.
relies upon his/her extensive knowledge of the psychosocial issues associated with visual impairment to assist the Veteran in adjustment to visual impairment and the blind and vision rehabilitation process. The patient is referred to an appropriate professional for more extensive counseling as required.
may also 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.
is expected to provide blind and vision rehabilitation services as a team member but also as an independent clinician as he/she carries out treatments.
provides VIST services as appropriate and indicated.
Drives a government and/or personal vehicle as part of the regular duties to provide service to Veteran's in the community, may be required to drive patients in rare cases.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Telework with 1-2 anchor clinic days
Telework: This position will have telework capabilities from clinic nearest to selected applicant's home.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment
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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Valid Driver's License Required
Qualifications
VA Health Profession Trainees (HPT)'s who have successfully completed or are expected to successfully complete an affiliate sponsored or VA sponsored training program may be considered based on completing the requirements listed below by the date of appointment. Please ensure you provide all supporting documentation regarding your training program and expected completion.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
(1) Qualified candidates 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,
(b) 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,
(c) 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: Individuals at this grade level serve as [entry level] 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 [Veteran cases.]OR,
(d) Three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree in blind rehabilitation or a directly related field. OR
(e) Foreign graduates must provide 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. The evaluation must be submitted with this application.

CERTIFICATION(S):
Qualified candidates must have at least one (1) of the following certifications offered by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) to qualify for appointment at the GS-11 level and two (2) to qualify for the GS-12 level. The certification must be in active, current, full, and unrestricted status.

(a) Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS®).
(b) Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT®).
(c) Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT®).
(d) Assistive technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS®).

NOTE: Upon hire, GS-11 BROS are required to obtain a 2nd certification from ACVREP within 2 years of the initial appointment date to demonstrate journey mastery in two specialty areas and to become a GS-12 BROS. Failure to do so will result in removal from the BROS occupation and may result in termination of employment.

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

Loss of Credential. Once certified, a BROS must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent certification[(s)] to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification[(s)] will result in removal from the BROS occupation and may result in termination of employment.

VA Employees who have been continuously employed as BROS within VA since, 5/14/209, release of the current BROS Qualification Standard may meet the basic requirements through the Grandfathering Provision.

Grade Determinations:

BROS, GS-11 (Entry level)

Experience. [None beyond the basic requirements.]

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all [of] the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation.
(b) Ability to properly assess a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
(c) [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.
(d) Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles.
(e) Ability to employ interventions, unusual motivational techniques, and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan.
(f) Skill in recommending appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for patients within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required.
(g) 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 one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Individuals at the GS-11 level serve in a developmental capacity as the BROS at a medical center[,] or an outpatient clinic[,] and in patients' homes and communities. BROS are responsible for decision-making and [ ] independent care under the direction of their supervisors 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[s] will receive training and oversight from the Blind Rehabilitation National Consultant for their regions.

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:
(a) Skill to independently develop, plan, and administer complex treatment programs.
(b) 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.
(c) Ability to coordinate, motivate, and effectively manage staff and/or committee members to include organizing work, setting priorities, and delegating tasks and responsibilities.
(d) Ability to disseminate appropriate information through various media as a consultant or mentor.
(e) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers, and other stakeholders.
(f) Ability to identify team group dynamics, objectively observe, and modify behaviors.
(g) 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.

Qualifications are continued in the Additional Info Section of This Announcement.
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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by a body recognized by the US Dept. of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the U.S. Dept. of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Additional information
Qualifications (Continued):

Preferred Experiences:

Two years experience in an area of blind rehab practice and is independently licensed or certified by a state to practice.
Experience working with families and/or caregivers and experience in providing outreach/educational programs.
Experience in caregiver and family clinical interventions to facilitate the identification of caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress and social needs as treatment issues.
Must be familiar with VA and/or local community agencies and resources.
Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and collaboration.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G42, Dated 5/14/2019

The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-12. The grades at which an applicant may be selected is GS-11 or GS-12.

Physical Requirements:
Light lifting, carrying, under 15 lbs
Walking, 4-6 hrs
Standing, 3-6 hrs
Repeated bending, ½ hr
Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor ehicle
Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
Depth perception
Hearing, aid permitted

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.