Blind Rehabilitation Specialist - Living Skills Instructor

Summary

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) is an inpatient facility located within the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). The WBRC embraces an interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of visual impairment so that program participants receive a full complement of services. The WBRC provides support and services annually to visually impaired Veterans and active-duty service members.

Duties

• The essential role of a WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, Living Skills Instructor, is the independent evaluation, treatment, and management of a blind rehabilitation program that teaches Veterans and active-duty service members with visual impairment how to utilize adaptive skills and techniques necessary to cope with the demands of everyday life. Instructional activities are directed toward achieving therapeutic objectives for patients who are blind or visually impaired in the areas of effective literacy and communication skills, orientation to and management of the indoor environment, proficiency in activities of daily living, pursuit of vocational skills, and adjustment to visual changes. Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Assessment and development of personal, goal-based training programs for persons with visual impairments, ranging from young adults to elderly Veterans. Implementation of the Living Skills training program to help Veterans achieve their goals. Assesses the patient's ability to utilize adaptive equipment such as tactile markings on appliances, liquid level indicators, bump dots, Braille, and talking meat thermometers. Assesses the patient to determine the ability to use touch, hearing, and smell to help control environments specific to identified goals. Assesses the patient to determine the money management system that will best meet identified goals. Assesses the patient to determine the recording method that will best meet identified goals. Assesses the patient to determine adaptive kitchen aids that will best meet identified goals. Demonstrates the ability to use, instruct, and appropriately prescribe prosthetic equipment issued within this discipline. The incumbent must possess comprehensive knowledge and the ability to instruct patients in a wide variety of assistive technologies. Plans and instructs the patient in the use of tactile, large-print, and talking devices. The incumbent must have working knowledge and the ability to utilize recording devices, labeling techniques, Braille, and barcode readers. Plans and instructs the patient in the use of appropriate lighting, protective techniques, and other safety practices to optimize the use of adaptive devices in all daily activities. Plans and instructs the patient in the use of safety techniques and habits, including the maintenance and cleaning of all issued prosthetic devices. Plans and instructs the patient in all aspects of kitchen safety and outdoor grilling, including organization, operation, setup, and cleaning. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 11197-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Education: 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, closely related program in rehabilitation, special education for the visually impaired, family and consumer science education, or technology and industrial arts education. 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: i. 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). ii. One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15 - 18 semester hours). iii. 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 and a directly related practicum/internship in the occupation, either included in the degree or post-degree. iv. 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. Certification. Required at the GS-11 grade level and above. (1) Applicants must possess 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, closely related professional credential in special education or rehabilitation. (2) Blind Rehabilitation Specialists (BRS) 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) Living Skills (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 Specialists (CATIS®). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: BRS, GS-9: Experience. Bachelor's degree and completion of one year of experience. OR, Education. Completion of at least two full years of progressive graduate education or a master's degree in a field directly related to the position. Certification. No certification is required at this level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service. Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation. Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor. Skill in instructing Veterans and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice.(f) Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs. BRS, GS-11: Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade. OR, Education. Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field. Certification. Certification is required at this grade level and above. BRSs at the GS-11 grade level must have at least one certification from ACVREP or a related, equivalent, professional certification. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation. Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions. Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes. Skill in instructional methods and learning principles. Ability to employ interventions and unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan. Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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-09 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking; frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patient equipment; and pushing or pulling heavy objects. The work may require special physical characteristics and abilities, such as above-average dexterity, to perform intricate procedures. It also requires the ability to cope with a variety and complexity of situations due to the diversity of patients, duties, and responsibilities. Patience and emotional control are essential when providing rehabilitation.

Requirements

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 identification 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.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13042247. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 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.