Job Title

Summary The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist provides blind and vision rehabilitation services for Veterans and Servicemembers who are visually impaired. Blind Rehabilitation includes the disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction and computer access instruction. Responsibilities Duties Include: Provide direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients which is characterized by a very significant number of older male patients. Evaluating and assessing needs, capabilities and limitations, goal setting and prescribing a treatment plan for individuals experiencing blindness/visual impairment caused by injury or disease. Responsible for ensuring that practice credentials and certifications for respective disciplines and skill areas are current. Enabling Veterans with visual impairment to gain a better understanding of their visual diagnoses and resulting problems. Assessing functional capabilities in the use of visual motor and visual perceptual skills, in areas such as reading, writing, self-care, safe independent travel and comprehensively and accurately assessing and identifying the blind rehabilitation needs and goals of Veterans while taking into consideration all other factors affecting the Veteran with visual impairment. Developing and modifying, as needed, an individualized rehabilitation treatment plan. Instructing in rehabilitation techniques and assistive technology to support Veterans in reaching their rehabilitation goals; instructing Veterans in effective use of their remaining vision through techniques that improve visual perceptual and visual motor function for daily tasks; providing information and education about visual impairment for family members and significant others, where needed, to support Veterans with visual impairment in incorporating practice of training techniques and use of assistive technology in the home and their surrounding environments. Maintaining effective communication and team cohesion within the BRS CoC to maximize Veterans' blind rehabilitation outcomes. Understanding the importance of recording and maintaining clear, accurate and concise documents that pertain to Veteran's profiles. 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. Demonstrates flexibility/adaptability to adjust to change and/or workload in a pleasant manner, handles differences of opinion in a business like fashion, follows instructions conscientiously, assists and functions as a team worker. Responsible for using and maintaining technology (discipline specific) necessary to assist in the Veteran's rehabilitation needs and processes. Works with family members and/or significant others to educate and counsel about the ramifications of visual impairment. Attends and participates in educational experiences pertinent to meeting the age-related special needs and behaviors of assigned patient, and to keep abreast of current developments in their field. Maintains awareness of new technological developments in the field through research and education. The incumbent serves as a subject matter expert for other medical and allied health staff by providing counseling to healthcare providers and professionals on the nature of visual impairment and blind and vision rehabilitation. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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 (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. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the