Summary

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.

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens. If you are a (Current & Permanent) Federal Employee or (Current or Former) Participant of a VA Health Profession Trainee Program, please apply to our Internal Announcement: CAZM-12298111-24-JRH. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 02/08/2024. Additional applications will be referred as needed.

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.

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

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.

Qualifications

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 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®).

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.

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.

Grade Determinations:

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.

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-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

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

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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Copies of ACVREP Certification(s): (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®).
Resume
Transcript

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Copies of ACVREP Certification(s): (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®).
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and 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 Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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 01/29/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12298112.

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.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

VISN 17 SSU USAS Group

Email

VISN17SSUUSAS@va.gov

Address

VA TX Valley Coastal Bend HCS
2601 Veterans Drive
Harlingen, TX 78550
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. 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 USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the U SAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Blind Rehab Outpatient Specialist Job