Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist Job in Aurora, CO

Vacancy No. CBSU-12735110-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $93,740.00 to $146,068.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/13/2025 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Aurora, CO


Summary

The Eastern Colorado Health Care System, located in Aurora, CO is currently recruiting for one GS-11 target GS-12 Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist, BROS for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Service.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered at regular intervals as additional vacancies occur or on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applications will remain on file until Sep 30, 25. This announcement is open to the public.

Duties

Full performance GS-12 Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist, BROS duties include, but aren't limited to the following:

Provides direct patient care & support services for Veterans who may have wound & trauma related vision loss
Tailors patient care/support services to meet patient needs including assessments, service delivery, & responding to patient concerns
Identifies those who would benefit from blind & vision rehabilitation training
Consults w/ Poly trauma team & VIST, eye clinics, blind & vision rehabilitation services & community resources to locate/serve potential Veterans to offer direct blind & vision rehabilitation services for five skill areas in Veteran's home, other residence or w/in community
Assesses, plans, trains & evaluates outcomes for Veterans using objective & subjective assessment tools/methods requiring broadly based advanced knowledge in five skill areas
Consults w/ local, regional & national resources for information
Selects, interprets & adapts traditional strategies to meet Veterans' needs
Develops individual rehabilitation-training plans that includes Veteran &/or family goals & achievable & measurable outcomes
Communicates plan to VIST, VISOR Clinicians, Low Vision Optometrist &/or Blind Rehabilitation Center to expedite rehabilitation training as needed
Prioritizes rehabilitation training activities to maximize Veterans served, consistent w/ quality care & safety
Designs rehabilitation training to shorten waiting time, minimize inpatient treatment at Blind Rehabilitation Center or eliminate need for inpatient services
Veterans experiencing safety issues receive priority for outpatient treatment
Makes maximum use of outpatient clinical facilities along w/ proper & judicious use of home-based services
Uses wide variety basic & complex training techniques, aids & devices
Uses objective/subjective assessment tools & trains Veterans on prosthetics & sensory aids to meet rehabilitation treatment plan goals
Uses sophisticated technology interfaces w/ goals related to ADLs, Communication, Low Vision & Orientation & Mobility
Works closely w/ local VIST, Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service & Blind & Low Vision Rehabilitation Continuum of Care to identify, recommend & obtain equipment for Veterans during rehabilitation & provide full training
Ensures assessment, rehabilitation training progress, consults, referrals & recommendation documents are properly entered in Veterans' charts
Provides care management for VA/non-VA outpatient blind & vision rehabilitation activities
Makes recommendations/specifications for all blind & vision rehabilitation contract services specific for Veterans blind & vision rehabilitation care
Monitors & supervises quality & quantity of non-VA contract or fee-basis blind & vision rehabilitation services provided to eligible beneficiaries
Provides effective patient counseling during blindness adjustment period
Uses extensive knowledge of psychosocial issues associated w/ visual impairment to assist Veterans in adjusting to visual impairment & the blind & vision rehabilitation process
Refers patients to appropriate professionals for more extensive counseling as needed
Administers blind & vision rehabilitation-training program for operation of Poly Trauma unit, creating necessary local policies, projecting & administering budgets, documenting workload, writing reports, outcomes, patient scheduling, etc.
Assures compliance w/ Joint Commission standards
Complies w/ national & local performance measures
Complies w/ all documentation procedures, including timeliness standards according to policies
Participates in educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior to promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer service & demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results
Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data according to Privacy Act of 1974 provision, federal regulations, VA statutes & policy, etc. Protects data from unauthorized release/loss; alteration/deletion; complies w/ access codes regulations & instructions
Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday-7:30am-4:00pm, but flexible schedules will be considered by supervisor.
Compressed/Flexible:Available
Telework: ADHOC available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PDGS-11-FS-57950-O, GS-12-FS-57951-O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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. 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 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).

Qualifications

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred & tentatively selected but can't be hired until all requirements are metBasic Requirements
  • Citizenship Must be US citizen Non-citizens only appointed when not possible to recruit qualified US citizens
  • English Language Proficiency Must be proficient in spoken & written English
  • Education Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university w/ major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation or closely related program in rehabilitation, special education, family & consumer science education, technology & industrial arts education
  • OR
  • Master's degree from accredited college or university w/ major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation, or closely related program in rehabilitation, special education, family & consumer science education, technology & industrial arts education
  • OR
  • Bachelor's or master's degree from accredited college or university w/out major field of study & obtained certificate from accredited college or university in core curriculum in orientation & mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, assistive technology for blind & visually impaired individuals, or low vision therapy. Education must have included supervised practice
  • AND
  • Completion of 1 year progressively complex experience equivalent to BRS GS-9 grade
  • OR
  • 3 years progressively higher-level graduate education leading to doctoral degree in blind rehabilitation or directly related field
Note: Foreign graduates must have proof of minimum of bachelor's degree from accredited college or university or foreign equivalent as verified through independent credential evaluation company w/ specialization in blind rehabilitation

Certification Required at all levels

1) Applicants must possess at least 1 active, current, full & unrestricted certification to be eligible for appointment
2) Applicants who have ever had certification suspended, restricted, limited or issued/placed in probationary status may be appointed only according to provisions in Chapter 3, Sec B, Para 16. Applicants who have ever had certifications revoked or terminated for cause, or voluntarily relinquished such certification after being notified in writing by State of potential revocation or termination for cause, is ineligible for employment & must be removed from occupation. Applies even if applicant possesses 1 or more valid certifications or registration

NOTE: Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals, ACVREP administers four certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Certified Assistive Technology Instructions Specialist & Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. They may then use the designation for certification they hold

BROS who provide following services must obtain & maintain 1 certification at GS-11 grade level & two certifications at GS-12 grade level granted by ACVREP as follows
  • Orientation & mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, COMS®
  • Communication & daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, CVRT®
  • Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists, CLVT®
  • Assistive technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, CATIS®
Loss of Credential BROS must maintain full, valid & unrestricted independent certifications to remain qualified for employment once certified. Loss of certifications results in removal from BROS occupation & may result in employment termination

Grade Determination Requirements: Candidates must possess following grade determination requirements in addition to basic requirements

GS-11

Experience None beyond basic requirements

AND

Certification At least one ACVREP certification

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, KSAs Candidate must demonstrate all following KSAs plus above experience

a) Knowledge & understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations & diagnostic tests & procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation
b) Ability to properly assess wide variety of patients having multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions
c) Skill in development & writing of blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines w/ observable, measurable goals & that identifies specific outcomes
d) Knowledge of teaching methods & learning principles
e) Ability to employ interventions, unusual motivational techniques & coordinate treatment w/ other professionals to achieve outcomes of rehabilitation plan
f) Skill in recommending appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for patients w/in scope of practice, making adaptations & modifications as required
g) Ability to plan, direct & distribute work assignments to volunteers, assistants, interns &/or BRSs at lower grade levels & perform assigned mentoring duties for staff, students & interns

GS-12

Experience Completion of minimum of 1 year of experience equivalent to GS-11 grade level plus basic requirements

AND

Certification At least two ACVREP certifications

AND

Demonstrated KSAs Candidate must demonstrate all following KSAs in addition to experience above

a) Skill to independently develop, plan & administer complex treatment programs
b) Ability to act as subject matter expert in blind/vision rehabilitation field & as consultant, supervisor &/or mentor in evaluating & treating patients in specialty or program areas
c) Ability to coordinate, motivate & effectively manage staff &/or committee members to include organizing work, setting priorities & delegating tasks & responsibilities
d) Ability to disseminate appropriate information through various media as consultant or mentor
e) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing w/ patients, employees, other team leaders, managers & other stakeholders
f) Ability to identify team group dynamics, objectively observe & modify behaviors
g) Ability to apply decision-making principles to adjust programs on day-to-day basis, to develop short-term & long-range goals & plan for future utilization of resources

Preferred qualifications: 2 or more Blind Rehabilitation ACVREP Certifications

Reference please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for qualification standards information

Full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Applicants may be selected as GS-11 or GS-12 for this vacancy

Physical Requirements:

Frequently lift/carry <15 lbs
Frequent use of computer equipment
Sit, walk, stand, bend, carry papers, books, laptop/other items, climb/descend stairs frequently
Complete, pass & maintain Basic Life Support certification
Possess & maintain valid state driver's license

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts can be unofficial transcripts, but must include your name, the school's entire name, the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, and name of degree received.

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/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. Your application, résumé, 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.

Required Documents

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

  • GS-11 require 1 of following certifications be uploaded: Orientation & mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, COMS®, Communication & daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, CVRT®, Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists, CLVT®, or 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 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 (VA)
  • GS-11 require 1 of following certifications be uploaded: Orientation & mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, COMS®, Communication & daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, CVRT®, Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists, CLVT®, or Assistive technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, CATIS®
  • GS-12 require 1 more of following certifications be uploaded:, Orientation & mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, COMS®, Communication & daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, CVRT®, Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists, CLVT®, or Assistive technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, CATIS®
  • Resume
  • 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.

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 Eastern Standard Time on 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12735110.

  1. 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.
  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.

Agency contact information

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Address
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
1700 N Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
US

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 USAJobs 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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements