Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Low Vision Therapist Job in Kings County, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12708587-25-JS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $87,133.00 to $113,268.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/20/2025 Close Date 4/3/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Kings County, NY


Summary

This position is located at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center (Kings County, NY). The position is within the Optometry Department location within the Department of Surgery. The primary purpose of this position is to provide blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and Service members. Blind Rehabilitation includes the disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction and computer access instruction.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens

Duties

Low Vision Therapists are responsible for:
- Assessing the patient's background, interests, future plans, motivation, needs, and capabilities for low vision therapy
- Working with team members to develop a training plan based on low vision therapy assessment results, patient goals and needs.
- Evaluating (with other team members and ancillary staff as needed) the veteran's mental ability, tactual perception, memory, spelling, study habits, as well as adaptive technology capacity.
- Uses effective interviewing techniques to obtain objective and factual information pertaining to the veteran's low vision adjustment, deficits, interests and aptitudes in assessment of specific skill areas
- Completes a functional low vision evaluation that identifies the impact of visual impairments on activities of daily living, orientation and mobility, vocational/avocational activities and personal adjustments. Use of functional vision evaluation tools under the supervision of the optometrist/ophthalmologist to assess visual acuity, contrast sensitivity function, visual perceptual and visual motor functioning and literacy skills in reading and writing.
- Evaluation of optical/ nonoptical/ electronic devices for enhancing residual vision at near, intermediate and far distances.
- Evaluation and training of veterans in the use of illumination, glare control and contrast techniques to optimize the use of optical devices, in all tasks of daily living.
- Evaluation of appropriate devices prescribed by the eye care professional.
- Provides training on specific visual motor skills, which includes the identification and use of preferred retinal locus for fixation/eccentric viewing, accurate saccades, etc.
- Provides instruction in the use of adaptive equipment that enhances visual function and/or compensates for loss of vision. This may include use of large print, reading stands, lighting management (lamps, filters and other illumination control), writing aids, software and electronic devices to address.
- Evaluating each veteran's safety habits and self confidence while performing low vision therapy related tasks.
- Providing consultation and vision rehabilitation therapy instruction to VA staff, family members, etc. as appropriate.
- Counseling veteran's regarding the advantages and limitations of various low vision therapy techniques and adaptive devices as well as the veteran's potential and progress.
- Recommending, training and ordering prosthetic devices to meet individual needs.
- Evaluating the veteran's ability to utilize residual vision for computer access.
- Presenting in-service, consultation, intra-VA details and community programs about low vision therapy and blind rehabilitation
- Documenting, in written form, the patient's progress, barriers to training and current treatment plan
- Attending and actively participating in staff/team meetings and serving as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team
- Writing required treatment plans, progress notes, and summaries for veteran treatment
- Provides guidance to other blind rehabilitation professionals regarding veterans computer training needs
- Maintaining 5.0 data as needed by VA Blind Rehabilitation.
- Assisting in the research in the evaluation of new devices and techniques for inclusion into the Blind Rehabilitation program
- Keeping abreast of current literature, teaching strategies, and technological advances specific to computer access training
- Completing required hours for VA educational training
- Assists team members with evaluation and training of veterans to perform activities of daily living within the scope of their certifications/disciplines.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
-The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist signs receipt of the Functional Statement upon hire or promotion. A signed receipted copy is placed in the Blind Rehabilitation specialist's competency folder

Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
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.

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:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.g., of this part.)

English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

Education (1) The individual 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. (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.

The ACVREP administers three certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Low Vision Therapists Must BE Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT®).

Grandfathering Provision. All BRSs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification(s) that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

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. Staff BRS candidates must meet the certification requirements in paragraph 3c(1) 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 following KSAs as described at the GS-9 grade level:
    • 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.
    • Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.
    • The candidate must also demonstrate all the following KSAs for the GS-11 grade level:
      • 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.
Is expected to obtain and maintain certification in the appropriate discipline of blind/vision rehabilitation.

The work environment may be in an office, clinical setting, classroom, private home, VA grounds, nursing home, community sites, and hospitals

Individuals assigned as GS-11 Blind Rehabilitation Specialist are considered to be at the full performance level.

References: VA Handbook 5005/109 PART II APPENDIX G41

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

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.

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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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, 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:

  • Resume


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.

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 (ET) on 04/03/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12708587.

  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.

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

Jacklynn Schmidt
Address
VA NY Harbor Healthcare System
423 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
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.


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