Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) Job in White River Junction, VT

Vacancy No. CBTD-12716097-25-LRB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $69,213.00 to $130,488.00 Grade 9 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/10/2025 Close Date 4/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
White River Junction, VT


Summary

This Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) position is in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation services at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, located at the White River Junction, VT location.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens.

Duties

The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) position requires knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation and the use of assessments, therapies, and technologies to improve the independent function, quality of life and adjustment for Veterans who are blind or visually impaired. A Blind Rehabilitation Specialist functions independently in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, educational institutions and home environments.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Provides direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients.
  • Disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction and computer access instruction.
  • 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.
  • Works as part of a team coordinating care for blind and visually impaired veterans.
  • Responsible for developing and coordinating the veteran's Interdisciplinary Plan of Care (IPOC) with input from the Veteran and all team members.
  • 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.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 08:00 am - 04:30 pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized
Telework: Not authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: F06182 for GS-09, F06185 for the GS-11, and F06186 for the GS-12
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

Notifications:
  • This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.
  • This position is in the Excepted Service.
  • This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position

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).
  • 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:
  • U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. Chapters 73 or 74
  • Education: The individual must have earned:
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,

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following:
  1. 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).
  2. One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15 -18 semester hours).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

BRS GS-9 BRS (Entry Level):
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. AND,

Certification: No certification is required at this level. AND,

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.
  • Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.
GS-11 VIST (Developmental Level):
Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. 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. AND,

Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: BRSs who are VIST Coordinators may be drawn from traditional blind/vision rehabilitation backgrounds and from counseling backgrounds such as social work, vocational rehabilitation counseling, etc.

VIST Coordinators must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
  • Certification via the ACVREP; OR
  • Appointments based on experience as a Social Worker: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment (Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board); OR
  • Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
  • Appointments based on experience in other health care occupations: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Individuals must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment; (Equivalent and relevant professional credential in counseling or rehabilitation); Examples of other health care occupations may include but are not limited to Marriage and Family Therapists or Licensed Mental Health Counselors. AND,
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with staff at all organizational levels; with Veterans and their family members; with community groups; and individuals with varying degrees of understanding about visual impairment.
  • Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
  • Ability to write a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes.
  • Knowledge of VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs.
  • Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers and other stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles.
  • Ability to coordinate with various resources to identify suitable training programs.
GS-12 (VIST Coordinator-Full Performance Level):
Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-11 grade level. AND,

Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: BRSs who are VIST Coordinators may be drawn from traditional blind/vision rehabilitation backgrounds and from counseling backgrounds such as social work, vocational rehabilitation counseling, etc.

VIST Coordinators must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
  • Certification via the ACVREP; OR
  • Appointments based on experience as a Social Worker: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment (Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board); OR
  • Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
  • Appointments based on experience in other health care occupations: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Individuals must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment; (Equivalent and relevant professional credential in counseling or rehabilitation); Examples of other health care occupations may include but are not limited to Marriage and Family Therapists or Licensed Mental Health Counselors. AND,
****QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED IN THE EDUCATION AREA****

Education

****QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED FROM THE QUALIFICATIONS AREA****

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs described at theGS-11 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

  • Skill to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with staff at all organizational levels, with Veterans and their family members, with community groups, and individuals with varying degrees of understanding.
  • Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for therapeutic interventions.
  • Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines and contains observable, measurable goals that identify specific outcomes.
  • Knowledge of VA and non-VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs.
  • Skill in interpersonal relationships dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers, and other stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles.
  • Ability to coordinate with various resources to identify and refer Veterans to suitable training programs.
  • 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.
Certification: Required at the GS-11 grade level and above.

Loss of Credential:
  1. Once certified, a BRS must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification will result in removal from the BRS occupation and may result in termination of employment.
  2. A BRS who has, or has ever had his/her certification revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section B, Paragraph 16.
  3. If hired based on experience as a social worker, rehabilitation counselor, or equivalent, relevant professional counseling credential in rehabilitation, the VIST Coordinator must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment.
Preferred Experience: Physical requirements include light lifting and carrying, walking and standing up to 2 hours at a time, moderate kneeling, ability to read typewritten and handwritten characters, ability to hear, and mental and emotional stability.

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-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Physical requirements include light lifting and carrying, walking and standing up to 2 hours at a time, moderate kneeling, ability to read typewritten and handwritten characters, ability to hear, and mental and emotional stability.

****END OF QUALIFICATIONS****

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: 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.

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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
2. All other applicants based on Veterans' Preference.

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.

Required Documents

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

  • Resume
  • Transcript


Résumé Reminder: Your résumé must include the following information each job listed:
1. Job title
2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
3. Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
4. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week).

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your résumé. Be sure that your résumé clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

An incomplete application will receive a rating of IFFM (ineligible due to missing forms). Requests for reconsideration will not be considered for applicants who fail to submit a complete application package. We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software or fax transmissions.

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 (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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 04/25/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12716097.

  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

Lenwit Belanger
Address
White River Junction VA Medical Center
215 North Main St.
White River Jct., VT 05009
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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