Summary
This position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, Georgia located in the Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center (ABRC). VIST Coordinators follow a model of lifetime care coordination offered to all Veterans with visual impairment who are eligible to receive services. The model requires varying degrees of intervention based on the clinical and psychosocial needs of each Veteran.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This job is open to VHA facility employees only.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.
Duties
The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator) serves as a key member of the Blind Rehabilitation Service, providing case management, rehabilitation planning, counseling, and care coordination services to Veterans who are blind or visually impaired. The incumbent works collaboratively with Veterans, families, healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure access to rehabilitation services, benefits, adaptive technology, and resources that promote independence and quality of life. At the GS-12 level, the incumbent serves in the full performance role with responsibility for program management, outreach, interdisciplinary team leadership, and complex case coordination.
Major duties include but are limited to:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the rehabilitation, psychosocial, adjustment, and independent living needs of Veterans who are blind or visually impaired.
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized blind and vision rehabilitation plans with measurable goals and outcomes.
- Provide case management, rehabilitation counseling, and adjustment-to-blindness services to Veterans and their families.
- Coordinate rehabilitation services with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, rehabilitation providers, community agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Facilitate referrals to VA and non-VA rehabilitation, low vision, vocational, educational, and community programs and resources.
- Educate Veterans and caregivers regarding rehabilitation services, adaptive equipment, compensation and benefits, and available support programs.
- Maintain accurate clinical records, case documentation, rehabilitation plans, and program reports.
- Participate in outreach activities to identify Veterans with visual impairments and increase awareness of available rehabilitation services.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and community partners to improve access to services and support Veteran rehabilitation goals
Additional Duties at the GS-12 Full Performance Level
- Independently manage and evaluate the Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) program.
- Lead interdisciplinary teams in the development and coordination of rehabilitation services for Veterans with visual impairment.
- Apply program management and decision-making principles to address operational needs, allocate resources, and improve service delivery.
- Develop and implement short- and long-range program goals, outreach initiatives, support groups, educational activities, and community presentations.
- Conduct complex coordination and negotiation activities with VA and non-VA healthcare systems, benefits programs, rehabilitation providers, and community organizations.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and consultant regarding blind rehabilitation services, visual impairment programs, and rehabilitation resources.
Work Schedule: 7:30a.m.- 4:00p.m.
Telework: Not Available
Functional Statement #: 63182F/63183F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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:
Citizenships. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Education. Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Doctoral Degree; or Doctoral Degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly 8 related field.
Certification. VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the certification requirements in paragraph 4c(4) above. 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 may be credentialed/certified through any of the following: (a) Certification via the ACVREP; (4) Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board; (c) Certification via the CRCC; (5) OR, (d) 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.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, OR three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree, OR a doctoral degree in Blind Rehabilitation or a directly related field.
Applicants must also possess a current qualifying credential, such as:
- Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) certification;
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification;
- State Social Work licensure; or
- An equivalent professional counseling or rehabilitation credential.
In addition, applicants must demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate effectively with Veterans, family members, healthcare professionals, and community partners.
- Assess Veterans with visual impairments and multiple disabilities to determine rehabilitation needs.
- Develop individualized rehabilitation plans with measurable goals and outcomes.
- Apply counseling, rehabilitation, and psychological principles to support adjustment to vision loss.
- Coordinate rehabilitation services and training opportunities through VA and community resources.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with Veterans, interdisciplinary teams, and stakeholders.
- Utilize knowledge of VA blind and low vision rehabilitation programs to support Veteran rehabilitation goals.
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At this level, the VIST Coordinator serves in a developmental capacity, providing case management, rehabilitation coordination, benefits guidance, and adjustment counseling services to Veterans who are blind or visually impaired and their families.
GS-12 Level
To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level and maintain a qualifying VIST Coordinator credential.
In addition to the competencies required at the GS-11 level, applicants must demonstrate the ability to:
- Independently assess complex rehabilitation needs and recommend appropriate interventions.
- Develop and manage comprehensive rehabilitation plans that incorporate multidisciplinary findings and measurable outcomes.
- Coordinate access to VA and non-VA rehabilitation programs, benefits, and support services.
- Apply decision-making principles to manage program operations, allocate resources, and address changing service needs.
- Develop short- and long-range program goals and implement strategies to improve service delivery.
- Lead interdisciplinary collaboration and build partnerships with community organizations and service providers.
- Communicate effectively with audiences ranging from Veterans and caregivers to executive leadership and community stakeholders.
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At the full performance level, the VIST Coordinator serves as the primary coordinator for visual impairment services, providing expert consultation, overseeing outreach initiatives, managing support and education programs, leading interdisciplinary service teams, and coordinating complex rehabilitation services and benefits for Veterans who are blind or visually impaired.
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-11 to GS-12.
Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring exertion such as standing or walking for up to two hours; frequent bending; reaching above the shoulder; light lifting and carrying (less than 40 pounds), pushing or pulling objects.
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 for 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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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:
Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.
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:
- Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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.
- License
- Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Other (1)
- Professional Certification
- 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 11/09/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13089180.
- 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.
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.