Blind Rehabilitation Specialist - Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinator Job in Fayetteville, AR

Vacancy No. CBST-12721905-25-AB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $61,111.00 to $115,213.00 Grade 9 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/14/2025 Close Date 4/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Fayetteville, AR


Summary

The Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinator plans, develops, implements, directs and evaluates the VIST program at the VHA sites within his or her catchment area. The VIST Coordinator has major responsibility for the coordination of all services for visually impaired Veterans and Service Members and their families through the Visual Impairment Services Team.




Duties

If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply CBST-12721906-AB-25.

Duties of the Blind Rehabilitation Specialist - VIST Coordinator include, but are not limited to:

Outreach and Education:

  • Develops a cache of educational materials, in a variety of media that can be utilized to help achieve VIST outreach goals and objectives.
  • Provides in-service educational classes for VA and non-VA agencies and personnel.
  • Seeks to improve others' awareness with regard to blindness issues.
  • Utilizes developed methodologies to identify Veterans who are eligible for VIST program services, to include identifying blind Veterans from VA medical center diagnosis codes entered in their electronic medical record.
  • Educates VA medical center staff on the functional implications of vision loss and on blind rehabilitation matters.
Technical advisor to members of the Home Base Primary Care (HBPC) Team, and Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA). Other duties include:
  • Makes home visits to visually impaired, severely disabled Veterans who are unable to travel to the facility to counsel them and their families about benefits. VIST Coordinators are case managers for all eligible Veterans who have visual impairments requiring blind rehabilitation services.
  • Coordinates and oversees all of the Veteran's blind rehabilitation needs.
  • Determines the intensity of services based upon clinical judgment and the Veteran's goals.
  • Flags VIST-eligible Veterans' patient records so that medical center staff who access patients' records electronically are alerted to the Veteran's visual status.
Case Management for Visually Impaired Veterans:
  • Assess, treats, plans and follows up on treatment for visually impaired Veterans.
  • Performs assessments to establish Veterans' needs as they relate to the continuum of vision and rehabilitation treatment services.
  • Refers Veterans to the appropriate service component in the continuum of care for visually impaired Veterans.
  • Develops focused treatment plans containing goals to meet the Veterans' needs.
  • Provides follow-up for rehabilitation services that the Veteran has received.
Other VIST Coordinator duties:
  • Develops, implements and oversees special programs for visually impaired Veterans such as the local provision of computer equipment and training. The VIST Coordinator maintains effective communication with all of the BRS field elements to maximize Veterans' blind and vision rehabilitation outcomes.
  • Provides eligible Veterans on the VIST roster with an initial benefits review, and subsequent annual benefits reviews thereafter. The VIST coordinator must be knowledgeable with respect to all VA and non-VA benefits that may serve to enhance the lives of qualified Veterans. Additionally, the VIST Coordinator may assist Veterans in initiating action to apply for benefits.
  • Advise on Veterans Service Organizations that assist Veterans with regard to the acquisition of benefits, and the VIST Coordinator may refer a Veteran to one or more of these agencies.
  • Assists the Veteran and their family members with the issues surrounding the emotional adjustment aspects of blindness. The VIST Coordinator may draw on their own professional expertise to personally assist the Veteran and the Veteran's family members in this process, or the VIST Coordinator may make a referral to an appropriate clinician to assist.
  • Recommends issuance of prosthetic equipment for blind and visually impaired Veterans in accordance with VHA policies. When the issuance of a prosthetic item is deemed appropriate and subsequently approved, the VIST Coordinator may request authorization of funds with the intent of utilizing professionally qualified personnel to train the Veteran to appropriately use, care for and maintain the prosthetic device.
  • Convenes and leads a support group for Veterans and Service Members with visual impairment and their families or may partner with another entity to provide such support.


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
Telework: Available (ad-hoc)
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 564-00882-F, 564-00883-F, 564-00884-F
Relocation 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.
  • 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 evaluation.
  • 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:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education
    • (1)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 (without a major field of study as outlined in (1)(a) above) that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following:
        • 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).
        • One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15 -18 semester hours).
        • 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.
        • 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. Required at the GS-11 grade level and above.
    • BRS 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 certification via the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP), OR,
    • Individuals appointed based on experience as a Social Worker must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers are appointed to the GS-0601 series, but must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment,
      OR,
    • Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification(CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC),
      OR,
    • Individuals appointed based on experience in other health care occupations must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, such individuals are appointed to the GS-0601series, but must still maintain their full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment. Examples of occupations may include but [are not limited to Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
NOTE: The ACVREP administers four certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology Instruction and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.


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:

BRS, GS-09 (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.

Certification. No certification is required at this level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a)Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service.
(b)Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation.
(c)Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor.
(d)Skill in instructing [Veterans] and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques.
(e)Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice.
(f)Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.

BRS GS-11 (VIST Coordinator-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.

Certification. VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the certification requirements in paragraph 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;

Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board;
(c)Certification via the CRCC;

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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) 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.
(b) Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.(c) Ability to write a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes.
(d)Knowledge of VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs.
(e)Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers and other stakeholders.
(f)Knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles.
(g)Ability to coordinate with various resources to identify suitable training programs.

BRS, 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.

Certification. VIST Coordinators must meet the certification requirements above.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-11 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) 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.
(b) Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for therapeutic interventions.

Continues in Education

Education

(c) Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines and contains observable, measurable goals that identify specific outcomes.
(d) Knowledge of VA and non-VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs.
(e) Skill in interpersonal relationships dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers, and other stakeholders.
(f) Knowledge of psychological, rehabilitation, and counseling theories and principles.
(g) Ability to coordinate with various resources to identify and refer Veterans to suitable training programs.
(h) 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.

Preferred Experience: Minimum of one year of experience providing case management patient care and support services to a population of visually impaired patients; One year of experience that demonstrates mastery in adjustment counseling, coordinating access to services, assuring adequate compensation and benefits, and conducting complex negotiations with the medical and benefits system; Minimum of one year experience that demonstrates ability to convene and manage a local medical center team that meets regularly to influence and make recommendations regarding the best programs for Veterans who are visually impaired; Minimum of one year of experience that demonstrates the ability to manage a support group for blinded Veterans; Minimum of one year of experience that demonstrates the ability to plan and execute programs to locate blinded Veterans previously unknown to the VIST program through outreach.

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 aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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

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.

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.

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.

Area of consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1st Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks employees including satellites;
2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees;
3rd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees; and
4th Area of Consideration - current permanent Federal employees of other 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:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, and average hours worked per week.

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility):
  • Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

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
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • 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 04/21/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12721905.

  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

April Bookout
Address
Fayetteville AR VA Medical Center
1100 North College Avenue
Fayetteville, AR 72703
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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