Blind Rehabilitation Specialist - Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinator
The VIST Coordinator is a highly trained individual who serves as the local subject matter expert on low vision and blindness issues. The incumbent has full professional responsibility for the coordination of services related to blindness for visually impaired veterans and their families. With the multiple morbidities the cases tend to be difficult and complex both in terms of severity of the visual impairment and the presence of complicating physical and emotional factors, which impinge on the treatment process. Using professional and administrative skills, the incumbent makes the VIS Team and other support staff aware of complex medical, rehabilitation, social, psychological, vocational and other economic factors which must be considered in developing a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation plan. VIST Coordinators are responsible for:
Outreach and Education VIST Coordinators are case managers for all eligible Veterans who have visual impairments requiring blind rehabilitation services. VIST Coordinators assess, treat, plan and follow up treatment for visually impaired Veterans. VIST coordinators may develop, implement and oversee special programs for visually impaired Veterans such as the local provision of computer equipment and training. The VIST Coordinators maintains effective communication with all of the BRS field elements to maximize Veterans' blind and vision rehabilitation outcomes. The VIST Coordinator 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. VIST Coordinators are also aware of 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. The VIST Coordinator assists the Veteran and their family members with the issues surrounding the emotional adjustment aspects of blindness. The VIS Team and 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. The VIST Coordinator may recommend issuance of prosthetic equipment for blind and visually impaired Veterans in accordance with VHA policies. If the issuance of a prosthetic item is deemed appropriate and subsequently approved, then 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. The VIST Coordinator convenes and leads a support group for Veterans and Servicemembers with visual impairment and their families or may partner with another entity to provide such support. This is the full performance level for VIST Coordinators. GS-12 Blind Rehabilitation Specialists-VIST Coordinators must be credentialed via licensure or certification. Work Schedule:
Monday thru Friday, 7:
30am to 4:
00pm The New England VA Medical Centers are acute care facilities operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week. While most tours of duty are scheduled during the day, the possibility of working evenings, nights and weekends to exist. TELEWORK ELIGIBLE:
May be Available for Highly Qualified Candidates To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement, 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 - 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. 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. NOTE:
The ACVREP administers four certification programs:
Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology Instruction and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. They may then use the designation for the certification they hold (as listed in subparagraph (2)) below:
BRS who provide the following service must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows:
Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS ). Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT ). Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT ). Assistive Technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS ). 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 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-0601 series, 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. Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Requirements In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, and demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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. 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). Preferred
Experience:
Case Management Experience. References:
VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G41, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements:
The work is generally stationary but will require Light lifting, light carrying, walking, standing, and hearing (aid permitted).
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Outreach and Education VIST Coordinators are case managers for all eligible Veterans who have visual impairments requiring blind rehabilitation services. VIST Coordinators assess, treat, plan and follow up treatment for visually impaired Veterans. VIST coordinators may develop, implement and oversee special programs for visually impaired Veterans such as the local provision of computer equipment and training. The VIST Coordinators maintains effective communication with all of the BRS field elements to maximize Veterans' blind and vision rehabilitation outcomes. The VIST Coordinator 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. VIST Coordinators are also aware of 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. The VIST Coordinator assists the Veteran and their family members with the issues surrounding the emotional adjustment aspects of blindness. The VIS Team and 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. The VIST Coordinator may recommend issuance of prosthetic equipment for blind and visually impaired Veterans in accordance with VHA policies. If the issuance of a prosthetic item is deemed appropriate and subsequently approved, then 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. The VIST Coordinator convenes and leads a support group for Veterans and Servicemembers with visual impairment and their families or may partner with another entity to provide such support. This is the full performance level for VIST Coordinators. GS-12 Blind Rehabilitation Specialists-VIST Coordinators must be credentialed via licensure or certification. Work Schedule:
Monday thru Friday, 7:
30am to 4:
00pm The New England VA Medical Centers are acute care facilities operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week. While most tours of duty are scheduled during the day, the possibility of working evenings, nights and weekends to exist. TELEWORK ELIGIBLE:
May be Available for Highly Qualified Candidates To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement, 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 - 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. 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. NOTE:
The ACVREP administers four certification programs:
Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology Instruction and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. They may then use the designation for the certification they hold (as listed in subparagraph (2)) below:
BRS who provide the following service must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows:
Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS ). Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT ). Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT ). Assistive Technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS ). 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 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-0601 series, 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. Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Requirements In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, and demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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. 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). Preferred
Experience:
Case Management Experience. References:
VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G41, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements:
The work is generally stationary but will require Light lifting, light carrying, walking, standing, and hearing (aid permitted).
- Department:
0601 General Health Science - Salary Range:
$85,428 to $111,062 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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