Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Visual Skills)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Biloxi (MS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Blind Rehabilitation Specialist in the Visual Skills Department to deliver comprehensive training for visually impaired Veterans and Service Members.

Responsibilities include assessing needs, creating treatment plans, counseling families, and providing direct patient care in an office/clinic setting. The role supports reintegration into community life and may require standing and mobility tasks.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• ACVREP certification or equivalent required for GS-11; multiple certifications may be required for higher grades.
• ACVREP certifications include COMS, CVRT, CLVT, CATIS.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient needs and set goals for vision rehabilitation.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and implement them.
• Counsel patients and educate families about visual impairment and coping strategies.
• Provide direct patient care to adult Veterans; primarily older male Veterans.
• Collaborate with family members to support reintegration and independence.
• Manage scheduling and work hours (7:30 am–4:00 pm, Mon–Fri).
• Note: Telework is not available for this position.

Education

Bachelor's degree in blind or vision rehabilitation or closely related field

Bachelor's degree with 30 credits and related graduate coursework + certificate in orientation and mobility / vision rehabilitation therapy / assistive technology for blind and visually impaired individuals / low vision therapy

ACVREP certification or equivalent (required at GS-11)

ACVREP certifications: COMS, CVRT, CLVT, CATIS

Two ACVREP certifications for BRS Advanced Practitioners (GS-13)

Job description

Summary

Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Visual Skills Department) provides training and instruction in blind and vision rehabilitation services for visually impaired Veterans and Service Members. The goal is to enhance quality of life through a comprehensive, individualized program to facilitate reintegration into community and family environments.

Qualifications

Applicants pending 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

• United States Citizenship: Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a).
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education and Experience: 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 or closely related programs; or
  • a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours of directly related upper level undergraduate courses and one full year of directly related graduate level coursework, plus a certificate 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 related practicum/internship; or for foreign graduates, proof of a minimum bachelor's degree with a specialization in blind rehabilitation confirmed through an independent credential evaluation.
• Certification: Required at the GS-11 grade level and above. Applicants must possess at least one active, full, unrestricted certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) or an equivalent professional credential. Specific certifications include:
  • Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS®)
  • Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT®)
  • Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT®)
  • Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS®)
• VIST Coordinators: May be drawn from traditional blind/vision rehabilitation or counseling backgrounds. Must be credentialed through ACVREP, licensed by a state, or hold a certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), among other acceptable credentials.
• Additional Certification Requirements: BRS Advanced Practitioners (GS-13) must hold two ACVREP certifications. Loss of certification may result in removal from the occupation and possible termination of employment.
• Grade Determinations: Preferred candidates have Certified Low Vision Therapist certification and experience teaching iPhone and iPad. The full performance level is GS-11; the selected grade may be between GS-09 and GS-11.
• Physical Requirements: The position may require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, bending, and wearing personal protective equipment. A driver's license and a physical exam are required to operate a government vehicle.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks and outdoors in varying temperatures. The role requires handling multiple tasks in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• The position is located at the GCBRC, providing training and instruction in blind and vision rehabilitation services for Veterans and Service Members.
• Purpose: to enhance quality of life by enabling veterans to reintegrate into community and family environments.
• Responsibilities include assessing needs, setting goals, developing individualized treatment plans, implementing plans, counseling, and recommending prosthetic and adaptive equipment.
• Provides direct patient care to an adult veteran population, predominantly older male veterans.
• Collaborates with family members or significant others to educate and counsel about visual impairment, fostering behavior change and coping strategies.
• Manages scheduling: 7:30 am–4:00 pm Monday–Friday (subject to change based on facility needs).
• Telework: Not a virtual position.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: None.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available.