[NFBP-Talk] Fwd: [blind-philly-comp] Employment Opportunity: Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Philadelphia, PA

Mon Feb 25 14:28:38 UTC 2019

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Goldfield <david.goldfield at outlook.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2019 03:16:06 +0000
Subject: [blind-philly-comp] Employment Opportunity: Blind
Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator),US Department of Veterans
Affairs,Philadelphia, PA
To: "blind-philly-comp at freelists.org" <blind-philly-comp at freelists.org>

Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator)
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Philadelphia, PA

$79,239 - $103,011 a year
Part-time
list of 4 items
Duties
Summary

The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) plans,
develops, implements, directs and evaluates the Visual Impairment
Service (VIS) Team program
at the VHA sites within his or her catchment area. The Visual
Impairment Service Team Coordinator case manages patient care and
support services to an
adult population of patients which is characterized by a very
significant number of older male patients as well as young Veterans
who may have wound and
trauma related vision loss.

Responsibilities
Outreach and Education including:
list of 11 items nesting level 1
◦ Developing a cache of educational materials, in a variety of media
that can be utilized to help achieve VIST outreach goals and
objectives;
◦ Providing in-service educational classes for VA and non-VA agencies
and personnel;
◦ Seeking to improve others' awareness with regard to blindness issues.
◦ Utilizing 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;
◦ Educating VA medical center staff on the functional implications of
vision loss and on blind rehabilitation matters;
◦ Determining the intensity of services based upon clinical judgment
and the Veteran's goals;
◦ Flagging VIST-eligible Veterans' patient records so that medical
center staff who access patients' records electronically are alerted
to the Veteran's
visual status.
◦ Performing assessments to establish Veterans' needs as they relate
to the continuum of vision and rehabilitation treatment services;
◦ Referring Veterans to the appropriate service component in the
continuum of care for visually impaired Veterans;
◦ Developing focused treatment plans containing goals to meet the
Veterans' needs;
◦ Providing follow-up for rehabilitation services that the Veteran has
received.VIST coordinators may develop, implement and oversee special
programs for
visually impaired Veterans such as the local provision of computer
equipment and training.
list end nesting level 1

The VIST Coordinator maintains effective communication with all of the
Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (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.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Fi nancial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

12

• Job family (Series)
0601 General Health Science

• Requirements

Requirements
Conditions of Employment
list of 7 items nesting level 1
◦ You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
◦ Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
◦ Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
◦ You may be required to serve a probationary period
◦ Subject to a background/security investigation
◦ Must be proficient in written and spoken English
◦ Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
list end nesting level 1
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by
the closing date of this announcement, 03/13/2019.
Basic Requirements :
list of 5 items nesting level 1
◦ 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) A bachelor's
degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of
study in blind
or vision rehabilitation, related program in rehabilitation, special
education, family and consumer science education, technology and
industrial arts education,
or health care; or,(b) 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: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 in the core curriculum in
orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy or low vision
therapy from
an accredited college or university and a directly related
practicum/internship in the occupation, either included in the degree
or post-degree.(2) 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 GS-11 and above.(1) 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, related professional credential in special education,
rehabilitation or health care. If all certifications are impaired, the
individual is
ineligible for appointment in VA. NOTE: The ACVREP administers three
certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility,
and Vision Rehabilitation
Therapy. Once certification candidates are approved, they receive an
official letter of acceptance, a certificate, and a logo pin. They may
then use the
designation for the certification they hold (as listed in subparagraph
(2) below(2) BRSs who provide the following service must obtain
certification granted
by ACVREP as follows:(a) Orientation and mobility training - Certified
Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS®).(b) Communication and
daily living
therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching) - Certified Vision
Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT®).(c) Low vision therapy - Certified
Low Vision Therapists
(CLVT®).(3) BRSs who are VIST Coordinators may be drawn from
traditional blind/vision rehabilitation backgrounds, and also from
counseling backgrounds
such as social work, vocational rehabilitation counseling, etc. VIST
Coordinators must be credentialed/certified through:(a) Any
certification via the
Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education
(ACVREP), or(b) Individuals appointed on the basis of being licensed
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-601 series,
but must still
maintain a full, valid and unrestricted independent license or
certification to remain qualified for employment, or(c) Certification
via the Commission
on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (Certified Rehabilitation
Counselor, CRC), or(d) Individuals appointed on the basis of being
licensed in another
health care occupation must be licensed or certified by a state to
independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST
Coordinator, such individual
will be appointed to the GS-601 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 not limited to Occupational Therapists and Psychologists.
◦ Physical Requirements . See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
◦ English Language Proficiency . BRSs must be proficient in spoken and
written English as required by VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3,
Section A,
Paragraph 3j.
list end nesting level 1
Grade Determinations : GS-12 (Full performance level for VIST
Coordinators)(a) Certification. BRS must meet the certification
requirements in paragraph
2c(1) and (2) above. VIST Coordinators must meet the certification
requirements in paragraph 2c(3) above.(b) Experience. In addition to
meeting the basic
requirements, completion of a minimum of 1 year of progressively
complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In
addition to meeting the
KSAs described at the GS-11 level, such as the 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 teaching methods and learning principles; and
the ability to employ
interventions, unusual motivational techniques and coordinate
treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the
rehabilitation plan. the candidate
must fully demonstrate the KSAs required for the specific assignment.
Demonstrated KSAs for GS-12: 1. Ability to independently develop,
plan, and administer
complex treatment programs.2. Ability to act as a subject matter
expert in the blind/vision rehabilitation field and as consultant,
supervisor and/or mentor
in evaluating and treating patients in specialty or program areas.3.
Ability to coordinate, motivate, and effectively manage staff and/or
committee members
to include organizing work, setting priorities, and delegating tasks
and responsibilities.4. Ability to disseminate appropriate information
through various
media as a consultant or mentor.5. Skill in interpersonal
relationships in dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders,
managers and other stakeholders.6.
Ability to identify team group dynamics, objectively observe, and
modify behaviors.7. 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. References: VA Handbook
5005/48, Part
II, Appendix G41The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: The work requires extreme patience and
controlling of emotions.
The work may require using appropriate techniques to physically
restrain patients who present a danger to self or others. The work may
also require assisting
physically disabled veterans. Day-to-day work involves sitting,
walking, standing and carrying light objects, such as medical records.
Work is typically
performed in a clinical setting that exposes the incumbent to the
communicable disease common of the homeless population. Much of the
work is performed
in a setting away from the office, where the environment cannot be
controlled. Education
IMPORTANT: 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:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
.

Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have
faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the
qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY
NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application,
résumé, C.V., and/or
supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all
instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration
for employment.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will
review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend
the grade and
salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees
eligible for promotion, the board will determine grade and HR will
determine step
in accordance with policy.

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.

Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

• Required Documents

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

1-CV (Resume) (REQUIRED)
2-VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can
be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search
. (REQUIRED)
3-SF 50 (if applicable)
4- DD214(if applicable)
5-SF-15 (if applicable)
6-Transcript (if applicable)

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if
applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this
position. Please use this checklist
to 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.

list of 7 items nesting level 1
◦ Cover Letter
◦ DD-214
◦ VA Fprm 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
◦ Resume
◦ SF-15
◦ SF-50
◦ Transcript
list end nesting level 1

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 http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx . 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.

• Benefits

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. Learn 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.
list end

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WWW.David-Goldfield.Com<http://WWW.David-Goldfield.Com>