Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist

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. You must be proficient in the English Language. Education: You must have 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 (Transcripts Required);OR,A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined 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). (Transcripts Required)OR ,One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15-18 semester hours).(Transcripts Required)OR,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. Certification: (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, 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®). [(d) Assistive Technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS®). GS-12 Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of experience as a BRS equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-11 level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the KSAs required for the specific assignment and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs. Specialized experience for this position include: Ability to independently develop, plan, and administer complex treatment programs; 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; Ability to coordinate, motivate, and effectively manage staff and/or committee members to include organizing work, setting priorities, and delegating tasks and responsibilities; Ability to disseminate appropriate information through various media as a consultant or mentor; Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with patients, employees, other team leaders, managers and other stakeholders; Ability to identify team group dynamics, objectively observe, and modify behaviors; 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.