Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator)
$ 69,213 - $ 130,488 / month
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Simplified
- Provides direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients.
- Disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, manual skills instruction and computer access instruction.
- Evaluating and assessing needs, capabilities and limitations, goal setting and prescribing a treatment plan for individuals experiencing blindness/visual impairment caused by injury or disease.
- Works as part of a team coordinating care for blind and visually impaired veterans.
- Responsible for developing and coordinating the veteran's Interdisciplinary Plan of Care (IPOC) with input from the Veteran and all team members.
- Studies visual and non-visual barriers and related processes that result in activity limitations, participation restrictions, loss of vocational and avocational opportunities, and psychological distress.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.
- This position is in the Excepted Service.
- This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position
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 examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following:
BRS GS-9 BRS (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. AND,
Certification: No certification is required at this level. AND,
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
- U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. Chapters 73 or 74
- Education: The individual must have earned:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 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.
BRS GS-9 BRS (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. AND,
Certification: No certification is required at this level. AND,
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service.
- Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation.
- Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor.
- Skill in instructing [Veterans] and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques.
- Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice.
- Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
- Certification via the ACVREP; OR
- Appointments based on experience as a Social Worker: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment (Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board); OR
- Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
- Appointments based on experience in other health care occupations: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Individuals must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment; (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. AND,
- 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.
- Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
- 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 VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships in 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 suitable training programs.
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
- Certification via the ACVREP; OR
- Appointments based on experience as a Social Worker: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment (Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board); OR
- Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
- Appointments based on experience in other health care occupations: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Individuals must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment; (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. AND,
Education
****QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED FROM THE QUALIFICATIONS AREA****
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs described at theGS-11 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- 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.
Loss of Credential:
- Once certified, a BRS must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification will result in removal from the BRS occupation and may result in termination of employment.
- A BRS who has, or has ever had his/her certification revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section B, Paragraph 16.
- If hired based on experience as a social worker, rehabilitation counselor, or equivalent, relevant professional counseling credential in rehabilitation, the VIST Coordinator must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
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 requirements include light lifting and carrying, walking and standing up to 2 hours at a time, moderate kneeling, ability to read typewritten and handwritten characters, ability to hear, and mental and emotional stability.
****END OF QUALIFICATIONS****
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: . 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: .
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
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.
- 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. .
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.
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 examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following:
BRS GS-9 BRS (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. AND,
Certification: No certification is required at this level. AND,
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
- U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. Chapters 73 or 74
- Education: The individual must have earned:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 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.
BRS GS-9 BRS (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. AND,
Certification: No certification is required at this level. AND,
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of policies and procedures of the blind/vision rehabilitation service.
- Knowledge of administration and interpretation of assessments and evaluations in blind/vision rehabilitation.
- Ability to develop a basic written blind/vision rehabilitation plan from assessment results and develop more complex plans with consultation from supervisor.
- Skill in instructing [Veterans] and families in a meaningful rehabilitation program and applying blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic techniques.
- Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision prosthetic devices for Veterans within the scope of practice.
- Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
- Certification via the ACVREP; OR
- Appointments based on experience as a Social Worker: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment (Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board); OR
- Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
- Appointments based on experience in other health care occupations: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Individuals must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment; (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. AND,
- 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.
- Ability to assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
- 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 VA blind and low vision rehabilitation treatment programs.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships in 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 suitable training programs.
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. AND,
Certification: VIST Coordinator candidates must meet the following certification requirements: 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 must be credentialed/certified through any of the following:
- Certification via the ACVREP; OR
- Appointments based on experience as a Social Worker: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Social Workers must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment (Licensure via the Social Worker Licensure Board); OR
- Certification via the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
- Appointments based on experience in other health care occupations: Applicant must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice in their field. If appointed as a VIST Coordinator, Individuals must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification in their occupation to remain qualified for employment; (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. AND,
Education
****QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED FROM THE QUALIFICATIONS AREA****
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs described at theGS-11 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- 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.
Loss of Credential:
- Once certified, a BRS must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of certification will result in removal from the BRS occupation and may result in termination of employment.
- A BRS who has, or has ever had his/her certification revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section B, Paragraph 16.
- If hired based on experience as a social worker, rehabilitation counselor, or equivalent, relevant professional counseling credential in rehabilitation, the VIST Coordinator must still maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
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 requirements include light lifting and carrying, walking and standing up to 2 hours at a time, moderate kneeling, ability to read typewritten and handwritten characters, ability to hear, and mental and emotional stability.
****END OF QUALIFICATIONS****
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: . 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: .
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
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.