- Position Title
- Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator)
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CBTD-12716097-25-LRB Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, April 10, 2025 to Friday, May 9, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
Preferences
1.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
Your resume must be submitted in English and include the following information for each job listed:
- Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
- Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
- Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
In order to receive appropriate consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for Veterans' Preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (member copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-Point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference along with the required documentation listed on the form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage).
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) position with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire.
Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of the position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
Basic Requirements:
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
1.
English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Are you proficient in English?
2.
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 that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following:
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 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.
2a.
Please provide the following information regarding the academic institution from which you received your Bachelor's degree. If you do not have a degree indicate N/A.
Name of Institution:
City and State:
Degree:
Major/Program:
Month and Year conferred
Name of Institution:
City and State:
Degree:
Major/Program:
Month and Year conferred
Grade Requirements:
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
3.
BRS GS-9 (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
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education and experience above the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
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
Demonstrated 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.
3a.
Please provide the following information regarding the academic institution from which you received your Master's degree. If you do not have a degree indicate N/A.
Name of Institution:
City and State:
Degree:
Major/Program:
Month and Year conferred:
Name of Institution:
City and State:
Degree:
Major/Program:
Month and Year conferred:
Assignment: Individuals at this grade level serve as entry level staff BRSs. They are responsible for intake, assessment, planning for rehabilitation, intervention, and follow-up in the content specialties.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
4.
BRS GS-11 (VIST Coordinator-Developmental Level):
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
PLEASE NOTE: This Experience and KSA's must be documented in your resume and you must include transcripts and/or documentation to support your response.
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 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) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
- Appointments 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.]
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- 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.
PLEASE NOTE: This Experience and KSA's must be documented in your resume and you must include transcripts and/or documentation to support your response.
4a.
Please provide the following information regarding the academic institution/program from which you received your degree/training/certification.
- Name of Institution:
- City and State:
- Degree: Major/Program/Certification:
- Certification #:
- Month and Year conferred:
Assignment: Individuals in this assignment serve in a developmental capacity as case management professionals whose knowledge must be broad ranging and include not only the medical conditions and rehabilitation of Veterans who are blind and visually impaired, but also knowledge of their compensation and benefits, as well as VA and non-VA rehabilitation programs. In addition, VIST Coordinators work with Veterans and their families in readjustment counseling.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
5.
GS-12 (VIST Coordinator-Full Performance Level):
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-11 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
PLEASE NOTE: This Experience and KSA's must be documented in your resume and you must include transcripts and/or documentation to support your response.
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 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) (Certification via the CRCC); OR
- Appointments 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.]
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-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.
PLEASE NOTE: This Experience and KSA's must be documented in your resume and you must include transcripts and/or documentation to support your response.
Assignment: The GS-12 grade level is the full performance level for a VIST Coordinator. Individuals in this assignment will demonstrate mastery in adjustment counseling, coordinating access to services, assuring adequate compensation and benefits, and must conduct complex negotiations with the medical and benefit systems as well as non-VA service delivery systems. VIST Coordinators convene and manage a local medical center Visual/Impairment Services Team that meets regularly to influence and make recommendations regarding the best programs for Veterans who are visually impaired. VIST Coordinators at the full performance level manage a support group for blinded Veterans, publish a VIST newsletter, and provide community presentations to professional and lay groups to publicize the program. They plan and execute programs to locate blinded Veterans previously unknown to Blind Rehabilitation Service through outreach in their medical centers, in the community and in other service delivery systems such as vocational rehabilitation, community services for the visually impaired, community eye care, etc. They work closely with the BRS national consultants and VA central office staff to continuously upgrade and improve their practice and programs.
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.
NOTE: The ACVREP administers four certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology Instruction and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.
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.
IMPORTANT: You must submit verification of Education or Training from the school you attended. Failure to submit the appropriate supporting documentation with application may result in loss of consideration under this announcement.