Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist-Visual Skills/Living Skills

Qualifications

• Required Education: 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 (without a major field of study as outlined in (1)(a) above) that included 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.
• Required Certification: 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.
• Preferred Experience: Experience as a Certified Low Vision Therapist and a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.

Skills

• Ability to plan - direct - mentor - and distribute work assignments to volunteers - assistants - interns - and/or Blind Rehabilitation Specialists at lower grade levels.
• 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 Veterans 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.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with Veterans - 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 - develop short term and long-range goals - and plan for future utilization of resources.
• Skill in developing - planning - and administering complex treatment programs.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.