The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Service Chief). The Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Service Chief) will function in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education: The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation, [or a closely] related program in rehabilitation, special education, family and consumer science education, technology, and industrial arts education OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study, 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. Certification: Applicants must possess 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 Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) administers [four (4)] certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation, and Mobility, [Certified Assistive Technology Instructions Specialist] and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT). Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT). Assistive technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS)]. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-13. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of experience as a BRS equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to supervise, motivate, and manage effectively a diverse clinical staff applicable to a small Blind Rehabilitation Center or equivalent program. Skill in assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees. Knowledge to apply administrative and human resources policies effectively. Skill to organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks and responsibilities, and manage and direct the work of others to accomplish program goals and missions. Ability to adapt to new and changing work conditions, contingencies, and staffing. Ability to translate management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled service operations through technical direction, review, analyses and evaluation of program components including productivity, and ability to manage budgets. Ability to provide consultation and promote best practice procedures in blind/vision rehabilitation nationally; and serve as a national leader in the field of blind/vision rehabilitation. References: VA Handbook 5005/109 PART II APPENDIX G41 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: The majority of the incumbent's duties involve indoor light and sedentary administrative duties within the VA Medical Center. ["The Supervisory Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (Service Chief) duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for all aspects of the supervision and administrative management of Cleveland VAMC's Blind Rehabilitation programs. Planning and provision of comprehensive blind rehabilitation services to an adult population of Veterans which is characterized by a very significant number of medically complex older male and female Veterans. Ensure that rehabilitation care and support services are tailored to meet the individualized needs of the Veteran. Ensure that program assessments and delivery of services are responsive to the concerns of individual Veterans to the extent possible. Balance program elements to meet Veterans' needs for inpatient, outpatient, VA Video Connect (telehealth) and/or home care services. Review inpatient and outpatient workload, delegating assignments to staff to provide Veteran-centered blind rehabilitation in a variety of settings. Communicate performance expectations. Ensure staff completion of orientation and training and maintains competencies for position. Oversee completion of yearly employee performance plans and evaluations based on performance plan. Maintain current functional statements or position descriptions for a variety of disciplines. Monitor staff for compliance with clinical privileges, certifications and licenses. Ensure Blind Rehabilitation program conducts quality improvement and performance improvement programs and utilization reviews. Ensure CARF accreditation with involvement of facility Quality Improvement department. Assist in the development of guidelines, policies, procedures and their implementation within the Blind Rehabilitation Service in VA Central Office. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00AM-4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92028-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
