This Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) position is in Sensory and Physical Rehab services at the VA Manchester Healthcare System, located at the Manchester, NH location.
The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator) position requires knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation and the use of assessments, therapies, and technologies to improve the independent function, quality of life and adjustment for Veterans who are blind or visually impaired.
A Blind Rehabilitation Specialist functions independently in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, educational institutions and home environments.Duties may include, but are not limited to: 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.
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. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 800am-430pm Compressed/Flexible: May be considered Telework: Ad hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: F08679 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is not a Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action).
The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
GS-12 (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: 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 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. Certification: Required at the GS-11 grade level and above. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $69905 – $131790/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-11-04.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-29 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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