Job Openings

VA PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

09/08/2026

The essential role of a WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, Living Skills Instructor, is the independent evaluation, treatment, and management of a blind rehabilitation program that teaches Veterans and active-duty service members with visual impairment how to utilize adaptive skills and techniques necessary to cope with the demands of everyday life. Instructional activities are directed toward achieving therapeutic objectives for patients who are blind or visually impaired in the areas of effective literacy and communication skills, orientation to and management of the indoor environment, proficiency in activities of daily living, pursuit of vocational skills, and adjustment to visual changes.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Assessment and development of personal, goal-based training programs for persons with visual impairments, ranging from young adults to elderly Veterans.
• Implementation of the Living Skills training program to help Veterans achieve their goals.
• Assesses the patient's ability to utilize adaptive equipment such as tactile markings on appliances, liquid level indicators, bump dots, Braille, and talking meat thermometers.
• Assesses the patient to determine the ability to use touch, hearing, and smell to help control environments specific to identified goals.
• Assesses the patient to determine the money management system that will best meet identified goals.
• Assesses the patient to determine the recording method that will best meet identified goals.
• Assesses the patient to determine adaptive kitchen aids that will best meet identified goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to use, instruct, and appropriately prescribe prosthetic equipment issued within this discipline. The incumbent must possess comprehensive knowledge and the ability to instruct patients in a wide variety of assistive technologies.
• Plans and instructs the patient in the use of tactile, large-print, and talking devices. The incumbent must have working knowledge and the ability to utilize recording devices, labeling techniques, Braille, and barcode readers.
• Plans and instructs the patient in the use of appropriate lighting, protective techniques, and other safety practices to optimize the use of adaptive devices in all daily activities.
• Plans and instructs the patient in the use of safety techniques and habits, including the maintenance and cleaning of all issued prosthetic devices.
• Plans and instructs the patient in all aspects of kitchen safety and outdoor grilling, including organization, operation, setup, and cleaning.

Grade Determinations:
BRS, GS-9:

• 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.
• Certification. No certification is required at this level.
• 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.(f) Ability to serve as team coordinator for assigned Veterans during their rehabilitation programs.

BRS, GS-11:

• Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade. 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.
• Certification. Certification is required at this grade level and above. BRSs at the GS-11 grade level must have at least one certification from ACVREP or a related, equivalent, professional certification.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge and understanding of highly specialized complex evaluations and diagnostic tests and procedures of blind/vision rehabilitation.
  • Ability to properly assess Veterans having diverse and multiple disabilities to make recommendations for blind/vision rehabilitation therapeutic interventions.
  • Skill in writing a blind/vision rehabilitation plan that includes evaluation information from multiple disciplines with observable, measurable goals and that identifies specific outcomes.
  • Skill in instructional methods and learning principles.
  • Ability to employ interventions and unusual motivational techniques and coordinate treatment with other professionals to achieve outcomes of the rehabilitation plan.
  • Ability to recommend appropriate blind/vision rehabilitation prosthetic devices for Veterans within scope of practice, making adaptations and modifications as required.

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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking; frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patient equipment; and pushing or pulling heavy objects. The work may require special physical characteristics and abilities, such as above-average dexterity, to perform intricate procedures. It also requires the ability to cope with a variety and complexity of situations due to the diversity of patients, duties, and responsibilities. Patience and emotional control are essential when providing rehabilitation.

E_mail: cheryl.acosta@va.gov

Phone: tel:619-357-9249

Cert: CVRT