Job Openings

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

01/23/2023

The Blind Rehabilitation Specialist provides direct patient care and support services to an adult population of patients which is characterized by a very significant number of older male patients. Review of demographic data discloses that the average age of the VA Greater Los Angeles patient is 63 years with a distribution of 90% male and 10% female. Within these broad categorizations, the employee must tailor patient care and support services to meet the needs of the individual patient.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assesses each patient's needs and the delivers services in response to the patients concerns
• Evaluates and assesses needs, capabilities and limitations, sets goals and prescribes a treatment plan
• Evaluates, treats, and manages a blind and vision rehabilitation program of instruction that teaches veterans with visual impairments to utilize adaptive skills and techniques necessary to cope with the demands of everyday life
• 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
• Develops treatment plans to improve the quality of life through the development of skills and capabilities needed for personal independence, emotional stability and the successful integration into community, family and environment
• Uses and maintains technology necessary to assist in rehabilitation needs and processes i.e. electronic travel aids, computer assisted technology, speech output and input devices, large print devices and Braille devices
• Determines the need for devices based on type, nature and severity of the problem, and assessments
• Instructs on the proper use, abilities, and limitations of devices
• Works with family members and/or significant others to educate and counsel about the ramifications of visual impairment
• Maintains awareness of new technological developments in the field through research and education
• Serves as a subject matter expert for other medical and allied health staff by providing counseling to healthcare providers and professionals on the nature of visual impairment and blind and vision rehabilitation
• Serves as a mentor for clinical trainees within the specific disciplines

E_mail: tedrik.zadourian@va.gov

Phone: 626-899-8785

Cert: CLVT

GS-11 Blind Rehabilitation Specialist:
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. Staff BRS candidates must meet the certification requirements mentioned in the certification section above.

• Blind Rehabilitation Specialists (Low Vision Therapist) at the GS-11 grade level must have a certification granted by ACVREP as follows: Low vision therapy - Certified Low Vision Therapists CLVT®
• Candidates with another ACVREP Certification will be expected to complete the CLVT® internship and practicum hours on-site to obtain the CLVT® certification within a year of starting.