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The Blind Rehabilitation Chief has responsibility for administering all aspects of the West Palm Beach VA Hospital Blind Rehabilitation program. The West Palm Beach Blind Rehabilitation Center operates 13 inpatient beds and the full complement of associate low vision services. 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. Education: (a) A Bachelor's/Master'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 for the visually impaired, family and consumer science education, or technology and industrial arts education. OR, (b) A Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited college or university (without a major field of study as outlined in (1)(a) above) that included, or was supplemented by, at least one of the following: i. 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). ii. One full year of directly related graduate level coursework (typically at least 15 -18 semester hours). iii. 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. iv. 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. (1) Applicants 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. NOTE: The ACVREP administers four certification programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology Instruction and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. They may then use the designation for the certification they hold (as listed in subparagraph (2)) below: (a) BRS who provide the following service must obtain certification granted by ACVREP as follows: (b) Orientation and mobility training - Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS®). (c) Communication and daily living therapy - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT®). [(d) Assistive Technology - Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS®). Applicants with a minimum of five years of supervisory experience working in a similar setting are preferred. An applicant who has, or ever had his/her certification suspended, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, Section B, Paragraph 16 of this part. An applicant who has or has ever had a certification revoked or terminated for cause, or voluntarily relinquished such certification after being notified in writing by the State of potential revocation or termination for cause, is ineligible for employment and must be removed from the GS-0601 series. This applies even if the applicant possesses one or more valid certifications or registration (38 U.S.C. § 7402(f)). English Language Proficiency. Candidates who are not proficient in written and spoken English will not be appointed to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA under the authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of experience as a BRS equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Certification. Candidates must meet the credentialing/certification requirements listed above Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs described at the GS-12 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Ability to balance responsibilities and work with great autonomy. (b) Ability to organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions. (c) Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the section, and to develop and administer systematic internal reviews to ensure conformance with local and national policies as well as accreditation standards. (d) Ability to provide technical expertise, supervise, motivate, and effectively manage a diverse clinical staff. (e) Skill in assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees. (f) Ability to develop productivity standards applicable to a blind rehabilitation center or equivalent clinical program. (g) Ability to adapt to new and changing work conditions, staffing, and contingencies. References: VA Handbook 5005/34, 5005/48, 5005/109, 5005/110, Appendix-G41 and G42.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: The work requires extreme patience and controlling of emotions. The work may require using appropriate techniques to physically restrain patients who present a danger to self or others. The work may also require assisting physically disabled veterans. Day-to-day work involves sitting, walking, standing and carrying light objects, such as medical records. Work is typically performed in a clinical setting that exposes the incumbent to the communicable disease common of the homeless population. ["Incumbent is responsible for all aspects of the supervision and administrative management of an inpatient center and outpatient clinic of West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System's Blind Rehabilitation Service. The incumbent provides supervision of key clinical and training programs, including the overall technical oversight of the Blind Rehabilitation Specialists. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining compliance and sustaining full CARF accreditation for the program. Incumbent balances program elements to meet veterans' needs for inpatient, outpatient, and /or home care services. Reviews inpatient and outpatient workload, delegating assignments to staff to provide veteran-centered blind rehabilitation in a variety of settings. Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures to address focused clinical needs and the overall services delivered and provided within the section. Demonstrates autonomy in performing responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, assigning work to employees, monitoring workload and clinical volume, staffing, imposing disciplinary measures and monitoring clinical privileges. Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary blind and vision rehabilitation across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to provide clinical guidance to Blind Rehabilitation Specialists within the department. Demonstrates knowledge of human resources administration, including such functions as the ability to interview and select qualified applicants, monitor and evaluate performance, and maintain effective labor management relations within scope of responsibility. Demonstrates the ability and skills to effectively supervise, direct, and manage a diverse staff and in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Demonstrates the ability to analyze clinically appropriate data to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within the section. Demonstrates the ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, and solve problems in order to meet multiple deadlines and identify/address organizational problems. Provides overall clinical supervision that assures the proper coordination and delivery of care within the blind rehabilitation section and the facility at large. Employees' work assignments, workloads, and problems must be well managed by the Supervisor. Makes recommendations in regard to employee recognition, promotions, recruitment, as well as adverse actions. Assists medical center management in utilization review activities, quality improvement, and other administrative reporting. He/she actively follows the tenants of EEO. Assists and guides management in preparations for JOINT COMISSION, CARF, and other accreditation programs or inspections. Appropriately establishes priorities and assigns tasks accordingly. Ensures staff understands short term priorities. Effectively assigns and delegate's work. Clearly communicates performance expectations. Ensures staff completion of orientation and training and maintains competencies for position. Oversees completion of yearly employee performance plans and evaluations based on performance plan. Ensures staff understanding of organizational direction and their part in achieving those goals and mission of VA. Provides feedback, mentoring, and coaching as needed. Conducts performance reviews/proficiency ratings in a timely fashion. Provides recognition and/or rewards for high level performance. Addresses performance and conduct issues promptly as they occur. Handles issues with a consistent approach and documents as appropriate. Maintains current functional statements or position descriptions for a variety of disciplines. Monitors staff for compliance with clinical privileges, certifications and licenses. Appropriately provides counsel and documents employee performance and conduct issues as needed. Ensures local education requirements are met as appropriate. Fosters an environment that values and respects individual differences. Takes an active role in prevention of harassment behavior and adheres to policies Understands and adheres to federal regulations in regarding staffing practices. Understands recruitment options and collaborates with HR throughout the staffing process (recruiting, hiring, staffing). Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: May be authorized for occasional telework according to policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 40324F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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