Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (VIST Coordinator)

The primary purpose of the position is to manage and provide direct blind and vision rehabilitation training services to visually impaired Veterans and Service Members.The Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinator functions independently in a number of settings. The work environment may be in an outpatient setting, inpatient setting, virtual setting and in a home environment, as deemed appropriate for clinical care.

VIST Coordinators follow a model of lifetime care coordination offered to all Veterans with visual impairment who are eligible to receive services. The model requires varying degrees of intervention based on the clinical and psychosocial needs of each Veteran. The VIST Coordinator plans, develops, implements, directs and evaluates the Visual Impairment Service (VIS) Team program at the VHA sites within his or her catchment area.

Case management duties may include cases that are both difficult and complex in terms of the severity of the visual impairment and the presence of complicating physical and emotional factors impinging on treatment. Duties include but are not limited to: Follows a model of lifetime care coordination offered to all Veterans with visual impairment who are eligible to receive services. Provides care coordination services to eligible Veterans with visual impairment by assessing (at least annually), coordinating and reviewing the Veteran's rehabilitation and adjustment needs and determining and referring the type and intensity of services needed, based upon clinical judgment and the Veteran's goals.

Determine if additional intervention by other providers will be needed in order to develop a Veteran's individualized treatment plan. Ensures the update and maintenance of the VIST roster including all legally blind and low vision Veterans enrolled at a given VA medical facility. Provides outreach and education to VA medical facility and non-VA agencies and personnel through brochures and other educational materials about Veteran counseling and family information.

Conducts monthly VIST support groups for Veterans on various topics to enhance outreach, education, adjustment to sight loss, and peer-to-peer engagement. Ensures the recommended prosthetic devices and rehabilitation interventions are in alignment with the Veteran's goals and individualized rehabilitation plan. Ensures seamless coordination of BRS-related care for traveling Veterans with visual impairment who are away from their primary residence and preferred VA medical facility.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:10149F Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):Not Authorized