Duties include but are not limited to:
The Blind Rehab Specialist serves as a Low Vision Therapist (LVT) at the Atlanta VAMC providing services to visually impaired Veterans and Service members within the catchment area of the Atlanta VAMC.
The LVT 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 as well as young OEF/OIF Veterans who may have wound and trauma related vision loss. Review of demographic data discloses that the average age of an Atlanta VAMC Advanced Low Vision Service (ALVS) patient is 71 years, median age of 70, with a distribution of 95% male and 5% female. Within these broad categorizations, the LVT must tailor patient care and support services to meet the needs of the individual patient. This includes the responsibility for assessment of each patient's
needs and the delivery of services, which are responsive to the concerns of individual patients, their family and caregivers, to the extent possible.
The LVT is responsible for reviewing and scheduling patients referred for Low Vision services and for updating referrals in Blind Rehabilitation System 5.0.
The LVT is responsible for blind and vision rehabilitation assessment, planning, training, and outcomes evaluation on each Veteran for whom service is provided. This includes:
- assessment of the patient's background, interests, future plans, motivation, needs, and aptitude
- completion of a functional low vision evaluation that identifies visual impairments related to:
1. performance of activities of daily living, educational and vocational pursuits, and leisure and social activities
2. the coping ability of the visually impaired Veteran
3. the impact of the vision disability on significant others
- evaluation of the patient's functional visual capabilities with standard low vision optical, electronic, and non-optical devices
- determination of appropriate instructional techniques
- implementation of training plans, including use of visual motor skills; and
- continued reassessment of patients' needs and goal attainment throughout the rehabilitation process
Should the LVT choose to drive a government vehicle, they must maintain a valid state driving license, safe driving record, and VA defensive driving certification. Those who do, may choose to occasionally transport patients to training areas in the government vehicle.
While some patients manifest only vision loss as their medical condition others have multiple medical, psychological, and/or cognitive conditions in addition to vision loss. The LVT must identify the patient's strengths, difficulties confronting the patient, the barriers to treatment, and develop and provide interventions designed to enhance the blind rehabilitation process. The LVT makes appropriate referrals to other disciplines such as other vision rehabilitation specialists, primary care, counseling professionals for adjustment disorders, audiology and speech pathology, occupational and physical therapy and health care professionals whenever important for the safety, health and independent functioning of the Veteran.
The LVT is responsible for recommending and ordering appropriate optical and non-optical blind/vision prosthetic devices for patients within the scope of practice.
Serving as a manager for direct care, the LVT is responsible for ensuring documents of assessment, rehabilitation training progress, changes in treatment plan, discharge summaries, consults, referrals and recommendations are properly and promptly entered in the Veteran's CPRS chart.
The LVT assists with educating veterans, caregivers, family members and significant others, employees and staff on blindness and visual impairment. The LVT participates in staff meetings, completes required training, and fulfills other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 58593F/58612F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Starting at $63,369 Per Year (GS 9-11)