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This position is located at Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems (TVHS). The Low Vision Therapist (LVT) is responsible for functioning as a full member of a Rehabilitation Team that includes Optometry, Ophthalmology, Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinators (VIST), Vision and Blind Rehabilitation Specialists, Audiology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Medicine Service (i.e. OT/PT/KT) and other related disciplines.
Learn more about this agency01/17/2022 to 01/30/2022
$66,214 - $86,074 per year
GS 11
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
11
No
No
CBTG-13293-11347759-22-SR
631162500
The Low Vision Therapist works closely with the eye care specialist (i.e., an optometrist or ophthalmologist with training and skills in delivering low vision care) to evaluate the use of optical and/or electronic devices for enhancing the use of vision for daily tasks that are goals for rehabilitation. The Low Vision Therapist assists in the evaluation of appropriate devices, recommends devices that are prescribed and reviewed by the qualified eye care specialist, and provides appropriate follow up recommendations to patient and/or referring source.
The Low Vision Therapist trains patients in the use of specific visual motor skills such as the identification and use of preferred retinal locus for fixation, accurate saccades, smooth pursuits, etc. The Low Vision Therapist trains the use of vision in both static and dynamic viewing conditions. The Low Vision Therapist trains the use of visual perceptual and visual motor skills in relation to overall perceptual and motor skills and coordination and the use of specific visual perceptual skills such as visual closure, part-to-whole relationships, figure ground, etc. The Low Vision Therapist trains the appropriate and safe use of low vision devices including component skills such as establishing and maintaining focal distance, compensation for reduced field of view and/or depth of focus, development of necessary manual and ocular dexterity and implementation of appropriate ergonomic strategies for effective and efficient positioning and elimination of fatigue.
The Low Vision Therapist provides instruction in the use of adaptive equipment that enhances visual function and/or compensates for loss of vision through tactual and/or auditory means: This can include use of large print, reading stands, lighting management (lamps, sun lenses, tints/filters and other illumination control), writing implements, software, electronic devices, etc.
The incumbent is directly involved in deciding and justifying whether to issue or withhold issuance of prosthetic equipment. When participating in approved research activities, the incumbent is responsible for following all applicable research compliance and assurance policies and in contributing to the production of research results of high integrity.
The Low Vision Therapist also provides and trains the use of appropriate environmental modifications such as positioning, organization, illumination control, marking, etc.: trains in the use of environmental cues such as signage, shadow, contrast, form, pattern, and use of non-visual techniques for safe and effective management of the environment such as audio or tactile markings, etc., communicating and coordinating with the Orientation & Mobility Specialist in these areas.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; Tour of duty based on needs of the service
Compressed/Flexible:Not available
Telework: Adhoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Blind Rehab Specialist Low Vision Therapist/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/30/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11347759.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/631162500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is a level 1A integrated tertiary health care system comprised of medical centers in Nashville, TN and Murfreesboro, TN and twenty (20) additional community-based clinics in Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, as well as specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services. Team TVHS is committed to outstanding customer service and showing respect for others while taking care of our nation's heroes. Nashville is home to the NFL's Titans, the NHL's Predators, the MiLB's Sounds, and the MLS's Nashville SC as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the numerous clubs and honky tonks in "The District." And if for some reason all that isn't enough -- Tennessee has NO STATE TAXES!!! If you're passionate about what you do and about serving those who served, we'd love to have you join our team.
