Empowering Veterans: Careers as a Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist at VA North Texas
Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others regain their independence? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a skilled Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) to join our team at the VA North Texas Health Care System. This vital role focuses on providing high-quality, clinical rehabilitation training to Veterans with vision loss, ensuring they can navigate their world with confidence and skill.
Job Responsibilities
As a BROS, your primary goal is to assess, train, and manage the rehabilitation needs of Veterans. Key duties include:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Using objective and subjective tools to evaluate patient needs across five core skill areas.
- Treatment Planning: Creating individualized, measurable rehabilitation plans that include specific outcomes for Veterans and their families.
- Training and Education: Utilizing complex training aids and sophisticated prosthetics to assist Veterans in daily living, orientation, mobility, and communication.
- Coordination of Care: Working alongside VIST coordinators, low vision clinics, and community resources to ensure a seamless rehabilitation experience.
- Documentation: Maintaining precise records in the Veteran’s electronic medical record to track progress.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:
- Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in blind/vision rehabilitation or a closely related field.
- Certification: An active, unrestricted certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
- Experience: Progressively complex experience demonstrating your ability to handle diverse patient populations.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Grade Level Requirements at a Glance
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirements | Certification Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | 1 year of complex exp. at GS-9 level | 1 ACVREP Certification |
| GS-12 | 1 year of complex exp. at GS-11 level | 2 ACVREP Certifications |
Salary Overview
This position is classified within the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $81,186 to $126,502, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Federal health insurance options.
- Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
- Access to professional development programs.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Always use the official VA clinical resume document link provided in the announcement.
- Detail Your Experience: Do not leave room for assumptions. Be explicit about your clinical work and patient outcomes.
- Monitor Cut-off Dates: This announcement remains open for a long period, but applications are referred on a rolling basis every two weeks.
If you are a clinical professional who is ready to dedicate your skills to our nation's Veterans, we invite you to join the VA North Texas Health Care System. Your expertise can change a Veteran's life. Apply today to begin your journey with us.
Why This Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (Bros) Job Matters
Transform lives as a Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) with the VA North Texas Health Care System and provide life-changing care to our nation's heroes.
Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (Bros) Job Overview
The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) to provide comprehensive, life-enhancing rehabilitation services to visually impaired Veterans. Operating within one of the largest and most active VA systems in the United States, you will play a critical role in assessment, training, and follow-up, helping Veterans regain their independence through specialized outpatient interventions.
Requirements for Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (Bros)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in blind/vision rehabilitation, special education, or a closely related field
- Completion of one year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level (or equivalent) OR three years of graduate education leading to a doctorate
- Current, full, and unrestricted certification from ACVREP (e.g., COMS, CVRT, CLVT, or CATIS)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must be able to successfully complete a background/security investigation
- Must be able to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination
Preferred Qualifications for Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (Bros)
- 3-5 years of clinical experience in visual impairment services and vision rehabilitation therapy
- Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation
- Current certification in two or more ACVREP areas (COMS, CVRT, CLVT, or CATIS)
- Proven success in an outpatient blind rehabilitation setting
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Comprehensive retirement programs (FERS/Thrift Savings Plan)
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
💡 How to Apply Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (Bros) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (Bros) Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJobs to ensure eligibility
- Create or update your USAJobs account profile
- Prepare your resume using the required Clinical Resume Document template
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, professional certifications, and DD-214 (if applicable)
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the specified cut-off dates
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience matches the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be specific about your clinical achievements.
- Submit your application early; while the post is open until March 2027, referrals occur on a bi-weekly schedule.
- Use the mandatory VA-provided template for your primary resume submission.
- Double-check that all certifications are active and properly documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications are required for this role?
Applicants must hold at least one active, unrestricted certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) relevant to the position (e.g., COMS, CVRT, CLVT, or CATIS).
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, the BROS may need to provide services in the Veteran's home or community, requiring the ability to travel within the assigned service area.
Can I work remotely?
This position is not virtual, though ad-hoc telework may be available based on the needs of the service.
What is the main goal of the BROS?
To identify, assess, and train Veterans with vision impairment to maximize their functional independence in their home and community.
Are there medical requirements?
Yes, all health care personnel are required to participate in the annual influenza vaccination program.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is a pillar of excellence in veteran care. As the second-busiest VA system in the nation, we serve a population of approximately 500,000 veterans. Our network includes the Dallas VA Medical Center, the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center, and various outpatient clinics throughout North Texas and southern Oklahoma. We pride ourselves on being a teaching and research hub, partnering with institutions like UT Southwestern Medical Center to deliver cutting-edge health care.