Empowering Veterans: Careers in Blind Rehabilitation at the VA

Are you a dedicated professional looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Los Angeles is seeking a passionate Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to ensuring that visually impaired Veterans receive the care, tools, and training necessary to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Job Responsibilities

As a Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist, you will provide critical clinical services to an adult population, ranging from older Veterans to younger service members experiencing trauma-related vision loss. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Conducting specialized diagnostic tests and comprehensive evaluations.
Developing individualized, measurable rehabilitation treatment plans.
Providing hands-on instruction in orientation, mobility, low vision therapy, and adaptive technology.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including Optometry, Ophthalmology, and Polytrauma specialists.
Documenting patient progress and participating in quality assurance programs.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-11 Specialist	GS-12 Specialist
Experience Requirement	Entry to intermediate	Minimum 1 year at GS-11 equivalent
Certification Level	1 ACVREP certification	2 ACVREP certifications
Responsibility	Direct care & team support	Subject matter expert & mentor
Scope	Clinical delivery	Independent planning & supervision

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several fundamental criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in vision rehabilitation or a related field (or an equivalent certificate).
Certification: You must maintain active, unrestricted certification from the ACVREP.
Medical: You must pass a pre-employment physical and participate in the mandatory influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $87,061 to $135,657, commensurate with experience and the specific grade level (GS-11/12). Employees also receive access to a comprehensive federal benefits package.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the VA means more than just a salary. Employees enjoy:

Health and Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Growth: Continuous professional development and specialized clinical training.

Application Tips

To stand out during the review process, follow these tips:

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly demonstrate how your experience matches the specific KSAs mentioned in the job posting.
Submit All Docs: Ensure your transcripts, proof of certification, and SF-50 forms (if applicable) are attached to your application.
Be Precise: The HR team cannot infer skills that aren't clearly documented. Use bullet points to detail your clinical accomplishments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there potential for career advancement? A: Yes, the position has promotion potential up to the GS-12 level as you acquire additional certifications and demonstrate mastery.

Q: What is the trial period? A: Selected applicants serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and professional fitness.

Q: Where can I check my application status? A: You can track your status by logging into your account on the official federal recruitment portal.

Serving as a Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist in Los Angeles is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical skills where they matter most. By empowering Veterans, you contribute directly to the VA’s mission of exceptional healthcare. Apply today to start your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist Job Matters

Empower Veterans to regain their independence. Join our team as a Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist and make a life-changing impact on those who served our country.

Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist to join the Veterans Health Administration in Los Angeles. This vital role focuses on providing specialized clinical services to Veterans suffering from vision loss. You will work within a comprehensive healthcare team to deliver low vision therapy, orientation and mobility training, and adaptive technology instruction, helping Veterans achieve their personal health and independence goals.

Requirements for Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Blind or Vision Rehabilitation or a related field (e.g., special education, family and consumer science, technology)
Active, full, and unrestricted certification from ACVREP (Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, or Assistive Technology)
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Pre-employment physical examination
Completion of a background/security investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist

Experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level (for GS-12 applicants)
Mastery in two or more areas of blind rehabilitation specialty
Proven ability to act as a subject matter expert, consultant, or mentor
Strong skills in independent patient assessment and treatment plan development

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and pay schedule
✓Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Professional development and clinical mentorship opportunities
✓Paid federal holidays

💡 How to Apply Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist Job

Review the full job announcement on the official portal
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV
Gather academic transcripts and applicable professional certifications
Complete the online questionnaire through the specified application link
Submit your application and all required supporting documents before the closing date
Monitor your email for status updates and notifications

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your experience aligns with the KSAs listed in the vacancy announcement.
Submit all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms, to avoid delays or disqualification.
Be specific when describing your volunteer or paid experience—the HR team cannot make assumptions about your duties.
Review your application thoroughly before submission, as missing information may impact your consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certifications are required for this role?

Applicants must hold at least one certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). Higher-level positions require additional certifications to demonstrate mastery in specialty areas.

Can I work remotely for this position?

No, this is not a virtual or telework-eligible position. It requires in-person clinical care within the Los Angeles area.

What if I do not have a degree in Blind Rehabilitation?

You may qualify with a different bachelor's or master's degree if you also possess a certificate from an accredited program in a core curriculum such as orientation and mobility or low vision therapy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military. Within the VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network, we advocate for a "Whole Health System" of care. This approach prioritizes a personalized health plan for every Veteran, emphasizing healing environments and deep connections to the community.