Blind Rehabilitation Specialist - Living Skills Instructor

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) is an inpatient facility located within the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). The WBRC embraces an interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of visual impairment so that program participants receive a full complement of services. The WBRC provides support and services annually to visually impaired Veterans and active-duty service members.

• The essential role of a WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, Living Skills Instructor, is the independent evaluation, treatment, and management of a blind rehabilitation program that teaches Veterans and active-duty service members with visual impairment how to utilize adaptive skills and techniques necessary to cope with the demands of everyday life. Instructional activities are directed toward achieving therapeutic objectives for patients who are blind or visually impaired in the areas of effective literacy and communication skills, orientation to and management of the indoor environment, proficiency in activities of daily living, pursuit of vocational skills, and adjustment to visual changes. Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Assessment and development of personal, goal-based training programs for persons with visual impairments, ranging from young adults to elderly Veterans. Implementation of the Living Skills training program to help Veterans achieve their goals. Assesses the patient's ability to utilize adaptive equipment such as tactile markings on appliances, liquid level indicators, bump dots, Braille, and talking meat thermometers. Assesses the patient to determine the ability to use touch, hearing, and smell to help control environments specific to identified goals. Assesses the patient to determine the money management system that will best meet identified goals. Assesses the patient to determine the recording method that will best meet identified goals. Assesses the patient to determine adaptive kitchen aids that will best meet identified goals. Demonstrates the ability to use, instruct, and appropriately prescribe prosthetic equipment issued within this discipline. The incumbent must possess comprehensive knowledge and the ability to instruct patients in a wide variety of assistive technologies. Plans and instructs the patient in the use of tactile, large-print, and talking devices. The incumbent must have working knowledge and the ability to utilize recording devices, labeling techniques, Braille, and barcode readers. Plans and instructs the patient in the use of appropriate lighting, protective techniques, and other safety practices to optimize the use of adaptive devices in all daily activities. Plans and instructs the patient in the use of safety techniques and habits, including the maintenance and cleaning of all issued prosthetic devices. Plans and instructs the patient in all aspects of kitchen safety and outdoor grilling, including organization, operation, setup, and cleaning. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 11197-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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