[Nfbc-info] LightHouse for the Blind is Hiring an Employment Facilitator for our Employment Immersion Program

[LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired]

POSITION: Employment Facilitator

JOB PURPOSE:
The LightHouse Employment Immersion initiative is not a generic program like those available elsewhere to sighted jobseekers.  Our program puts special emphasis on connecting blind jobseekers with the actual experiences of blind employees.  This position will introduce blind jobseekers to blind mentors, coordinate peer discussion, identify and schedule outside blind-positive speakers and generally produce an immersive experience rich in blind-positive stories, workplace examples, and people. The task of instilling pride, confidence and blind community support is central to this position.

The second purpose of this position is to ensure that blind and visually-impaired participants are provided practical, accessible and required training and support for their job search and application process.  The Employment Facilitator will work closely with the Jobseeker Coordinator to ensure that timely encouragement and support is given to participants during formal class sessions and the subsequent job search phase.

The Employment Facilitator will coordinate and teach standard aspects of career exploration, job search, interviewing, networking and job-carving.  This position will develop and maintain a system to keep every class participant accountable for specific actions throughout their enrollment in the program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education or equivalent: A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience that parallels the needs of the department, such as vocational counseling, teaching or a work history supporting the disability community.

Experience: Five years' experience with blindness or low vision, in either a service organization or via extensive personal experience with the needs of blind jobseekers.  A history of public speaking, giving presentations or workshop facilitation helpful.

Other: Ability to be productive with large e-mail flows; strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Internet research tools essential.  Working knowledge of accessible technology very helpful.  Demonstrated skill in writing and evaluating lesson plans, and providing constructive criticism.  A history of successful diversity integration in group settings.  Position requires strong organization, communication flexibility and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively; capacity to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.  Some aptitude in a language other than English always appreciated.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

JOB FUNCTIONS

The Employment Facilitator provides both classroom and individual instruction; employment and job search preparation; and supports the placement activity of blind and visually-impaired students.

IN CLASS

The Employment Facilitator assists students in developing and refining their résumés, conducting job searches, and teaching blind-specific strategies for interviewing successfully.


·        Leads workshops, 1:1 training and occasionally participates in student retreats.

·        Assists students to develop transferable job-search skills, such as creating résumés, cover letters, networking and discovering unconventional job leads.

·        Assists students with technical issues during class.

·        Assigns and evaluates student homework and projects.

·        Identifies and introduces blind jobseekers to community mentors, informational interview sources and working blind people.

PROGRAM PLANNING AND OPERATIONS
The Employment Facilitator will have lead responsibility in developing curriculum and workshops, documenting and updating the syllabus, devising employment strategies, networking and attending employment-related community events.

Develops program curriculum with a concentration on assembling a compelling library of readings, videos, podcasts and other resources with strong narratives about blind people in the workplace and how they got there.

Designs innovative class sessions, periodic social jobseeker events, and after-hours online and in-person activities to ensure that the program is:

·        Intense and immersive.

·        Fun and engaging.

·        Connecting each jobseeker with others that have similar aspirations.

Designs and updates the curriculum so that each jobseeker is accountable for 40 hours per week of class, active job searching, networking and non-passive activities.

·        Encourages and supports student job search activities.

·        Assists with strategizing and filling out job applications.

·        When required, escorts students to interviews and other job-related activities.

·        Visits work sites to assess the need for post-employment support.

·        Analyzes and writes reports for any job modifications needed to create an accessible and productive work environment.

·        Assists the Employment Development Manager in outreach and presentation activities as needed.

·        Refers to and collaborates with other departments to assist students in learning about LightHouse training, social and recreational opportunities.

·        Establishes and maintains active referral relationships with the Department of Rehabilitation and other community partners.

·        Assigns and performs training and other services within the parameters of written Authorizations, and bills within the scope of those authorizations.

·        Collects data needed to measure and evaluate program outcomes.  Consistently tracks and documents student goals and progress.

·        Maintains appropriate student and Agency confidentiality at all times.

·        Communicates regularly, professionally and in a timely manner with all relevant parties.

·        Keeps abreast of new employment and hiring trends by reading local business news and daily publications.

·        Other Duties:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Equal opportunity to all regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation. We have an "employment at will" policy.

TO APPLY:

Please submit your cover letter and / or résumé as Word attachments (no .PDF please), to hr at lighthouse-sf.org<mailto:hr at lighthouse-sf.org>; include the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles at this time. Due to time constraints we may not be able to respond to everyone who expresses interest; thank you.