[rehab] Job Vacancy

[Richard Sorey]

This position is now on the DAS site with instructions below to apply directly to Director Sorey.

Job Title

SENIOR SERVICES SPECIALIST FOR THE BLIND 1

Auto req ID

12491BR

Location

Counties Across Iowa

Department

131-Department for the Blind

Salary Minimum

$44,969

Salary Maximum

$68,494

Job Description

This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position. Please follow instructions in the "To Apply" section for directions on how to apply for this position.
The Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for a position that will provide guidance and counseling along with training in the alternative techniques of blindness needed for an individual to make a positive adjustment to blindness and successfully pursue personal and vocational goals.
Duties and responsibilities to include the following:
* Respond to assigned client referrals. The client may be an individual familiar with IDB services who wishes different and/or additional services, or the client may be an initial contact.
* Make in-home (i.e., private residence, nursing home, or group home) visits with all referrals to apprise them of IDB services. Assess needs and obtain pertinent social, medical, and psychological information to determine services that will best suit the individual's rehabilitation needs and desires. Provide necessary documentation to the file including narrative report that analyzes information obtained and justifies the eligibility determination.
* Provide the client with information about appropriate community resources which, in conjunction with knowledge of use of IDB services, will help the client gain and/or maintain independence.
* Encourage and guide an individual toward the IDB and community services which will best develop independence and motivate individuals to seek new solutions that do not rely on the use of vision. Work with the client to jointly draw up a rehabilitation plan. Document all aspects of a client's rehabilitation plan with the appropriate forms and place in the client's file in accordance with procedures and policies.
* Visit with the client and provide direct services to clients by teaching the alternative techniques of blindness and by providing counseling and guidance about blindness and attitudes toward blindness. Provide instruction in the alternative techniques of blindness (including Braille, travel with the long white cane, use of assistive technology, homemaking, and leisure activities) to help the client develop confidence and the skills needed to independently and competently perform major life activities.
* Assist clients in making an informed choice on the purchase of appropriate services or equipment required.
* Assist the client and, when necessary, the client's family to access various community resources by providing referrals, information, and advocacy. Coordinate and facilitate agency services such as library services and training in the Adult Orientation and Adjustment Center. Work with the vocational rehabilitation counselor to support clients in the pursuit of their vocational goals.
* Provide information to the general public about agency services through speaking engagements and in-service presentations. Encourage support/consumer groups for blind persons by attendance as an agency representative or by providing occasional transportation to clients so they may attend these group meetings.
* Recruit and assist with training peer sponsors and other volunteers.
Essential Functions:
* Ability to travel daily with overnight stays in order to meet with clients in their homes, place of work, and other settings.
* Ability to use and demonstrate adaptive devices and low vision aids.
* Ability to interpret medical reports; eligibility criteria for various programs, and relevant federal, state, and departmental policies and procedures.
* Successful completion of Department for the Blind Rehabilitation Teaching Certification program within one year of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work.

Post Close Date

13-Sep-2013

To Apply:


NOTE: This is a courtesy posting for a non merit position. Applications sent only through the DAS -HRE web site will not be considered. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
For further information, contact Director Richard L. Sorey, 515-281-1334 or 800-362-2587.
Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application to:
Director Richard Sorey
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
OR email Richard.sorey at blind.state.ia.us<mailto:Richard.sorey at blind.state.ia.us>
All applicants need to apply by 5:00 pm, September 13, 2013