In the Department of Services for the Blind, in an assigned geographic area or in the Orientation and Training Center, conducts individualized assessments, provides rehabilitation program services, specialized instruction and counseling to blind or visually impaired individuals who may also have other disabilities.

Conducts individualized assessments to determine the adaptive skills needs of participants relative to specific outcome goals for employment or independent living;

Determines functional objectives with the participant; develops and implements a comprehensive plan of services based on assessment results;

Provides instruction in adaptive skills for blind or visually impaired participants in their place of residence, at a community location, or at a facility such as the Orientation and Training Center; adaptive skills curricula include: home management, personal management, Braille reading/ writing and other communication skills, keyboarding and use of assistive technology devices, use of residual vision, travel skills, daily living activities, use of accommodation aids, and other skills which facilitate rehabilitation;

Provides adjustment counseling to participants and to their families regarding the capabilities of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, techniques to overcome barriers, and self-advocacy resources;

Facilitates and coordinates service delivery via referral to, and/or, service agreements with appropriate state and community resources;

Develops and utilizes community resources to expand and strengthen services to participants;

Presents information to service providers, employers and community organizations regarding the capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired and services available from the Department;

Prepares case documentation, records and correspondence relative to participants and duties;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: capabilities of and potential barriers for persons who are blind or visually impaired; public and private resources providing services to persons who are blind or visually impaired; principles, methods and techniques used to assist individuals in adjusting to vision loss; principles of instruction; current trends in rehabilitation; techniques for assisting individuals who are blind or visually impaired to integrate into the community and employment.

Ability to: teach adaptive skills of blindness; read and write English Braille Grade 2; analyze situations and take appropriate effective action including provision of counseling and advocacy; work effectively with individuals who are blind or visually impaired including those with additional disabilities; present ideas clearly and effectively orally and in writing.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation teaching for the blind or a Bachelor's degree in Special Education for the visually impaired.

OR

A Bachelor's degree with major study in social welfare, social sciences or education; and, one year of experience providing direct client services that teach adaptive skill of blindness to the blind or visually impaired.

A Master's degree involving major study in one of the above academic fields will substitute for the one year of required experience.

Two years of paid professional experience providing social services or providing services that teach adaptive skill of blindness to the blind or visually impaired individuals will substitute for two years of the required education.

New class: 11-73
Revised minimum qualifications: 5-12-78
Revised code (formerly 2189), definition and minimum qualifications, added distinguishing characteristics: 8-10-79
Code change (formerly 2188): 10-79
General Revision: 3-84
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics and minimum qualifications: 9-13-85
Revised: 12-15-89
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 12-15-95
Revised new class code: (formerly 21890) effective July 1, 2007