In the Department of Services for the Blind, the journey-level Vision Rehabilitation Specialist serves in either an itinerant field appointment within an assigned geographic area or in a center-based appointment within the Orientation and Training Center.

Develops and modifies assessment, evaluation, and curriculum and instructional materials and methods;

Manages low vision labs and lab budget; administers vendor contracts; hires and supervises vendor compliance with contracts;

Performs the duties of the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist – Entry;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: concepts, principles, and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation and the use of assessment techniques to determine capabilities of and potential barriers for persons who are blind, low vision or deaf blind; public and private resources and services that address wholistic needs of individual participants with disabilities or business-as-customers; principles, methods, and techniques used to assist individuals in adjusting to vision loss; principles of adult education, curriculum creation and revision, and instruction adaptability to address multiple disabilities; current trends, techniques, and tools in vision rehabilitation; techniques, information, and supports for assisting individuals who are blind, low vision or deaf blind to integrate into the community and competitive, integrated employment; blind community and consumer organizations, and other community supports.

Ability to: teach adaptive skills of blindness; analyze complex situations for emotional and physical safety of individual participant, and take appropriate effective action including handling emergent situations, coaching and provision of counseling and advocacy; work effectively with individuals who are blind, low vision, or deaf blind, including those with additional disabilities; present ideas clearly and effectively orally and in writing; engage with businesses as a dual customer to address business-specific needs around disability.

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 master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation, or closely related program in rehabilitation, special education, family and consumer science education, or adaptive technology.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation, or a closely related program in rehabilitation, special education, family and consumer science education, or adaptive technology.


Two years of paid professional experience providing services that teach adaptive skill of blindness to the blind, low vision, or deaf blind individuals.

For those positions performing Orientation and Mobility functions, current certification and a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in an accredited orientation and mobility program is required.

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
Base range salary adjustment (from 42 to 49): adopted June 29, 2022, effective July 1, 2022
Revised title, definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and qualifications; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023