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Rehabilitation Services Specialist
Under the direction and supervision of the Rehabilitation Services Manager, the Rehabilitation Services Specialist is responsible for the organization, planning, and direct provision of services that empower people with vision loss to obtain information, make informed choices, access resources and live as independently as possible.
Principal Roles and Responsibilities:
1. Carry out Division for Blind Services Independent Living contract which includes assembling packets of information, mailing out said packets, interviewing individuals with vision impairment over the telephone and determining whether or not the individual would benefit from a follow up visit from a Division for Blind Services Independent Living Worker.
2. Meet with individuals in their home and/or in the office to discuss adaptations and resources that may help with a person’s adjustment to vision loss, quality of living, personal safety and independence.
3. Assist individuals with the application and coordination of services including (but not limited to) Division for Blind Services, Texas State Library’s Talking Book Program, Directory Assistance Exemption, Mobility Impaired Transportation Service paratransit, North Texas Radio for the Blind, Meals on Wheels, Guardianship Services, etc.
4. Carry out the Lighthouse for the Blind CCTV and adaptive equipment loaner program which includes maintaining a database of loanees and transporting equipment in a personal vehicle and lifting/pushing/pulling equipment that could weigh up to 40 pounds.
5. Positively represent the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth in local community events, boards, committees and peer support groups.
6. Teach individuals alternate techniques for accomplishing personal objectives which may
include nonvisual approaches to handwriting, keyboarding, communications, household management, daily living, leisure activities and use of alternative devices.
7. Assist family members of individuals with vision loss with acclimating and teach friends/family how to accommodate a family member with a visual disability.
8. Foster and maintain positive working professional relationships with representatives from other agencies and organizations including (but not limited to) Division for Blind Services, Christal Vision, Reading & Radio Resource, American Foundation for the Blind, Computers Made Easy, Texas State Library, Senior Living Centers, etc.
9. Compile a monthly statistical report that reflects the number of people served and the nature of services provided.
10. Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule and perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of medical, psychosocial, vocational, independent living, and adjustment aspects of working with people with visual impairment and concomitant disabilities.
2. Knowledge of assessment techniques and tools.
3. Knowledge of caseload management principles and practices, including planning, organizing, directing and evaluating.
4. Knowledge of report and record maintenance principles and practices.
5. Knowledge of resources that are of benefit to people with vision impairment.
Skills:
1. Assessing, formulating, organizing and implementing an individualized program with consumers.
2. Adapting teaching methods to the needs of people who are blind, multiply disabled and elderly.
3. Managing case flow and maintaining multiple tasks simultaneously.
4. Clearly expressing ideas, instructions, and reports verbally and in writing.
5. Using personal computer and familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office.
Abilities:
1. Adapt teaching methods and tools to address individual independent living needs.
2. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with people with vision impairment, department and agency staff, and outside organizations.
3. Adjust to changes in the work schedule and scope of services provided.
4. Work effectively under moderate to close supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
5. Recognize ethical and professional boundaries when objectively assisting people with significant needs without becoming emotionally entangled and/or inappropriately involved.
Education/Certification:
The Rehabilitation Services Specialist shall possess the formal education equivalent of a Master's Degree combined with a minimum of one year in rehabilitation or blind services OR the formal education equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology or a related field from an accredited college or university combined with a minimum of three years of experience in rehabilitation or blind services.
Transportation:
The Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth does not provide a company vehicle or pay for a personal driver for any position. The Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth does pay mileage at the standard mileage reimbursement rate as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Rehabilitation Services Specialist may have to transport CCTVs and other adaptive equipment to and from people’s homes in their private vehicle.
Office Hours:
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday
From time to time the Rehabilitation Services Specialist may be asked to work hours outside of traditional office hours listed above to assist in meeting the mission of the organization.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth, a non-profit organization, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information:
Todd Icard, Rehabilitation Services Manager
912 W. Broadway
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817-332-3341 (p)
817-332-3456 (f)
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