Classification: Rehabilitation Counselor I (H6R2TX) Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Description of Job Information: Assimilation, and Analysis

· Interview and assess the skill level of the Person We Serve (PWS); explain orientation and mobility (O&M) process; gather information regarding physical/mental condition, social/economic situation, aptitudes/attitudes, work experience, education, personality traits, priorities, concerns and interests. Utilize the information gathered to develop objectives for instructional services. Along with development of training plan in O&M, coordinate and collaborate with Rehabilitation Counselor and other professionals in blind-low vision field the necessary supports and equipment needed for a successful experience for the PWS with DVR’s Personal Adjustment Training program within the Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) Unit Professional Development

· Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialize training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Orientation and Mobility Instruction:

· Teaches orientation and mobility techniques as appropriate (sensory/concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted guide, cane techniques, route planning/travel in a variety of settings, soliciting aid, use of public transportation, use of residual vision/low visual aids, orientation to electronic travel aids, prep for dog school), assistive technology, use of residual vision and environmental modifications to prepare them for independence in the employment and/or home setting as well as their community. Analyze and measure progress towards meeting objectives and document progress in electronic case management system; coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and professionals when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed.

Empowerment and Adjustment:

· Evaluate teaching needs in a variety of settings (work, home, community), evaluate and modify teaching needs that change during evaluation and service delivery throughout the rehabilitation process, counsel people we serve to develop teaching goals, identify service needs and plan appropriate types and duration of teaching services, and document progress towards meeting plan objectives, develop relationships with employers and other agencies and coordinate and collaborate with other agencies when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed. Maximize services to people we serve and ensure cost effective use of tax dollars. Facilitate the empowerment of blind individuals and their families by providing adjustment counseling and assistance in accessing peer networks and community resources.

Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

Description of Job Information:  Assimilation, and Analysis

· Interview and assess the skill level of the Person PrWe Serve (PWS); explain orientation and mobility (O&M) process; gather information regarding physical/mental condition, social/economic situation, aptitudes/attitudes, work experience, education, personality traits, priorities, concerns and interests. Utilize the information gathered to develop objectives for instructional services. Along with development of training plan in O&M, coordinate and collaborate with Rehabilitation Counselor and other professionals in blind-low vision field the necessary supports and equipment needed for a successful experience for the PWS with DVR’s Personal Adjustment Training program within the Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) Unit.

Professional Development:

· Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialized training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Activities of Daily Living Instruction

· Teaches skills and concepts related to activities of daily living, including alternative techniques for communication, assistive technology, use of residual vision, environmental modifications, home and personal management to prepare them for independence in the employment and/or home setting. Analyze and measure progress towards meeting objectives and document progress in electronic case management system; coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and professionals when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed.

Empowerment and Adjustment:

· Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialized training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Orientation and Mobility Specialist/Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (Dual position) Information, Assimilation, and Analysis

· Interview and assess the skill level of the Person PrWe Serve (PWS); explain orientation and mobility (O&M) process; gather information regarding physical/mental condition, social/economic situation, aptitudes/attitudes, work experience, education, personality traits, priorities, concerns and interests. Utilize the information gathered to develop objectives for instructional services. Along with development of training plan in O&M, coordinate and collaborate with Rehabilitation Counselor and other professionals in blind-low vision field the necessary supports and equipment needed for a successful experience for the PWS with DVR’s Personal Adjustment Training program within the Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) Unit.

Professional Development

· Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialized training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Orientation and Mobility and Activities of Daily Living Instruction

· Teaches orientation and mobility techniques as appropriate (sensory/concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted guide, cane techniques, route planning/travel in a variety of settings, soliciting aid, use of public transportation, use of residual vision/low visual aids, orientation to electronic travel aids, prep for dog school) and/or instruct people we serve in alternative techniques for communication, assistive technology, and use of residual vision, environmental modifications, home and personal management to prepare them for independence in the employment and/or home setting. Analyze and measure progress towards meeting objectives and document progress in electronic case management system; coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and professionals when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed.

Empowerment and Adjustment

· Evaluate teaching needs in a variety of settings (work, home, community), evaluate and modify teaching needs that change during evaluation and service delivery throughout the rehabilitation process, counsel people we serve to develop teaching goals, identify service needs and plan appropriate types and duration of teaching services, and document progress towards meeting plan objectives, develop relationships with employers and other agencies and coordinate and collaborate with other agencies when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed. Maximize services to people we serve and ensure cost effective use of tax dollars. Facilitate the empowerment of blind individuals and their families by providing adjustment counseling and assistance in accessing peer networks and community resources.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:

Education and Experience Master’s degree from an accredited institution in rehabilitation counseling from a program fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), or for graduation prior to July 1, 2017, the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) OR Possession of a current certification in Orientation and Mobility and/or Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, Blind and Low Vision Studies, Special Education, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Disability Studies or closely related human services field.

AND

Two (2) years of experience years of experience providing Orientation and Mobility instruction and/or Vision Rehabilitation training to the blind/low vision population.

Required Competencies:

· Teaching Skills: Foundational understanding of teaching skills, including preparation for lessons, tailoring instruction to individual needs, maintaining rapport and providing construction feedback. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, professional values and attitudes, active listening and observation skills, showing empathy, respect, thoughtfulness, and patience.

· Job Knowledge and Case Management: Foundational understanding of federal regulations, instructor demonstrates foundational knowledge of all vision rehabilitation training areas and application of caseload management skills. This includes effective management of time. An instructor leverages resources by developing positive working relationships with individuals, community partners and employers to promote and optimize successful employment outcomes.

· Collaboration: Skills necessary to foster a collaborative environment as it pertains to community partners, vendors and staff to assure the success of people we serve.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Along with O&M instruction, experience instructing the blind-low vision population in daily living skills, low vision rehabilitation and/or assistive technology related to the blind-low vision field.

· Professional experience working for a state vocational rehabilitation agency.

· Professional experience working to assist people with disabilities to achieve successful employment outcomes.

· Experience in vocational, career counseling, academic advisement.

· Experience using case management software systems

· Experience performing similar duties as a State of Colorado employee

Conditions of Employment:

· Any applicant selected from outside of Colorado will be required to become a Colorado Resident by their start of employment date.

· You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process

· Travel is required for this position and may include areas of Southern Colorado. Position may be requested to work in the office at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in rehabilitation counseling from a program fully  accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), or for graduation prior to July 1, 2017, the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)

OR

Possession of a current certification in Orientation and Mobility and/or Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

OR

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, Blind and Low Vision Studies, Special Education, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Disability Studies or closely related human services field.

AND

Two (2) years of experience years of experience providing Orientation and Mobility instruction and/or Vision Rehabilitation training to the blind/low vision population.

Required Competencies:

· Teaching Skills: Foundational understanding of teaching skills, including preparation for lessons, tailoring instruction to individual needs, maintaining rapport and providing construction feedback. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, professional values and attitudes, active listening and observation skills, showing empathy, respect, thoughtfulness, and patience.

· Job Knowledge and Case Management: Foundational understanding of federal regulations, instructor demonstrates foundational knowledge of all vision rehabilitation training areas and application of caseload management skills. This includes effective management of time. An instructor leverages resources by developing positive working relationships with individuals, community partners and employers to promote and optimize successful employment outcomes.

· Collaboration: Skills necessary to foster a collaborative environment as it pertains to community partners, vendors and staff to assure the success of people we serve.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Along with O&M instruction, experience instructing the blind-low vision population in daily living skills, low vision rehabilitation and/or assistive technology related to the blind-low vision field.

· Professional experience working for a state vocational rehabilitation agency.

· Professional experience working to assist people with disabilities to achieve successful employment outcomes.

· Experience in vocational, career counseling, academic advisement.

· Experience using case management software systems

· Experience performing similar duties as a State of Colorado employee

Conditions of Employment:

· Any applicant selected from outside of Colorado will be required to become a Colorado Resident by their start of employment date.

· You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process

· Travel is required for this position and may include areas of Southern Colorado. Position may be requested to work in the office at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs.

Address

720 N Main Street, Suite 320
Pueblo, CO 81003
United States