EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT SPECIALIST - 48007008 (BLIND SERVICES)

State of Florida•Tallahassee, FL

About The Position

This position is in the Division of Blind Services, District 2 Office in Tallahassee. This position serves as an Employment Placement Specialist which is responsible for providing direct job development and placement services for blind and visually impaired consumers of the Division of Blind Services. The incumbent in this position develops and provides job opportunities for eligible individuals by deploying marketing and job development techniques. The incumbent makes contact and meets with employers for the purpose of identifying prospective job opportunities. The incumbent will provide job coaching and other support services to obtain competitive employment. The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has an open position that is responsible for executing the following functions:

Requirements

Knowledge of social, economic, rehabilitative or health care services, administration or planning techniques.
Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
Ability to develop program manuals, policies, procedures, standards and rules.
Ability to analyze the effectiveness of service programs and identify resources or adjustments needed to meet needs.
Ability to conduct research studies.
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to maintain a clear driving record.
Ability to maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling; or
Four years of professional and relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
Ability to maintain a clear driving history.
Ability to maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
An ability to establish and maintain education and experience requirements to ensure an understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Responsibilities

Conduct client intake.
Assess client resources.
Perform job placement and job development activities for clients.
Perform follow-up and maintain client contact through telephone calls and home visits.
Interview, counsel, and evaluate clients to determine individual therapeutic activity needs.
Consult with other professionals and team members concerning recommended programs.
Prepare reports on client progress and their reactions to various activities.
Evaluate rehabilitation therapy programs and make recommendations for adjustment and revisions.
Conduct in-depth interviews with a diverse group of blind and visually impaired clients to determine their eligibility for rehabilitation services and the feasibility for achieving a vocational independent living or educational goal.
Determine existing problems and evaluate individual needs for achieving independence in daily living, in acquiring communication skills, and/or obtaining suitable employment.
Develop community contacts for employment opportunities, similar benefits, and socialization.
Assist in the establishment of policies, standards, rules, regulations, and guidelines for program planning.
Will be responsible as needed for the State Vehicle. This will include completing timely vehicle logs and submitting travel reimbursements and authorizations as needed. This may also include fueling, cleaning, and providing maintenance on the State Vehicle as needed.

Benefits

State Group Insurance Coverage options+ (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options)
Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required).
Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities).
Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits.
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com).
Annual and Sick Leave Benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Ongoing comprehensive training provided.
Highly skilled, professional environment.