Rehabilitation Teacher

the South Dakota State Government•Aberdeen, SD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Human Services, Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, is hiring a Rehabilitation Teacher for its Independent Living Blind Program. The role serves older adults experiencing vision loss in northeastern South Dakota and is based in Aberdeen or Redfield. The teacher helps clients develop practical skills to remain safe and independent at home and in the community by conducting functional assessments, creating individualized training plans, and providing hands-on instruction. The position is field-based and involves managing an independent caseload, organizing work around client needs, maintaining client contact, documenting services, and advancing cases. Structured onboarding, specialized training in the Skills of Blindness, and ongoing team support are provided. Work takes place in an office, client homes, and community settings. Travel throughout the assigned territory is expected three to four days per week, with occasional overnight stays depending on client needs, territory coverage, and training. A state vehicle is provided for official travel. Home environments may include pets, smoke, odors, clutter, uneven surfaces, steps, and other environmental or accessibility challenges. The role may require transporting, setting up, and demonstrating low-vision devices and adaptive equipment weighing up to 35 pounds, as well as standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and using hands to demonstrate daily living skills and equipment. The teacher must work independently in community settings and use a computer, email, and an electronic case management system for documentation. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with an hourly salary of $25.02 depending on qualifications. Applicants must apply online; emailed resumes or submissions are not accepted. Applicants should attach a resume and cover letter. A National Career Readiness Certificate may also be submitted if possessed, but it is not required for consideration. The position is eligible for Veterans' Preference. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas; hires must verify identity and work eligibility and complete Form I-9, with employment eligibility verified through E-Verify.

Requirements

Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with clients, families, community providers, and other professionals.
Excellent organization, time management, and follow-through while managing a caseload, travel, documentation, and deadlines independently.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess needs, establish goals, make independent decisions, and recognize when to seek guidance.
Patience, adaptability, and willingness to learn about vision loss, functional assessments, adaptive techniques, and assistive technology.
Commitment to ethical practice, client confidentiality, and person-centered services.
Ability to work independently in community settings and manage travel and appointments.
Ability to use a computer, manage email, and use an electronic case management system.
Ability to conduct functional assessments and identify the effect of vision loss on daily activities and independence.
Ability to learn, demonstrate, and teach adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and techniques for living with vision loss.
Ability to coordinate services and referrals and maintain accurate case records.
Ability to transport, set up, and demonstrate equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
Ability to perform instructional activities that may involve standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and using hands.
A National Career Readiness Certificate is optional and not necessary for consideration.
Applicants must attach a resume and cover letter and apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
Hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9; employment eligibility is verified through E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching, coaching, providing case management, or supporting older adults, people with disabilities, or individuals navigating significant life changes.
A bachelor's degree in human services, education, social work, nursing, rehabilitation, or a related field; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional techniques for teaching practical everyday skills.
Knowledge of the functional, emotional, and social effects of vision loss and other disabilities, particularly among older adults.
Knowledge of assessment methods, individualized service planning, and techniques for evaluating client progress.
Knowledge of community resources and support services for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of basic medical and rehabilitation terminology related to aging, disability, and vision loss.

Responsibilities

Conduct functional assessments to identify how vision loss affects clients' daily activities and independence.
Develop individualized training plans and provide hands-on instruction in practical skills for living safely and independently.
Teach older adults to adapt to vision loss and continue daily activities at home and in the community.
Manage an independent caseload, organize schedules around client needs, and maintain client contact.
Travel throughout the assigned territory to meet with clients and provide services.
Transport, set up, and demonstrate low-vision devices and adaptive equipment.
Break everyday tasks into manageable steps and adapt instruction to clients' learning styles, abilities, and home environments.
Recognize barriers to client goals, evaluate progress, and adjust instruction or service plans as needed.
Coordinate services and referrals with community providers.
Maintain accurate case records documenting services, progress toward goals, and follow-up.
Apply program policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Use Microsoft Office applications, email, and electronic case management systems to manage client information and complete required documentation.

Benefits

15 days/120 hours of vacation leave
14 days/112 hours of sick leave
11 paid holidays
Employee health insurance, including a $0 premium plan for employee-only coverage
Flexible benefits including dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and more
Paid parental and family medical leave
6% fully matched retirement plan
Reduced tuition for in-state colleges and universities
Employee wellness programs
Continued education and training opportunities
Class A retirement under SDRS