Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia County, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist works with the Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services, Philadelphia District Office, providing rehabilitation therapy to people who are blind or visually impaired. The role supports vocational opportunities, independent living, educational development, and personal and social adjustment to blindness, with the goal of helping customers achieve self-sufficiency. The therapist provides instruction, guidance, and support so customers can live and work independently. This includes assessing customer needs, developing individualized instruction plans, teaching adaptive skills in home, workplace, and community settings, monitoring progress, providing counseling to customers and families, coordinating with agencies and community partners, and maintaining electronic case files. This is a full-time position, 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Work hours are negotiable within a 7.5-hour workday, with a 30- or 60-minute lunch, and the position is eligible for Alternate Work Schedules. Part-time telework may be available after completion of the training period, subject to the ability to work from an approved Pennsylvania location with a securely configured high-speed internet connection. The headquarters office is at 801 Market Street, Suite 6034, Philadelphia, PA 19107, though the headquarters location may be flexible depending on the selected candidate. The starting annual salary for candidates new to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employment is $60,538.

Requirements

Successful completion of the Commonwealth’s Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Intern program; or
A bachelor’s or master’s degree or certificate from an approved college or university program in rehabilitation teaching of the blind or visually impaired, vision rehabilitation therapy, teacher of the visually impaired, or education with a concentration in visual impairment, including a practicum; or
An active Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
Applicants may meet the educational requirements if they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree or certificate.
Ability to perform essential job functions.
A conditional offer requires submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse history, and FBI Fingerprint clearances.

Responsibilities

Interview, observe, and evaluate customers to determine needs and develop individualized instruction plans.
Teach coping skills and adaptive techniques in customers’ homes, workplaces, and community settings to support independence.
Review customer achievements and adjust instruction to maximize benefits from services.
Provide counseling that reinforces skill development for customers and their families.
Coordinate with agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners to help meet customers’ needs.
Maintain accurate electronic case files, including assessments, plans, progress notes, fiscal expenditures, and closure reports.