Visually Impaired Orientation Counselor II - Technology Specialist

State of Nebraska • Western, NE

1d • $22 • Remote

About The Position

Looking to make a positive impact in the lives of others? Come join our team at the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired as an Orientation Counselor! The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired works to help blind and visually impaired Nebraskans achieve full and rewarding lives through independent living skills and assisting with finding employment in Nebraska and across the country. The Orientation Counselor II works to help others develop the skills that they need to live independently and pursue their dreams. Providing instruction in techniques of daily living such as Braille, cane travel, home management and technology are an essential function of this position. All of our services are individualized and vary greatly based on the needs of the individual client, families, guardians or consulting agencies, so the ability to problem solve is critical for this role. Special Note: All new hires will complete 600 hours of blindfold immersion training in Lincoln, at NCBVI expense, at the Nebraska Center for the Blind to learn the alternative skills of blindness (cane travel, Braille, assistive technology, activities of daily living, etc.); those completing the training will obtain their CVRCB certification. Upon CVRCB certification, renewal is required every 3 years. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a district or unit supervisor. Field assignments and travel are involved in varying degrees. Location: This remote position is based in West Central Nebraska and covers a large district area, involving extensive travel to meet with clients; candidates may live anywhere from the western region of the state through the Grand Island area.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, social work, counseling/guidance, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, human development, education or related and two years’ experience; OR Master’s degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related area and one year of experience.
• Maintaining of the CVRCB Certification, once acquired on the job
• This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Knowledge of: teaching and instructing individuals; leadership techniques; blindness philosophies; various educational modalities as they pertain to the rehabilitation of blind individuals (i.e. Braille, cane travel, computer use, email, internet, screen readers or low vision applications, etc.); understanding of problems arising from blindness; counseling techniques used in the rehabilitation of the blind. Assistive technology for computers, phones employment and daily living.
• Skill in: evaluating each client's needs and the subsequent preparation and implementation of instructional programs to answer these needs.
• Ability to: lead and mentor others in the completion of work; organize and coordinate various ongoing instructional programs; apply specific counseling techniques according to the situation; effectively evaluate the results of instructional programs and revise such programs as warranted; establish a strong working rapport with clients, general public and other service agencies.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates the present level of skill possessed by clients to identify attainable goals and areas of needed improvement to adjust to blindness.
• Educates clients and the public in understanding the various implications of blindness and how this relates to current attitudes toward blindness.
• Conducts technology assessments for clients and employers.
• Makes recommendations for the purchase of assistive technology.
• Provides training in assistive technology to clients and staff.
• Prepares and implements instructional programs for clients to address the necessary skills to deal effectively with blindness such as computer use (email, internet, social media, screen readers or low vision applications), cooking and other homemaking skills, Braille and cane travel.
• Prepares periodic reports to evaluate the clients’ progress toward successful rehabilitation and to monitor the overall effectiveness of programs provided.
• Assists in the training of new staff members in the different philosophies of working with the blind, the implications of being blind and teaching daily living skills to the blind.
• At times, serves as a team leader for a working group of Orientation Counselors.
• Refers clients to additional opportunities provided by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and other social service agencies.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life.
• Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees