The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is seeking a dynamic individual to develop and implement individualized teaching materials and methods for consumers of all ages who are blind. The Rehabilitation Teacher makes assessments of the impact that loss of vision has on individuals who are blind, assesses consumers' needs, and takes steps to assist in compensating for the loss. The Rehabilitation Teacher travels three days per week throughout assigned areas in the Boston Metro West region to provide service to consumers in their homes, job locations, and other settings as needed.
To be successful in this role, our applicant must have the ability to teach consumers non-visual skills, train consumers with visual enhancement devices and strategies, and learn and apply state, federal, and agency guidelines to properly teach consumers.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
- Provide direct consumer training as specified in individualized service plans. Areas of training may include daily living skills (ADL), home management, meal planning and preparation, communication skills, low vision utilization, braille, job readiness skills, and the use of adaptive technology.
- Provide job site assessment and training in the use of adaptive technology and collaborate with vocational rehabilitation staff for follow-up.
- Provide information and referral services, evaluate consumers' needs and abilities in specific skill areas, and consult with outside agencies including schools, adult day programs, home health providers, nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities, and work programs on behalf of consumers in conjunction with skill planning.
- Collaborate and communicate with the assigned case manager and other discipline-specific staff as a member of the rehabilitation team to provide comprehensive services to consumers.
- Facilitate integration of consumers into a variety of community program settings, and provides community education and in-service training for organizations, agencies, and facilities working with individuals who are blind.
- Complete case documentation, perform electronic consumer tracking functions and maintain case files by policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of vision rehabilitation therapy.
- Ability to communicate effectively with professionals.
- Ability to communicate effectively with and provide supportive counseling to consumers and their families/support network.
- Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational, and health issues facing individuals who are blind.
- Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.
- Talent for serving diverse populations and familiarity with secondary disabilities in addition to blindness.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to individuals with blindness.
- Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Outlook.
- Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.
Agency Mission:
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is the point of entry for vocational and social rehabilitation services for residents of the Commonwealth who are declared to be legally blind by an eye professional. Under a newly created category, MCB will expand service to qualifying individuals who have low vision with a progressive visual impairment. These services help individuals to work toward independence and full community participation.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services before the candidate is hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link, and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- A bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience based on two years of education for one year of experience.
- A bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience based on four years of education for one year of experience.
- Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.
- One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated based on the proportion of the requirements completed
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
