REHABILITATION TECHNICIAN-BLIND - 48007239(BLIND SERVICES)

Requisition No: 842585 

Agency: Department of Education

Working Title: REHABILITATION TECHNICIAN-BLIND - 48007239(BLIND SERVICES)

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 48007239 

Salary:  $36,400.00 - $40,040.00 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 01/08/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
DIVISION OF BLIND SERVICES
BUREAU OF CLIENT SERVICES & PROGRAM SUPPORT
LOCATION: DISTRICT 3/GAINESVILLE (ALACHUA COUNTY)
JOB TITLE: REHABILITATION TECHNICIAN –  BLIND - CAREER SERVICE
SALARY RANGE: $36,400.00 TO $40,040.00

Our Mission:

The Division of Blind Services ensures blind and visually impaired Floridians have the tools, support, and opportunities to achieve success.  In partnership with others, we create a barrier-free environment in the lives of Floridians with visual disabilities.  The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible.  The Division serves thousands of Floridians through its plethora of programs and services.  With District and Satellite Offices located throughout the state, as well as the Career, Technology and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, and the Braille and Talking Books Library, the Division of Blind Services has become a national model in education, employment and other services that foster independence for blind and visually impaired Floridians.  

Florida Division of Blind Services Main Page

Office Contact:
Patience Lofton, HR Liaison

(352) 955 - 2075

Job Description:
This position serves as a Rehabilitation Technician/Client Intake and Support Specialist for the Blind/Visually Impaired in the Division of Blind Services District 3 Satellite Office, located in Gainesville, Florida. This position is responsible for providing intake services and case management for blind and visually impaired consumers of the Division of Blind Services. Intake services include gathering eye medical data for the purpose of eligibility determination by the Human Services Program Consultant (Employment Program Counselor).
 
Examples of Work:

• Conducts client intake.
• Assesses client’s resources.
• Performs follow-up and maintains client contact through telephone calls and emails.
• Interviews, counsels, and evaluates clients to determine individual therapeutic activity needs.
• Consults with other professionals and team members concerning recommended programs.
• Prepares reports on clients’ progress and their reactions to various activities.
• Evaluates rehabilitation therapy programs and makes recommendations for adjustments and revisions.
• Conducts in-depth interviews with a diverse group of blind and visually impaired clients to assist in the determination of their eligibility for rehabilitation services and the feasibility for achieving a vocational independent living or educational goal.
• Determines existing problems and evaluates individual needs for achieving independence in daily living, in acquiring communication skills and/or obtaining suitable employment.
• Develops community contacts for similar benefits and socialization.
• Assists in the implementation of policies, standards, rules, regulations, and guidelines for program planning.
• Reviews applicant records to ensure that all necessary documentation is current and consistent with program guidelines.
• Composes and drafts letters and other correspondence.

 
Other Miscellaneous Duties:

• Performs other duties as required.
• Some travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A high school diploma or its equivalent and professional or nonprofessional experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of employment program process.
• Knowledge of employment program policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of office procedures.
• Knowledge of the medical aspects of rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of employment program purchasing and accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of basic data operations and terminology.
• Skill in operation of general office equipment.
• Ability to operate a computer terminal.
• Ability to make decisions and to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain records.
• Ability to compose correspondence without specific instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work.

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To be considered for a position with the Division of Blind Services:
NOTE: All fields in the candidate profile (application) must be completed in its entirety. Your packet may be held up at the final review step if you are missing any of the below items.
•    All previous periods of employment must be listed and accounted for. Periods of employment should be entered with the most recent/current listed first.  

The following must be included:
•    Any and all State of Florida jobs.
•    Any and all Florida Community College or University jobs.
•    All periods of employment from high school graduation forward.
•    Periods of unemployment (gaps). *All gaps 3 months (90 days) or more must be accounted for. 
•    Education (high school, GED, Community College, University).
•    Volunteer Experience. 
•    A current resume must be included with this application, and the information contained in the resume must match the information contained in the state application.
•    Periods of employment should include the supervisor's name and contact information. Your current place of employment should be included. If you are currently unemployed, please make sure that information is included.
•    Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed.  Gaps of employment of 3 months or more must be addressed on the application. 
•    Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position. 
•    It is unacceptable to use the statement “see resume” in place of entering work history.  Your candidate profile will convert to your official application. 
•    Responses to qualifying questions must be verifiable in the candidate profile. Not all applicants will be interviewed. Preference will be given for qualifying veterans, employees in layoff status and qualified candidates based on a review of their overall scores, KSAs, primary and supplemental applications, as well as completion of any required work samples, willingness questionnaires, and behavioral/personality/skills tests, and interview responses, as applicable. References and file reviews from previous employment will be verified to determine suitability.
•    Other documentation can be attached to provide additional information.
•    Individuals lacking the ability to competently do the job and those who are unable to positively contribute to a productive team environment, need not apply.
•    The successful candidate must be able to pass a Level II Background screening.
•    If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, you must attach the correct supporting documentation to be considered (DD214). 
•    If you are claiming Right to First Interview, you must attach a copy of your official layoff letter when applying to be considered. This only applies to employees laid off from Career Service positions. 
•    All documentation is due by the close of the job requisition/advertisement. 

If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at: 877-562-7287.

WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS 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 (Eligibility Required)
»    Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida Community Colleges/Universities)
»    Career Growth
»    Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits
»    Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com) 
»    Annual and Sick Leave Benefits
»    Flexible Spending Accounts
»    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
»    Ongoing comprehensive training provided
»    Highly skilled, professional environment

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT:
It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. No applicant for a designated position will be employed or permitted to volunteer until the level 2 screening results are received, reviewed, and approved by the Department. The Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and federal criminal records checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and may include local criminal records checks through local law enforcement agencies.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications.
For more information, please visit the Social Security website.
 
Selective Services System (SSS):
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962 will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire.  For more information, please visit the Selective Service website.

 
The Florida Division of Blind Services is committed

to increasing recruitment and hiring of Veterans and individuals with disabilities and
improving employment outcomes.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.