EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT SPECIALIST - 48007298 (BLIND SERVICES)

Requisition No: 840716 

Agency: Department of Education

Working Title: EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT SPECIALIST - 48007298 (BLIND SERVICES)

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 48007298 

Salary:  $40,000.00 to $44,000.00 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 12/05/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

DIVISION OF BLIND SERVICES

LOCATION:  ORLANDO (ORANGE COUNTY)

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A LEVEL 2 BACKGROUND SCREENING IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

CANDIDATES ARE TYPICALLY HIRED AT THE MINIMUM SALARY.

ALL EMPLOYMENT GAPS MUST BE EXPLAINED AND INCLUDED WITH WORK HISTORY WHEN APPLYING.

THIS IS A STATE OF FLORIDA CAREER SERVICE (CS) OPPORTUNITY.

Job Description:

This position is located in the Division of Blind Services, District 6 Office in Orlando.  This position serves as an Employment Placement Specialist which is responsible for providing direct job development and placement services for blind and visually impaired consumers of the Division of Blind Services. The incumbent in this position develops and provides job opportunities for eligible individuals through the use of marketing and job development techniques. The incumbent makes contacts and meets with employers for the purpose of identifying prospective job opportunities. The incumbent will provide job coaching and other support services to obtain competitive employment. 

Examples of Work:

• Conduct client intake.
• Assess client resources.
• Perform job placement and job development activities for clients.
• Perform follow-up and maintain client contact through telephone calls and home visits.
• Interview, counsel, and evaluate clients to determine individual therapeutic activity needs.
• Consult with other professionals and team members concerning recommended programs.
• Prepare reports on client progress and their reactions to various activities.
• Evaluate rehabilitation therapy programs and make recommendations for adjustment and revisions.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with a diverse group of blind and visually impaired clients to determine their eligibility for rehabilitation services and the feasibility for achieving a vocational independent living or educational goal.
• Determine existing problems and evaluate individual needs for achieving independence in daily living, in acquiring communication skills, and/or obtaining suitable employment.
• Develop community contacts for employment opportunities, similar benefits, and socialization.
• Assist in the establishment of policies, standards, rules, regulations, and guidelines for program planning.
• Will be responsible as needed for the State Vehicle.  This will include completing timely vehicle logs and submitting travel reimbursements and authorizations as needed.  This may also include fueling, cleaning, and providing maintenance on the State Vehicle as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in health, social, economic or rehabilitative programs, health care or hospital administration or planning.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
• Ability to maintain a clear driving history.
• Ability to maintain a Florida Driver License. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of social, economic, rehabilitative or health care services, administration or planning techniques.
• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Ability to develop program manuals, policies, procedures, standards and rules.
• Ability to analyze the effectiveness of service programs and identify resources or adjustments needed to meet needs.
• Ability to conduct research studies.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

To be considered for a position with the Division of Blind Services:

• All fields in the candidate profile (application) must be completed in its entirety.
• A current resume must be included with this application, and the information contained in the resume must match the information included in the state application.
• All previous periods of employment must be listed and accounted for. Periods of employment should be entered with the most recent/current listed first. 
• Periods of employment should include the supervisor's name and contact information. 
• 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. Putting "see resume" does not substitute for completing all sections of the candidate profile.
• 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.
• Resumes and 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. 

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.