HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM CONSULTANT III - 48007216 (BLIND SERVICES)

Requisition No: 833165 

Agency: Department of Education

Working Title: HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM CONSULTANT III - 48007216 (BLIND SERVICES)

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 48007216 

Salary:  $45,000.00 to $51,975.00 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 01/12/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

DIVISION OF BLIND SERVICES

LOCATION: PALMETTO (MANATEE COUNTY)

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF 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. 

**OPEN UNTIL FILLED**

Job Description:

This position is located in the Division of Blind Services, District 9 Palmetto Office.  The Human Services Program Consultant III works with DBS clients and local businesses and other federal, state, public and non-profit employers, providing unique, specialized services to blind adults and children through the vision rehabilitation process, including advocacy, referral and resource development, counseling and guidance, and all other aspects of Independent Living, Children’s, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Examples of Work:

• Maintain and practice a current understanding of FDOE and DBS policies and guidelines regarding information security.
• Provide unique, specialized services to blind adults and children throughout the vision rehabilitation process including advocacy, referral and resource development, counseling and guidance, and all other aspects of Independent Living, Children’s, and Vocational Rehabilitation services.
• Conduct outreach activities to increase on-the-job training, apprenticeships, work-based learning, volunteering, and employment opportunities.
• Participate in job development, placement and follow-up activities of clients and utilize specific assessment tools as directed by policies and procedures.
• Provide and document required client contacts, initial interview assessments, plan development, closure reports, and implements and coordinates services in accordance with timeframes, policies, and procedures specified in the case service manual.
• Model and demonstrate the principals of flexibility, adaptability, and approachability - while adhering to applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Exhibit effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation.
• Ensure services are expedited to applicants and clients with actual job offers and those who are at risk of losing employment.
• Utilize understanding of education and training programs for blind and visually impaired clients to increase attainment of recognized post-secondary credentials that align with the skill needs of industries that lead to career pathways. 
• Obtain and interpret eye medical/other information to determine eligibility for services in accordance with program procedures.
• Develop and amend Individualized Plans of Employment reflecting required and appropriate services necessary for the client to obtain or maintain competitive integrated employment paying above subminimum wages.
• Focus on career pathways by coordinating with education/training programs that provide workforce preparation activities, programs, and services designed to help an individual acquire a combination of academic knowledge and skills.
• Coordinate necessary services such as independent living skills, assistive technology, orientation & mobility, supported employment, communication and vocational skills training with local providers. Work cooperatively with community providers, eye medical facilities and government agencies to develop referrals and coordinate services.
• Utilize understanding of the Ticket to Work program to assist “ticket holders” in their efforts to find or retain employment for self-sufficiency.
• Provide opportunities for and information about recreational/extracurricular activities and advocate for client participation in these types of activities when appropriate.
• Provide community education, outreach, guidance, and training about blindness and document those activities in AWARE.
• Provide liaison services to schools and participate in the development of Individual Education Plans when requested.
• Assist teachers, employers and training sites - when requested - with making adaptations and/or modifications.
• Participate in transition staffing and make recommendations for new referrals to the VR program through meetings with the Independent Living/Children's Rehabilitation Specialist on a quarterly basis.
• Encourage clients to attain industry-recognized certificates and credentials linked to occupations in high demand.
• Encourage the client's development of self-advocacy skills.
• Conduct follow-up calls with clients and employers within 90 days of employment start date, as well as at the 180-day and employment anniversary to determine further services and possible job opportunities for other clients. Work with district leadership to ensure additional services are coordinated.
• Assist in meeting program goals assigned by the state office and individually by the District Administrator by facilitating successful employment outcomes.
• Focus on activities that lead to meeting WIOA performance measures, such as seeking opportunities for students and youth with disabilities to practice workplace skills, encouraging utilization of online job systems, strengthening employer relationships, and promoting integrated employment.
• Monitor the provision of services to ensure clients have the functional and independent living skills necessary to achieve the vocational goal.
• Develop, maintain, and improve techniques for caseload management, utilizing the electronic client information system (AWARE) to gather accurate data and generate reports.
• Promote client satisfaction. Handle and attempt to resolve client issues before moving to the next level (Assistant District Administrator or District Administrator).
• Understand various eye conditions and their impact on functional vision, and convey this information in employment settings.
• Understand the rehabilitation process and abilities, strengths, and capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Participate in statewide program training.
• Other duties as requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An ability to establish and maintain education and experience requirements to ensure an understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
• Knowledge of pre-employment transition services.
• Attainment of a Certification Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation or are eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
• Attainment of a Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) designation or are eligible to become a Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC).

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four years of professional experience in social, economic, health or rehabilitative programs or in program analysis.
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize workload.
• Ability to develop various reports.
• Ability to manage people.
• Ability to assess budgetary needs.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct programs or activities.

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.