INDEPENDENT LIVING/CHILDREN'S PROG SPC - 48007287 (Blind Services)

Requisition No: 797518 

Agency: Department of Education

Working Title: INDEPENDENT LIVING/CHILDREN'S PROG SPC - 48007287 (Blind Services)

Position Number: 48007287 

Salary:  $34,455.91 

Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2023 

DIVISION OF BLIND SERVICES
LOCATION:   WEST PALM BEACH

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 Opportunity.

Preference may be given to candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree.

**This is an anticipated vacancy**

Job Description:

In conjunction with the community resource providers (CRPs), the Independent Living/Children's Program Specialist is required to perform casework, process invoices and/or assist with instructional duties for rehabilitation clients to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to manage their daily lives and achieve self-confidence and self-sufficiency.  The incumbent will provide parent education and information on referral services and advocacy to visually impaired children and families.  The incumbent will coordinate with public school vision programs and parent groups, participate in planning and evaluating the provision of services and adaptive skills instruction needed to maximize independent living in the areas of personal management, household management, communication, orientation & mobility (indoor), leisure activities, use of low vision devices, problem solving and resource utilization.

Examples of Work:

• Conduct client intake.
• Assess client’s 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's 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, 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.

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.

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.

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.