Rehabilitation Technician - BLIND - 48006048 (blind Services)

Rehabilitation Technician - Blind

This position serves as a Rehabilitation Technician/Client Intake and Support Specialist for the Blind/Visually Impaired in the Division of Blind Services District 1 Satellite Office, located in Panama City, 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).

Duties & Responsibilities:

• 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.

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.

Who We're Looking For:

The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions. The incumbent must interact courteously with others. The performance and behavior of all employees must demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unit. Attendance is an essential function.

Other Miscellaneous Duties:

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation; or
• Four years of professional and relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program. Preference will be given to those with a bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
• 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).