This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is responsible and technically specialized work in the Division of Family Services/Rehabilitation Services for the Blind in providing rehabilitation services to persons with blindness and severe visual impairments.
An employee in this class has responsibility for assisting individuals with blindness and severe visual impairments adapt to a loss of vision by acquiring and retaining those skills which are necessary for independent living in their own homes and communities. Work includes responsibility for the attainment of these objectives through teaching the necessary communication, mobility and daily living skills and providing guidance and counseling services to the individual on adjustment problems which interfere with the attainment of objectives. Supervision is normally received from a District Supervisor, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in orientation and mobility, rehabilitation counseling, education, social work, behavioral sciences, home economics (with emphasis in home management) or closely related areas.
Prior to appointment an applicant must demonstrate proficiency in and ability to teach Grade II braille, mobility and alternative techniques used by blind and visually impaired persons to perform activities of daily living as required and evaluated by the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind section.
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Makes assessments of the impact the loss of vision has on blinded persons, assesses needs of the client and takes steps to assist in compensating for the loss of vision.
Provides counseling services to individual clients as necessary to help in realistically accepting the loss of vision and to assist the client in remaining a contributing member of the family and community.
Participates with a rehabilitation counselor and mobility specialist as a member of the rehabilitation team to provide comprehensive services to clients.
Provides direct teaching services to blind and visually impaired persons in their own homes.
Interprets services available to blind and visually impaired persons and determines what services are needed and desired.
Teaches skills necessary for daily living and homemaking activities.
Teaches braille, scriptwriting, typing and other communication skills, as needed.
Gives limited travel instruction, with both sighted guide and cane, about the client's home and immediate surroundings.
Teaches handicrafts for therapeutic purposes.
Assists blind and visually impaired persons in obtaining and operating special aids and devices such as talking book machines, magnifying aids and homemaking aids.
Works with the family and other persons in the community as indicated by the needs of the blind or visually impaired person.
Refers persons in need of eye care, other medical care or special services to an appropriate provider.
Works cooperatively with personnel in other agencies to enable the blind and visually impaired persons to achieve maximum services and independence.
Keeps records and makes reports as required.
Orders equipment and training aids necessary for effective client training and job performance.
Serves as case manager for all Vocational Rehabilitation clients whose vocational goal is homemaker and for all Independent Living Rehabilitation clients.
Evaluates the need for and teaches blind diabetics in the use of adaptive devices to measure blood sugar and insulin.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Considerable knowledge of the impact of various medical conditions and disabilities upon an individual's ability to function independently and succeed vocationally.
Considerable knowledge of braille usage and proficiency in Grade II braille.
Working knowledge of the techniques of sighted-guide travel and limited cane travel.
Working knowledge of typing techniques and other communication skills used by blind and visually impaired persons.
Working knowledge of homemaking techniques for blind and visually impaired persons, including cooking, sewing, laundering, housecleaning, etc.
Some knowledge of arithmetic and the techniques of teaching arithmetic to blind and visually impaired persons.
Ability to teach the techniques of travel, daily living, social skills, homemaking, handicrafts and communication (including reading and writing braille) to blind and visually impaired persons.
Ability to acquire an objective understanding of the physical, emotional and social implications of blindness and severe visual impairments and to establish a productive relationship with clients.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, students, etc.