This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is professional planning, consultative and administrative work in the statewide prevention of blindness program of the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Division of Family Services.
The employee in this class is responsible for planning, developing and administering the prevention of blindness activities for blind and visually impaired persons. Work includes full-scale vision screening clinics, glaucoma screening clinics and the provision of purchased on-going eye care services to blind and/or visually impaired persons throughout the state. Work is reviewed by and supervision received from the Deputy Director, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind or other designated administrative superior.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Four years of professional employment in the field of services for blind and/or visually impaired persons, vocational rehabilitation, special education, social services to families, children, adults, or initial determination and re-investigation of eligibility for income maintenance in a public or private agency, of which two years must have been in a responsible supervisory (above first supervisory level), administrative or rehabilitation services capacity; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. (Graduate study in the areas of special education of blind and/or visually impaired persons, social work, sociology, psychology, counseling, public or business administration or related areas may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the stated general experience and for a maximum of one year of the stated specialized experience.)
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Organizes and conducts statewide full-scale vision and glaucoma screening clinics including training of volunteer, professional and lay staff and coordinating activities of examining eye care specialists.
Develops contracts with medical facilities to obtain professional and hospital care for Prevention of Blindness Program clients.
Reviews referrals to the Prevention of Blindness Program and determines eligibility for diagnostic examinations and recommended treatments.
Works with medical professionals and public/private educational and social service agencies to coordinate eye care services for students and clients.
Develops and revises the policy and procedures manual for the Prevention of Blindness Program.
Refers applicants and clients in need of services to the vocational rehabilitation and rehabilitation teaching programs of the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.
Interprets regulations, policies and procedures of the Prevention of Blindness Program to other rehabilitation staff, Prevention of Blindness Program clients, medical professionals, community and volunteer groups.
Develops procedures for the exchange of accurate information regarding delivery of eye care services to joint (Prevention of Blindness Program and rehabilitation teaching) clients.
Authorizes payment for eye care services through the Prevention of Blindness Program, including examinations, surgery, hospitalization, medication, glasses and prostheses.
Establishes and monitors fiscal and program record keeping methods for the Prevention of Blindness Program to insure that necessary data are available.
Participates in meetings, seminars and institutes to interpret the needs of blind and visually impaired persons and to assist in appropriate referral of individuals in need of specific services.
Participates in development of the annual state budget request for the Prevention of Blindness Program.
Responsible for distribution of literature and other educational efforts to promote public awareness of eye diseases and of services available through the Prevention of Blindness Program.
Makes recommendations for needed changes in the administration of the Prevention of Blindness Program.
Makes reports to top management officials on recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of the administration of the Prevention of Blindness Program.
Travels throughout the state to coordinate clinics and represent agency.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Thorough knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to blind and visually impaired persons.
Thorough knowledge of state eligibility guidelines for vocational rehabilitation services for blind and visually impaired persons.
Thorough knowledge of the purpose and use of medical equipment used in full-scale vision and glaucoma screening clinics.
Considerable knowledge of sources of eye care available to individuals with eye diseases.
Considerable knowledge of ophthalmologic terminology.
Considerable knowledge of types of services, special aids and devices used to compensate for blindness and/or visual impairment.
Considerable knowledge of programs of the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.
Considerable knowledge of the techniques of program analysis.
Working knowledge of local, state and national resources available to blind and visually impaired persons.
Working knowledge of the effects of blindness and visual impairment on personality and adjustment.
Working knowledge of public relations techniques and practices.
Working knowledge of financial and other services available through the Division of Family Services.
Working knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Ability to work with other employees, other agencies, members of the medical professions, community groups and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to interpret laws, regulations and agency policy pertaining to eye care services.