[Missouri-l] [Jobs] Job opening in Omaha Nebraska

[peter altschul]

VISUALLY IMPAIRED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR I/II
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Apply in person at Nebraska State Personnel or at 
<http://www.wrk4neb.org/>  
www.statejobs.nebraska.gov<http://www.statejobs.nebraska.gov/

Instructions for completing application:
1.  Click on the “Today’s Jobs” button

2.  In the search box towards the bottom of the page, type in the 
word blind and it will bring up the announcement.

3.  Click on Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the 
“position” box, towards the bottom of the page and you’ll 
be taken to the announcement and can apply from there.



Salary: Commensurate with education
             $ 2,581.97/month Counselor I – Bachelor’s Degree
             $ 2,983.58/month Counselor II – Master’s Degree


Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Closing Date:  September 1, 2010

DESCRIPTION:  Performs routine vocational counseling and guidance 
relevant to an individual's overall adjustment to blindness.  
Provides job placement in the rehabilitation of blind/visually 
impaired individuals.  Performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  (A position may not be assigned all the duties 
listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that 
may be assigned.)

Describe the availability of services to new referrals and 
gathers information as needed to complete applications for 
services.  Refers blind consumers to services offered by other 
agencies or organizations as appropriate.

Determine eligibility for services based on the applicant's 
unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, 
capabilities, interests, and informed choice.  Gathers medical 
information as needed for documentation of blindness or visual 
impairment.

Develop an individualized plan for employment in conjunction with 
consumers designed to empower blind individuals to maximize 
employment, economic self‑sufficiency, independence, and full 
participation in society.  Develop an individualized plan for 
independent living in conjunction with consumers with independent 
living rather than vocational goals designed to maximize their 
ability to participate fully in their home communities.

Counsel clients in their overall adjustment to blindness with 
particular emphasis on achieving a positive understanding of 
blindness based on the belief that blind people are capable of 
full participation in society using the alternative skills of 
blindness.  Promotes opportunities for blind consumers to network 
with and learn from positive blind role models.

Coordinate training in the alternative skills of blindness 
provided by orientation counselors in the field or at the 
Training Center for the Blind.  Coordinate vocational training or 
other services as needed in preparation for job placement or 
achievement of independent living goals.

Provide career exploration, job readiness training, and job 
placement services

Build trusting relationship with employers and businesses in the 
community.

Assist with special programs designed to provide concentrated 
training and socialization opportunities for blind consumers in a 
small group setting.

Provide follow-up services for clients in all aspects of 
vocational adjustment including working with family members.

Monitor progress towards the achievement of personal goals 
specified in individual service plans and maintain documentation 
of all activities and services provided in case service records 
in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Collaborate with public and private schools, institutions of 
higher education, health care providers, human service agencies, 
consumer groups and organizations, and other relevant community 
resources on behalf of blind consumers.

Conduct presentations for the general public and interested 
groups designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of 
blindness and the capabilities of blind people.

Participate in in-service training conferences, workshops, 
courses, and meetings related to rehabilitation of the blind.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED (these 
may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work 
assigned):

Knowledge and understanding of the agency's philosophy of working 
with the blind, various educational modalities as they pertain to 
the rehabilitation of blind individuals (i.e., Braille, cane 
travel, assistive technology, etc.); understanding of problems 
arising from blindness, counseling techniques used in the 
rehabilitation of the blind and ability to apply techniques in 
proper situations; skill in evaluating each client's needs and 
the subsequent preparation and implementation of instructional 
programs to answer these needs; ability to organize and 
coordinate various ongoing instructional programs, effectively 
evaluate the results of instructional programs, and revise such 
programs as warranted; and establish a strong working rapport 
with clients, general public and other service agencies.  Minimal 
computer skills required.


ENTRY KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED (These skills may 
be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the following 
coursework/training and/or experience.):

Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or related field.  
Preference will be given to candidates with a Master's degree in 
an appropriate discipline.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Successful candidates for employment must be able 
to satisfactorily pass an extensive criminal background check and 
driver’s license screening.  All new hires will complete 600 
hours of immersion training in Lincoln, at NCBVI expense, at the 
Nebraska Center for the Blind to learn the alternative skills of 
blindness (cane travel, Braille, assistive technology, activities 
of daily living, etc.); those completing the training will be 
certified as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors for the blind.  
Work is performed under the direct supervision of a district or 
unit supervisor.  Field assignments and travel are involved in 
varying degrees.



Fatos Floyd, CRC, CVRCB
Director, Nebraska Center for the Blind
Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Our Mission:
Empowering blind individuals,
Promoting opportunities,
and building belief in the blind.
(402) 471-8120

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