Rehabilitation Specialist

The Family Support Division (FSD), Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB), is seeking candidates for a full‑time position as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Teacher for the Blind. This position is based in the Jackson County/Kansas City RSB Office located at 615 E 13TH ST, 4TH Floor, Kansas City MO. Make assessments of the impact the loss of vision has on blinded persons, assess needs of the client and take steps to assist in compensating for the loss of vision. Provide counseling services to individual clients as necessary to help them realistically accept the loss of vision and to assist the client in remaining a contributing member of the family and community. Participate with a rehabilitation counselor and mobility specialist as a member of the rehabilitation team to provide comprehensive services to clients. Provide direct teaching services to blind and visually impaired persons in their own homes. Interpret services available to blind and visually impaired persons and determine what services are needed and desired. Teach skills necessary for daily living and homemaking activities. Teach braille, typing, and other communication skills as needed. Give limited travel instruction, with both sighted guide and cane, about the client’s home and immediate surroundings. Teach handicrafts for therapeutic purposes. Assist blind and visually impaired persons in obtaining and operating special aids and devices such as talking book machines, magnifying aids and homemaking aids. Work with the family and other persons in the community as indicated by the needs of the blind or visually impaired person. Refer persons in need of eye care, other medical care or special services to an appropriate provider. Work cooperatively with personnel in other agencies to enable the blind and visually impaired persons to achieve maximum services and independence. Keep records and make reports as required. Order equipment and training aids necessary for effective client training and job performance. Serve as case manager for all Independent Living Rehabilitation clients and Older Blind services clients. Evaluate the need for and teach blind clients diagnosed with diabetes in the use of adaptive devices to measure blood sugar and insulin. Perform other related work as assigned. 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. The individual must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in and teach Braille, alternative skills of blindness and basic orientation and mobility, within 1 year as evidenced by successfully completing and obtaining a passing score on a recognized Braille test evaluated by Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time‑of‑service pay). Recruitment Area: Accepting applications from all qualified applicants. The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in yourpaycheck. To helpdemonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here. View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr