INDEPENDENT LIVING/CHILDREN'S PROGRAM COUNSELOR - (BLIND SERVICES)

Independent Living/Children's Program Counselor

This position is located in the Division of Blind Services, District 12, Miami Office. In conjunction with the community resource providers (CRPs), the Independent Living/Children's Program Specialist is required to perform casework, process invoices and/or assist with instructional duties for rehabilitation clients to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to manage their daily lives and achieve self-confidence and self-sufficiency. The incumbent will provide parent education and information on referral services and advocacy to visually impaired children and families. The incumbent will coordinate with public school vision programs and parent groups, participate in planning and evaluating the provision of services and adaptive skills instruction needed to maximize independent living in the areas of personal management, household management, communication, orientation & mobility (indoor), leisure activities, use of low vision devices, problem solving and resource utilization.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct client intake.
• Assess client's resources.
• Perform job placement and job development activities for clients.
• Perform follow-up and maintain client contact through telephone calls and home visits.
• Interview, counsel and evaluate clients to determine individual therapeutic activity needs.
• Consult with other professionals and team members concerning recommended programs.
• Prepare reports on client's progress and their reactions to various activities.
• Evaluate rehabilitation therapy programs and make recommendations for adjustment and revisions.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with a diverse group of blind and visually impaired clients to determine their eligibility for rehabilitation services and the feasibility for achieving a vocational independent living or educational goal.
• Determine existing problems and evaluate individual needs for achieving independence in daily living, acquiring communication skills and/or obtaining suitable employment.
• Develop community contacts for employment opportunities, similar benefits and socialization.
• Assist in the establishment of policies, standards, rules, regulations and guidelines for program planning.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of social, economic, rehabilitative or health care services, administration or planning techniques.
• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Ability to develop program manuals, policies, procedures, standards and rules.
• Ability to analyze the effectiveness of service programs and identify resources or adjustments needed to meet needs.
• Ability to conduct research studies.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

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 counseling; or
• Four years of professional and relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with: 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). A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation; or who is eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). A Certified Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) designation.

Division of Blind Services Mission Statement:

The Division of Blind Services ensure blind and visually impaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunities to achieve success. In partnership with others, we create a barrier-free environment in the lives of Floridians with visual disabilities. The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. The Division serves thousands of Floridians through its plethora of programs and services. District and Satellite Offices located throughout the state, as well as the Career, Technology and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CTTC), and the Braille and Talking Books Library. The Division of Blind Servies has become a national model in education, employment and other services that foster independence for blind and visually impaired Floridians.

FLDOE: Division of Blind Services Working for the State of Florida has Benefits!

• State Group Insurance Coverage options+ (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options)
• Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required).
• Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities).
• Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (
• Annual and Sick Leave Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Ongoing comprehensive training provided.
• Highly skilled, professional environment.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit