REHABILITATION INSTRUCTOR-BLIND*

Rehabilitation Instructor Blind

Location of (1) position(s) to be filled: Department of Human Services, Rutherford County. This is an on-site position. This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and one year of full-time professional experience in vocational rehabilitation, instructional work with individuals with disabilities, or teaching/training.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Additional graduate course work in one or a combination of the following may be substituted for the required experience, on a year for year basis, to a maximum of one year: orientation and mobility, vocational rehabilitation counseling, or special education or other related educational field working with individuals who are blind or vision impaired or have other disabilities.

Note: An official transcript is required for a proper evaluation for this class.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Additional full-time professional experience in a field as listed above may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

OR Four years as a Rehab Assistant with the Department of Human Services.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

1. Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
2. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
3. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check;
4. Submit to a review of their status on the Department of Health's vulnerable persons registry.

Overview: This vacancy is within the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services. The Tennessee Department of Human Services is announcing a vacancy for a Rehabilitation Instructor Blind within the Transitional Services for the Blind Program at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna.

Responsibilities:

1. Conducts comprehensive assessments of customer¿s functional abilities and review of vision/medical records to determine service eligibility, establish individualized plans, and set targeted goals to promote independence. Observes customers in their home or training environment, monitors customer progress, and modifies plans as needed.
2. Provides training in adaptive techniques, assistive technologies, independent living skills, pre-vocational competencies, and communication tools to empower customers and prepare them for employment opportunities and improve independent living outcomes.
3. Requests and maintains electronic case records, including applications, referrals, and medical documentation. Records customer interactions, progress, and instructional outcomes electronically to ensure compliance with program standards and confidentiality requirements.
4. Understands and remains current on industry trends, new technology, adaptive techniques, community resources, and assistive equipment available. Explains policies and procedures and researches and responds to customer concerns.
5. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to identify resources and enhance service delivery. Identifies, creates, and participates in community events, engagement activities, initiatives, and resource fairs to educate the public on blindness and vision impairment, share available resources, and promote program.
6. Oversees the procurement, receipt, payment, and distribution of adaptive equipment, assistive technologies, supplies, services, and materials using agency purchasing procedures. Maintains accurate inventory and accounting for equipment provided to each customer.

Competencies (KSA's):

1. Customer Focus
2. Resourcefulness
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Instills Trust
5. Situational Adaptability

Knowledges:

1. Customer and Personal Service

Skills:

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Judgment and Decision Making
4. Learning Strategies
5. Time Management

Abilities:

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Originality
4. Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment:

1. General Office Equipment
2. Adaptive Equipment
3. Assistive Technologies
4. General Home Devices and Technologies