Senior Rehabilitation Specialist

The Family Support Division, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is seeking applications for a Senior Rehabilitation Specialists located at 615 E 13th Street, Kansas City, MO.

This is specialized and skilled work in providing adjustment services, orientation to surroundings and travel training to blind and visually impaired persons who receive services from the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Division of Family Services. An employee in this class has responsibility for training blind and visually impaired persons so they will achieve the confidence and skills necessary to travel independently from one location to another in a safe, efficient and socially acceptable manner. Supervision is received from a District Supervisor, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind or other designated administrative superior.

• Assess blind and visually impaired persons, including those with multiple disabilities, to determine their understanding of spatial and directional concepts and their physical and emotional capability to participate in a planned sequential course of training in orientation and mobility.
• Provide orientation of blind and visually impaired persons to the surroundings in which they live and/or work.
• Communicate to clients and other significant persons information regarding the physical, psychological, social, educational, economic and employment implications of blindness.
• Teach blind and visually impaired persons the correct techniques for accessing various modes of public transportation (taxis, busses, trains, airplanes, etc.).
• Prepare and teach the use of tactile, Braille and auditory maps.
• Teach blind and visually impaired persons the effects of various weather conditions on the environment and how to travel in those conditions (i.e., the effect of wind, rain, or snow on traffic sounds; ice or silt on sidewalks).
• Assist clients in obtaining alternatives to cane travel (i.e., guide dogs, electronic aids and optical aids).
• Train the client in the use of remaining vision, whenever applicable.
• Teach cane techniques such as arc, rhythm step, shore lining, touch and slide, diagonal, methods of locating stationary landmarks or other points of reference; how to judge traffic and intersection patterns in both residential and business areas and how to negotiate curbs and uneven terrains.
• Observe the posture, gait, body movements and other gross motor techniques of blind and visually impaired persons, assesses the specific implications for travel and teaches correct posture, gait, body movements and other gross motor techniques necessary for learning and using travel skills.
• Determine the appropriate type and length of cane for each client (when necessary cuts cane to desired length) and teaches client to determine when cane tips need to be changed and how to change them. Interprets state statutes related to services and legal rights of blind and visually impaired persons to clients, other consumers and the general public.

General Summary: Second-level professional position accountable for performing case management activities to include interviewing, counseling, assessing, evaluating, writing rehabilitation plans, teaching, and/or placing clients in suitable employment. Employees may represent the agency and persons with disabilities to the community, public and private agencies; and/or serve as a resource in the community for creating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Duties may also involve helping clients adjust to physical impairments and integrate socially by providing mobility, orientation, and travel training, and identifying available resources.

Two years of professional experience in rehabilitation counseling, job placement, rehabilitation teaching, vocational counseling and guidance, employment services for individuals with disabilities or related areas; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in job placement, rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation teaching, counseling and guidance, behavioral sciences, education, business or public administration or related areas.

(Graduate study in the areas listed above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for one year of the stated experience.) OR

One year of experience in a public or private rehabilitation agency for blind and visually impaired persons or in the Family Support Division/Rehabilitation Services for the Blind at or above the level of Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind II, Rehabilitation Teacher for the Blind, or Area Coordinator, Business Enterprises for the Blind.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of persons with disabilities, and their physical, social, and emotional limitations and challenges. Ability to train staff in the instruction of clients in job seeking skills, provide information regarding disabilities as they relate to employment, and/or instruct clients on use of adaptive technology.

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 your paycheck. To help demonstrate 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 .

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• State of Missouri

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