Rehabilitation Teacher-Metro West area

Job Description

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is seeking a dynamic individual to develop and implement individualized teaching materials and methods for consumers of all ages who are blind. The Rehabilitation Teacher makes assessments of the impact that loss of vision has on individuals who are blind, assesses consumers' needs, and takes steps to assist in compensating for the loss. The Rehabilitation Teacher travels three days per week throughout assigned areas in the Boston Metro West region to provide service to consumers in their homes, job locations, and other settings as needed.

To be successful in this role, our applicant must have the ability to teach consumers non-visual skills, train consumers with visual enhancement devices and strategies, and can learn and apply state, federal and agency guidelines to properly teach consumers.

• Provide direct consumer training as specified in individualized service plans. Areas of training may include daily living skills (ADL), home management, meal planning and preparation, communication skills, low vision utilization, braille, job readiness skills and the use of adaptive technology.
• Provide job site assessment and training in the use of adaptive technology and collaborates with vocational rehabilitation staff for follow-up.
• Provide information and referral services, evaluate consumers' needs and abilities in specific skill areas, and consult with outside agencies including schools, adult day programs, home health providers, nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities and work programs on behalf of consumers in conjunction with skill planning.
• Collaborate and communicate with the assigned case manager and other discipline-specific staff as a member of the rehabilitation team to provide comprehensive services to consumers.
• Facilitate integration of consumers into a variety of community program settings, and provides community education and in-service training for organizations, agencies and facilities working with individuals who are blind.
• Complete case documentation, perform electronic consumer tracking functions and maintain case files in accordance with policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of vision rehabilitation therapy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and provide supportive counseling to consumers and their families/support network.
• Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational and health issues facing individuals who are blind.
• Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.
• Talent for serving diverse populations and familiarity with secondary disabilities in addition to blindness.

• Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to individuals with blindness.
• Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Outlook.
• Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
• A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.
• Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.
• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.