Early Intervention Vision Specialist

Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI) seeks an Early Intervention Specialist to work with families of very young children who have a diagnosed or suspected visual impairment. You will conduct vision and developmental assessments and support families as they engage with care teams in home and community settings.

Role requires a Master’s degree in a related field and a TVI license or Orientation & Mobility certification, plus experience delivering home-based services

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood, Special Education, TVI, Orientation & Mobility or related field.
• Must have current TVI license or Certification in Orientation and Mobility.
• Thorough knowledge of Early Childhood development.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a direct client service role in Human Services.
• Experience providing services for children and families in a home-visit setting required.

Responsibilities

• Provides vision and developmental assessments for children.
• Supports families in understanding the impact of visual impairment on development.
• Provides vision-based early intervention services in home, childcare, medical and therapy settings.
• Includes family needs in service plans and coordinates with Part C EI providers.
• Maintains accurate and timely records for client services and required reports.

Skills

Rapport building with families

Assessment skills

Developmental screening

Home-based service delivery

Family-centered approach

Education

Master’s degree in Early Childhood

TVI license or O&M certification

Job description

The focus of this position is to provide the first and crucial services to families of very young children who have been diagnosed or strongly suspected with a visual impairment. Ability to quickly establish rapport with families and to provide a base for engagement and development are primary skills. This position interfaces with a variety and changing array of community and medically based referral and collaborative professionals including Part C Early Intervention providers.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Provides vision and developmental assessments for children. Supports families and community providers in their understanding of the impact of each child’s visual impairment on his or her development. Supports families in their initial coping with the diagnosis.

• Provides functional vision assessment through the use of appropriate standardized and adapted developmental and vision assessment tools.
• Recognizes and assesses relationships between visual and other developmental issues.
• Interprets functional vision assessment with family and community providers.
• Includes family needs and strengths in service plan.
• Uses family friendly and person first language.

Provides vision-based early intervention services to families in a variety of settings including home, childcare, medical and therapy appointments, and at CABVI. Recommends visual and multi-sensory accommodations and activities to support functional vision and overall development.

• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in individualizing services to children and family.
• Demonstrates versatility and innovation in use of materials and methods.
• Demonstrates appropriate balance of contact with assigned cases.
• Maintains appropriate percentage of time spent in direct service.
• Addresses client and family emotional needs in regard to vision loss.
• Actively involves others in appropriate activities with the child.

Initiates and participates in transition to preschool/school environments with family and community service providers. Provide recommendations for appropriate assessment and accommodations.

• Shares knowledge of community and preschool services with families and others.
• Connects with school-based personnel to assist in transition to preschool.
• Informs school of vision diagnosis and functional implications for child in preschool.

Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with extended family members, physicians, community providers and support services available to families in the service area.

• Collaborates with Part C Early Intervention system within each county.
• Clarity of presentation of vision material and CABVI’s specific role in early intervention.

Provides group training and gatherings for parents and community service providers regarding functional vision and blindness issues.

• Inform parents and community service providers about CABVI’s rehabilitation services and general accommodations for people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Provides content and ideas for speakers or programs of benefit to families served.

Maintains accurate and timely records for client services and completes administrative needs of CABVI within required timelines.

• Prioritizes work for best service and timely completion.
• Completes case notes or reports within one week of contact.
• Completes statistical and other service reports (weekly to monthly).
• Completes of case data, by one month following last contact.
• Completes day sheets weekly.

Initiates and actively participates in professional activities to meet program and agency needs.

• Actively participates in program planning, program development and identification of unmet needs.
• Participates in training opportunities to keep current with appropriate strategies and equipment options.
• Collaborates with other staff as needed.
• Applies and shares professional knowledge in a variety of ways.
• Assist in implementation of the unit and department annual plans.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood, Special Education, Teacher of the Visually Impaired (“TVI”), Orientation & Mobility or related field. Must have current TVI license or Certification in Orientation and Mobility.
• Thorough knowledge of Early Childhood development.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a direct client service role in a Human Services field.
• Experience providing services for children and families in a home-visit setting required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word and Outlook.
• Ability to work and interact with a diverse population
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other team members.
• Flexibility in working with families and meeting their scheduling needs.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area in Ohio, Northern KY, and Indiana (11 counties).

CABVI is an EEO M/F/Disabled/Veteran employer. CABVI is a Drug-Free Workplace.