Instructor for the Blind (VR Specialist II)

Maryland; Suitland (MD); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), seeks a VR Specialist II to assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for and obtaining employment while navigating federal and state regulations. The role includes interviewing, eligibility determinations, services coordination, and collaboration with partners to remove barriers to employment.

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and related professional experience; a Master’s degree

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required for the role.
• Two years of professional experience in a behavioral or social science-related field, or one year as Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist I.
• Master's degree with one year of relevant experience may substitute for two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide services to increase employment and advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and division policy; complete initial interviews and determine eligibility.
• Coordinate services and work with partners to address barriers and prepare clients for gainful employment.
• Deliver independent living rehabilitation instruction and job preparation training for visually impaired clients under ILOB or VR programs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland. As part of the Maryland State Department of Education, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides services to assist students with disabilities prepare for the work world, vocational rehabilitation services to assist adults with significant disabilities who are seeking to enter or reenter the workforce, and the adjudication of Social Security disability claims for the citizens of Maryland.

GRADE

ASTD15

Starting salary for VR Specialist II is $65,707; State Salary Guidelines may apply

LOCATION OF POSITION

5001 Silver Hill Road, Suite #306

Suitland, MD 20746

Hybrid schedule may be available after completion of training (up to 3 telework days permitted each week)

POSITION DUTIES

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Specialist provides services to increase employment and advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities and/or Independent Living Services under the Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) program. The Specialist assists consumers so that they may maintain, prepare for and obtain gainful employment or increased independence in the community consistent with their interest, skills, capacities, strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and informed choices.

The Specialist position ensures the application of federal and state regulations and division policy, completes initial interviews, determines applicant eligibility for services, determines the nature and scope of services necessary to address disability barriers, addresses employment readiness, and ensures identified services are provided and/or coordinated with various partners.

VR Specialists assigned to instruction, provide independent living rehabilitation instruction services and job preparation training to severely visually impaired, legally blind or totally blind individuals who are receiving services through the ILOB or VR programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree.
• Experience: Two years of professional experience in a behavioral or social science-related field or one year of professional experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist I providing rehabilitation counseling or vocational evaluation services to clients with physical or behavioral disabilities, or teaching services to clients with partial or total visual impairment.
• Note: A Master's degree and one year of experience in a behavioral or social science-related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience instructing individuals who are blind or have low vision
• Professional experience working with blind or low vision individuals with disabilities.
• Experience providing career counseling and case management
• Experience providing direct client or coordination services in a vocational rehabilitation or other human services related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.

SELECTION PROCESS

Transfer opportunities will be considered. Current DORS employees, please submit a transfer application in addition to applying for this recruitment.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.