Title: Rehabilitation Teacher - #BVI00007 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: Anticipated starting salary $55,000 commensurate with experience.

Pay Band: NV 4

Agency: Dept for Blind/Vision Impaired

Location: Blind & Vision Impaired (NOVA)

Agency Website: https://www.dbvi.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Seeking a candidate who is passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and committed to the field of rehabilitation teaching for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or vision impaired.  In a visually oriented world, the role of a rehabilitation teacher is critical in fostering equal opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for those with vision impairments.

Job Duties:

The ideal candidate will have:

The Division of Services will provide a quality program of individualized rehabilitation services, educational consultation, technical assistance, and instruction that will empower eligible clients to achieve their desired levels of independence consistent with their abilities and informed choices.

The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is seeking a Rehabilitation Teacher. The Purpose of the Position is to instruct individuals in adaptive skills and techniques for gaining or maintaining their maximum level of independence through individualized rehabilitation/independent living plans, counseling, and use of community resources and specialized equipment; and provide adjustment counseling, referral to community resources, and instruction in the use of specialized equipment.

In addition, the incumbent will perform the following duties, which include but are not limited to:

• Visits and instructs individuals in their homes in all areas of rehabilitation, teaching that apply to their individualized program, and provides adjustment counseling to individuals and family, provides resource information, advocacy, and low vision services.
• Assesses individuals’ needs and accurately determines eligibility based on referral information, the customer’s self-reported needs, and teacher observation. 
• Contacts all new referrals and schedules initial interview to evaluate for Rehabilitation Teaching /Independent Living Services.
• Coordinates and presents in-service training to various individuals and groups (i.e., nursing homes, schools, civic groups, volunteers, community agencies) on DBVI services and RT/IL program.
  

Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor:

• Schedule weekly itineraries.
• Case prioritization.
• Order and distribute RT supplies and equipment.
• Schedules and participates in low vision exams, evaluates individual needs.
• Develops and implements individualized programs of instruction.
• Participate in bi-monthly RT statewide meetings.
• The supervisor performs annual field observations.

Since the rehabilitation teacher provides field services in a wide geographical area of assigned counties/ cities, a vehicle is provided for business purposes. Alternative work schedules and telework are available as approved by management.

Minimum Qualifications:

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates skills in adjustment counseling, assessment of visual functioning, communication, Braille, homemaking, ADL, and recreational activities. 
• Demonstrates ability to communicate well verbally and in writing, to include caseload management skills. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills in basic computer operations of word processing and e-mail. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills in working with individuals in various socio-economic settings and situations.

Additional Considerations:

• Certifications (e.g. CLVT, CVRT, Special Education).
• Knowledge of a variety of secondary disabilities, including but not limited to, mental health, diabetes, hearing loss, cardiac issues, etc. 
• Training in rehabilitation teaching, background in human services, education related, or a related field, or have a combination of related training and related experience.

Special Instructions:

• This has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2-1201.1. 
• A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the finalist candidate.
• The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment (Va. Code § 2.2-3114).

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer. State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. PageUp provides a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position. You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-connected veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022, and February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-662-7003

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.