Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking a qualified individual to join our team with the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind as a Rehabilitation Teacher 1. This role allows you to make a significant impact within our Adult Services program in Windsor. Find out more information on this unique position below!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS :
- Work Schedule : First Shift, Monday - Friday
- Work Hours : Full-time, 35 hours per week
- Location : 184 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT
Responsibilities for this role may include traveling to client's homes throughout the State.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU :
Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.Professional growth and development opportunities.A healthy work / life balance to all employees.WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING :
Evaluating client's independent living needs. Independent living needs include communication, personal organization, on-line shopping, paying bills and other priorities.Training clients to use a computer (with magnification or with screen reader software), a smartphone, a refreshable Braille display, or other assistive technology equipment.Training clients to use the above client-owned equipment and relevant online applications (including low vision apps).MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES :
The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to :
Deliver aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizensProvide leadership on aging and disability issues statewideProvide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacyAdvocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adultsServe as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state levelThe Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) is the state's leading bureau for the coordination and provision of services to all Connecticut residents who are legally blind or have significant visual impairments. These services include training and devices that help people who are blind function in the home and in the community independently; teaching children how to adapt to and learn in an environment - in and outside of school - that is designed for those with sight and providing services that help people who are blind find work or keep their job after blindness has developed.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING :
Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
To Apply :
The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the recruiter listed on this job posting.You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate's obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.Important Next Step Information for After You Apply :
Although applicants will receive correspondence via email and / or phone, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and / or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.Note : At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include : a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. Read through this helpful link to prepare for your interview.Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov / ethics.For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.Connect With Us :
Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov, 860-924-7053.PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Board of Education and Services for the Blind this class is accountable for providing specialized services in the teaching and counseling of the blind and visually impaired clients with an emphasis on providing independent living skills.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Under close supervision interviews clients to obtain information regarding effects of blindness on life skills and activities and to determine client limitations;Develops instructional plan based on needs of individual client;Evaluates and teaches independent living skills to clients at home, work, school and community center;Instructs and evaluates blind, visually impaired and multi-disabled persons in communication skills such as Braille, reading, writing, typewriting, use of adaptive technology and methods of communicating with deaf-blind persons;Instructs and evaluates blind persons in various daily life skills and activities including leisure time;Counsels and provides information regarding using and obtaining special aids and assistive devices;Provides advise to families of the blind regarding ways of assisting the blind;Reports needs for eye care or other special services to appropriate resources;Consults with rehabilitation and casework staff in order to evaluate client needs;Confers with other staff and works cooperatively with other agencies regarding cases;Maintains case records on assigned caseload;Performs related duties as required.KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge ofindividual and group behavior;
methods and techniques of teaching the blind and visually impaired;current education, social, health and economic problems and their relationship to working with the blind and visually impaired;adaptive technology;interviewing techniques;Skillsinterpersonal skills;
oral and written communication skills;Ability toprovide counseling and training to clients;
read and write Braille or translate printed material into Braille.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in education, social sciences, family and consumer science or in a related field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with assistive technology devices and software for individuals who are blind.Experience evaluating tasks of individuals who are blind at worksites and recommending accommodations.Experience teaching the use of software and assistive technology to individuals who are blind.Experience instructing and evaluating blind persons in daily life skills.Experience working with individuals who have eye conditions that cause blindness and recommending assistive technology devices for such eye conditions.Experience installing software on the computer.Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and / or responsibility.
