Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

About the role

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work This position provides individualized orientation and mobility (O&M) assessments and training for consumers who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. The role delivers instruction in specialized skill areas that support consumers in achieving their independent living, travel, and employment goals. Key responsibilities include assessing each consumer's needs, goals, readiness, and motivation to learn O&M skills, as well as evaluating their understanding of spatial and directional concepts. The position provides one-on-one instruction in areas such as sensory and concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted-guide techniques, cane travel, route planning across a variety of environments, soliciting assistance, using public transportation, maximizing residual vision, and applying low-vision or electronic travel aids. Additional duties include determining mobility needs based on prior O&M training, residual vision, individual circumstances, and physical or mental conditions, as well as identifying locomotor, auditory, visual, or other challenges and making referrals to appropriate specialists. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Range: $41,206 - $72,113 Recruitment Range: $41,206 - $60,000 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The following Management Preferences are not required, but applicants that possess these skills are preferred: Experience working with individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind, including an understanding of their unique travel and independent living needs. Knowledge of orientation and mobility principles and techniques, with experience applying O&M instructional methods in community or educational settings. Demonstrated skill in teaching or utilizing cane travel techniques, including assessing readiness, introducing appropriate skills, and supporting safe, independent travel. Position is funded in part through federal funds. Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date About the NC Division of Services for the Blind (DSB): The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf- blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment. Compensation & Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits Supplemental and Contact Information The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ . DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor's Executive Order 303 , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant