Regional Blind Services Specialist; Arlington

Position: Regional Blind Services Specialist (Arlington)
For Texas to be GREAT, we need the best and brightest talent like you!

The public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program administered through the Texas Workforce Commission helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP PEOPLE WITH VR

According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.6% in 2020. This jobless rate continues to be much higher than the rate for those without disabilities.

PUBLIC SERVICE IN VR IS FOR YOU…

* If you want to find meaningful work and contribute to a powerful mission. For more than 100 years VR has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals!

* If you are looking for career and advancement opportunities. 38% of employees in VR have 15 years of seniority. There are various positions with career ladders and opportunities to specialize in areas of interest:
Autism, Blind & Visual Impairments, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Brain Injury, Foster Youth, Transition Students, Veterans.

* If you need a comprehensive benefits package that offers competitive pay & benefits from health plans, life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and longevity pay.

* If you have direct VR Counseling work experience, receive higher starting salary.

* If you want to advance your education with our tuition assistance program.

* FREE CEUs to maintain CRC credentials and reimbursement for CRC & LPC renewals.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), a Family Friendly Certified Workplace, is seeking a Regional Blind Services Specialist (RBSS) - Sr RBSS to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Department located at 1301 S Bowen Rd, Arlington, Texas.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

Benefits to working for TWC include:

* Competitive starting salary: $5,181.58 - $7,144.00/month.

* Salary and position level will be based on experience and demonstrated skills.

* This is a career ladder position which means each level is required to meet the established career ladder requirements in order to be promoted to the next level.

The RBSS - Sr RBSS is selected by and reports to the Deputy Regional Director. Performs advanced to highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning/developing/implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services/technical assistance to program staff/governmental agencies/community organizations/the general public. May train/lead and/or prioritize the workload of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The ideal candidate will be able to provide consultant services to staff and other entities regarding services for adults who are blind/visually impaired for the purpose of assisting them to achieve independence and ultimate employment commensurate with the customer's skills/abilities/interests.

GGENERAL DUTIES:

* Performs in-depth analysis of field operations for statewide consistency and innovative program development.

* Provides oversight/consultative program services related to monitoring/planning/budgeting/developing/implementing the VR Program and policies.

* Provides consultative services/technical assistance to staff in the VR Program/governmental agencies/community organizations/general public.

* Provides information/resources and/or training consistent with the agency's Texas Confidence Builder's philosophy, specifically in the areas of adjustment to blindness/travel skills/skills of daily living/communication skills/support systems/vocational development and exploration or employment.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Experience in working with individuals who are blind/visually impaired.

* Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or Rehabilitation Management from an accredited college or university plus one year experience:
1) in interpreting/applying VR program policies/procedures,
2) planning/implementing/monitoring customer services,
3) coaching/mentoring and providing technical assistance for staff development, and
4) developing and providing training activities (or)

* Master's degree from an accredited college or university plus three years' progressive experience working in a VR program. With three years' experience in areas referenced above (or)

* Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or Rehabilitation Management from an accredited college or university plus three years progressive experience working in a VR program. With three years' experience in areas referenced above (or)

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university plus four years' progressive experience working in a VR program. With four…