Placement Specialist Blind Services

EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT SPECIALIST -  (BLIND SERVICES)

Salary: $42,200.00 to $46,420.00 Annually

Location:

District 2 / Tallahassee (Leon County)

Job Description:

This position is in the Division of Blind Services, District 2 Office in Tallahassee. The incumbent serves as an Employment Placement Specialist responsible for providing direct job development and placement services for blind and visually impaired consumers. The role involves developing job opportunities, identifying prospective job opportunities, providing job coaching and support services to obtain competitive employment.

• Conduct client intake.
• Assess client resources.
• Perform job placement and job development activities for clients.
• Perform follow-up and maintain client contact through telephone calls and home visits.
• Interview, counsel, and evaluate clients to determine individual therapeutic activity needs.
• Consult with other professionals and team members concerning recommended programs.
• Prepare reports on client progress and their reactions to various activities.
• Evaluate rehabilitation therapy programs and make recommendations for adjustments.
• Conduct in‑depth interviews with a diverse group of blind and visually impaired clients to determine eligibility for rehabilitation services and feasibility for achieving a vocational independent living or educational goal.
• Determine existing problems and evaluate individual needs for achieving independence in daily living, acquiring communication skills, and/or obtaining suitable employment.
• Develop community contacts for employment opportunities.
• Assist in the establishment of policies, standards, rules, and guidelines for program planning.
• Maintain State Vehicle as needed (log, reimbursements, maintenance).

• Knowledge of social, economic, rehabilitative or health care services, administration or planning techniques.
• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Ability to develop program manuals, policies, procedures, standards and rules.
• Ability to analyze the effectiveness of service programs.
• Ability to conduct research studies.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain a clear driving record and valid Florida Driver’s License.

The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight time frames, balance multiple priorities, and maintain goal‑directed behavior. They must interact courteously with others, demonstrate consideration of workload concerns, and maintain attendance.

• Perform other duties as requested.
• Some travel required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to vocational rehabilitation, or four years of professional experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
• Maintain a clear driving history and valid Florida Driver’s License.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three to five years’ experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
• Understanding of evolving labor force and needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

• State Group Insurance Coverage options (health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental options).
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program (eligibility required).
• Tuition Fee Waivers (accepted by major Florida colleges/universities).
• Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Annual and Sick Leave Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Highly skilled, professional environment.

• Annual Leave – 8.667 hrs/month (0–5 yrs), 10.833 hrs/month (5–10 yrs), 13 hrs/month (>10 yrs). Senior Management Service and Selected Exempt Service earn 176 hrs upon appointment.
• Sick Leave – 8.667 hrs/month.

Kelly Simmons, Assistant District Administrator
Phone:

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation must notify the hiring authority or People First Service Center.