Vision Rehabilitation Specialist – Senior; In-Training - Flexibility

Vision Rehabilitation Specialist – Senior (In-Training)

This role is open for two positions located in Lacey, WA and Yakima, WA. Candidates may reside up to three hours from the assigned duty station and the position is primarily telework-based with required in-person presence at the duty station. Extensive daily travel and occasional overnight travel may be required. Lodging will be arranged in accordance with state travel policies.

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of participants referred for vocational rehabilitation services, gathering information on disability, family support, education/work history, motivation, and adaptive skills.
• Assess and measure participants’ adjustment to vision loss and readiness for training; coordinate with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and other staff to address any conflicts or issues.
• Recommend and implement solutions, therapies, techniques, and tools to address low vision needs.
• Analyze anticipated needs for aids and appliances and determine the most effective, cost‑efficient training methods.
• Facilitate the practice of “informed choice.”
• Make formal recommendations in the electronic case management system.

• Develop and implement individualized training plans based on assessment data.
• Communicate training scope, competencies, and expected outcomes to participants.
• Conduct training or arrange contract training with external vendors.
• Monitor participant progress and adjust training plans as necessary.
• Test and assess participant competencies.
• Provide regional and statewide consultation and training to community partners and employers.

• Onboard, train, and develop lower‑level staff toward competency.
• Respond to ongoing training requests from lower‑level staff and Regional Area Managers.
• Support statewide process review and improvement efforts.

• Perform comprehensive low vision evaluations, including magnification needs and lighting recommendations.
• Coordinate recommendations with participants and counselors.
• Manage the Low Vision Lab, overseeing supplies, inventory, and budget oversight.

• Maintain and edit documentation of training activities in the automated case management system.
• Coordinate participant orientation and mobility/rehabilitation teaching needs with the team.
• Contribute to the development of service standards and procedural changes.

• Evaluate new or upgraded aids, appliances, techniques, and technologies.
• Keep current with developments in the orientation and mobility/rehabilitation teaching profession.
• Conduct peer training and share new techniques and professional developments on a quarterly basis.
• Prepare and deliver formal peer or team training annually.
• Mentor and train new staff in adaptive skills assessment, low vision assessment, and documentation independently.

The position may be filled at the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist – Entry, Journey, or Senior level, depending on qualifications.

• bachelor’s degree in blind or vision rehabilitation or a closely related field, or two years of related experience to substitute for education.
• current Orientation and Mobility (COMS) certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

• Option 1: master’s degree in a related field.
• Option 2: bachelor’s degree and two years of paid professional experience in adaptive skill instruction, plus COMS certification or ability to obtain within six months.

• Option 1: master’s degree in a related field.
• Option 2: bachelor’s degree, three years of paid professional experience (including one year supervisory), and COMS certification or ability to obtain within six months.

Salary ranges:
Entry – $3,840 to $5,137 per month;
Journey – $4,428 to $5,956 per month;
Senior – $5,271 to $7,082 per month.

The Washington State Department of Services for the Blind is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants with a criminal history may be considered in accordance with applicable law.