Rehabilitation Teacher

Job Title: Rehabilitation Teacher

Program: Independent Living Older Blind Program

Agency: Department of Human Services - Service to the Blind & Visually Impaired

Location: Pierre or Aberdeen, SD

Job : 36742

Closing Date: 7/29/26

Pay: $25.02 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: H

Employment Type: Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired seeks a Rehabilitation Teacher to support older South Dakotans who are blind or experiencing vision loss. The role involves assessing the impact of vision loss on daily life, developing individualized training plans, and teaching practical skills to promote safety, confidence, and independence in home and community settings. The position is field‑based, requiring travel to clients’ homes and community sites across Aberdeen and north‑central South Dakota, with a state vehicle provided for official travel.

• Assess vision loss effects on functional tasks, create person‑centered goals, and develop tailored training plans.
• Teach practical skills for safety, mobility, and home independence.
• Demonstrate low‑vision aids and adaptive equipment.
• Adapt instruction to individual learning styles, physical abilities, and home environments.
• Interpret and apply program policies, procedures, and federal requirements.
• Document cases accurately in electronic case management systems.
• Manage schedule, caseload, travel, and deadlines with independent judgment.
• Maintain professional relationships and collaborate with community partners.
• Provide continual training and support to clients and assist them through decision‑making processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, social work, nursing, rehabilitation, or related field (preferred; equivalent education and direct‑service experience may be considered).
• Experience teaching or supporting older adults or people with disabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with diverse individuals and teams.
• Ability to assess functional strengths and translate them into person‑centered goals.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with individuals with disabilities.
• Strong written communication and accurate case documentation.
• Independent judgment, critical thinking, confidence making field‑based decisions.
• Exceptional attention to detail, prioritization, self‑direction, and consistent follow‑through.
• Ability to build trust and maintain professional relationships.
• Comfort navigating difficult conversations with empathy, honesty, and respect.
• High ethical standards, confidentiality, culturally responsive practice, and understanding of mandatory reporting responsibilities.
• Physical capability to lift up to 25 pounds and demonstrate adaptive equipment (reach, bend, stoop).

• Principles of disability, independence, informed choice, dignity, self‑determination, and person‑centered services.
• Adult learning, interviewing, counseling, and motivational techniques.
• Service planning and outcome measurement methods.
• Community resources for older adults and people with disabilities, including health care, transportation, housing, and long‑term services and supports.
• Understanding of social, psychological, and practical effects of significant disability in rural communities.
• Demonstration and instruction of low‑vision devices, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and vision‑loss techniques.
• Use of Microsoft Office products and electronic case management systems.

• 15 days/120 Hours vacation leave.
• 14 days/112 Hours sick leave.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Employee health insurance with $0 premium for employee‑only coverage.
• Flexible benefits: dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness, etc.
• Paid parental & family medical leave.
• 6% fully matched retirement plan.
• Reduced tuition for in‑state colleges/universities.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Continued education/training opportunities.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08. If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application; it is not required.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. All employees must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an employment eligibility verification (Form I‑9). The State will use E‑Verify upon hire.

Must apply online. Emailed resumes or applications are not accepted. Apply at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-stateofsout

Equity:
An Equal Opportunity Employer.