In the Department of Services for the Blind, this level of the series serves in either an itinerant field appointment within an assigned geographic area or in a center-based appointment within the Orientation and Training Center. The Vision Rehabilitation Specialist – Entry position is intended to be utilized in coordination with a training plan for hire at the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist – Journey level.

Provides assessment, analysis, recommendations, referral and instruction in vision rehabilitation, adaptive skills, and adaptive tools for blind, low vision, or deaf blind participants in an itinerant or center-based capacity (such as the Orientation and Training Center);

Provides assessment, analysis, recommendations and training services to businesses as a dual customer of the agency;

Engages with businesses to address accessibility and other needs that assist businesses to increase hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities;

Provides coaching to persons who are blind, low vision or deaf blind and to their families toward developing, practicing, and implementing self-advocacy skills to navigate systemic barriers independently and increase independence and inclusion;

Conducts research and analyzes data to identify solutions for individual participant needs;

Safeguards participants from harm and responds to urgent or emergency situations relevant to assessment and training interactions, and/or residential center-based emergent situations;

Prepares case documentation, records and correspondence relative to work duties;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: concepts, principles, and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation and the use of assessment techniques to determine capabilities of and potential barriers for persons who are blind, low vision or deaf blind; public and private resources and services that address wholistic needs of individual participants with disabilities or business-as-customers; principles, methods, and techniques used to assist individuals in adjusting to vision loss; principles of adult education, curriculum creation and revision, and instruction adaptability to address multiple disabilities; current trends, techniques, and tools in vision rehabilitation; techniques, information, and supports for assisting individuals who are blind, low vision or deaf blind to integrate into the community and competitive, integrated employment; blind community and consumer organizations, and other community supports.

Ability to: teach adaptive skills of blindness; analyze complex situations for emotional and physical safety of individual participant, and take appropriate effective action including handling emergent situations, coaching and provision of counseling and advocacy; work effectively with individuals who are blind, low vision or deaf blind, including those with additional disabilities; present ideas clearly and effectively orally and in writing; engage with businesses as a dual customer to address business-specific needs around disability.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in blind or vision rehabilitation, or closely related program in rehabilitation, special education, family and consumer science education, or adaptive technology. Two years of experience in social services or providing services to individuals who are blind, low vision or deaf blind will substitute for two years of the required education.

For those positions performing Orientation and Mobility functions, current certification and a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in an accredited orientation and mobility program is required.

New class: 11-9-73
Revised minimum qualifications: 5-12-78
Revised code (formerly 2188), definition, minimum qualifications, add distinguishing characteristics: 8-10-79
Code change (formerly 2187): 10-79
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, and minimum qualifications: 9-13-85
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, and minimum qualifications: 12-15-89
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 12-15-95
Revised new class code: (formerly 21880) effective July 1, 2007
Base range salary adjustment (from 36 to 43): adopted June 29, 2022, effective July 1, 2022
Revised title, definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and qualifications: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023