Orientation Counselor II
State of Nebraska

Description
Looking to make a positive impact in the lives of others? Come join our team at the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired as an Orientation Counselor! The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired works to help blind and visually impaired Nebraskans achieve full and rewarding lives through independent living skills and assisting with finding employment in Nebraska and across the country.

The Orientation Counselor II works to help others develop the skills that they need to live independently and pursue their dreams. Providing instruction in techniques of daily living such as Braille, cane travel, home management and technology are an essential function of this position. All of our services are individualized and vary greatly based on the needs of the individual client, families, guardians or consulting agencies, so the ability to problem solve is critical for this role.

We offer an excellent total compensation package including: 13 paid holidays; vacation and sick leave; State-matched retirement plan; health, dental, vision, and life insurance options!

Treating others with dignity & respect - ethically sound - customer always the priority. Sound like you? This might be your perfect fit! This position is located in Norfolk and may require telecommuting as a part of the position as well as performs related work as assigned.

Please Note: This position requires four months of training upon hire. Training will be held in the Lincoln office. Housing will be provided during this time.

Location: Will work from home office, and needs to be located within 1 hour of Norfolk.

Schedule: 40 hours per week; consisting of at least two 8 hour days per week and occasional nights/weekends.

Examples of Work
-Describe the availability of services to new referrals and gathers information as needed to complete applications for services. Refers blind consumers to services offered by other agencies or organizations as appropriate.
-Determine eligibility for services based on the applicant's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. Gathers medical information as needed for documentation of blindness or visual impairment.
-Evaluate the present level of skills possessed by clients to identify attainable goals and areas of needed improvement to adjust to blindness.
-Develop an individualized plan for independent living in conjunction with consumers with independent living goals designed to maximize their ability to participate fully in their home communities.
-Counsel clients in their overall adjustment to blindness with particular emphasis on achieving a positive understanding of blindness based on the belief that blind people are capable of full participation in society using the alternative skills of blindness. Promotes opportunities for blind consumers to network with and learn from positive blind role models.
-Prepare and Coordinate instructional programs in training of the alternative skills of blindness in the field or at the Training Center for the Blind, which may include computer use (email, internet, social media, screen readers or low vision applications), cooking and other homemaking skills, Braille and cane travel. Coordinate other services as needed in preparation for achievement of independent living or service goals.
-Prepare periodic reports to evaluate the clients' progress toward successful rehabilitation and to monitor the overall effectiveness of programs provided.
-Build trusting relationship with employers and businesses in the community and help develop after-school work experiences for blind/visually impaired students.
-Assist with special programs designed to provide concentrated training and socialization opportunities for blind consumers in a small group setting to empower NCBVI's clients to obtain their goals.
-Provide follow-up services for clients in all aspects of adjustment to blindness including working with family members.
-Monitor progress towards the achievement of personal goals specified in individual service plans and maintain documentation of all activities and services provided in case service records in compliance with federal and state regulations.
-Collaborate with public and private schools, institutions of higher education, health care providers, human service agencies, consumer groups and organizations, and other relevant community resources on behalf of blind consumers.
-Conduct presentations for the general public and interested groups designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.
-Participate in in-service training conferences, workshops, courses, and meetings related to rehabilitation of the blind.
-Assists in the training of new staff members in the different philosophies of working with the blind, the implications of being blind and teaching daily living skills to the blind. At times, serves as a team leader for a working group of Orientation Counselors.

Qualifications / Requirements
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, social work, counseling/guidance, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, human development, education or related and two years' experience; OR Master's degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related area and one year of experience Maintaining of the CVRCB Certification, once acquired on the job

OTHER: Travel will be required, with overnight stays 3-4 times per year. Regular and reliable attendance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
-Knowledge of teaching and the understanding of the agency's philosophy of working with the blind, various educational modalities as they pertain to the rehabilitation of blind individuals (i.e., Braille, cane travel, assistive technology, etc.);
-Understanding of problems arising from blindness, counseling techniques used in the rehabilitation of the blind and ability to apply techniques in proper situations.
-Skill in evaluating each client's needs and the subsequent preparation and implementation of instructional programs to answer these needs.
-Ability to lead and mentor others in the completion of work, organize and coordinate various ongoing instructional programs, effectively evaluate the results of instructional programs, and revise such programs as warranted; apply specific counseling techniques according to the situation; and establish a strong working rapport with clients, general public, and other service agencies.
-Computer skills are required.