Orientation Counselor

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Blind & Visually Impaired Commission - Agency 81

Location:

Lincoln NE

Hiring Rate:

$21.523

Job Posting:

JR2025-Orientation Counselor (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed job is posted as open until closed):

0

Job Description:

Under general supervision provides adjustment counseling and teaching of non-visual techniques for consumers who are experiencing personal and social problems which are associated with the onset of blindness.

This position is located at the Nebraska Center for the Blind a program of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI). The Nebraska Center for the Blind is approved by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board as a Structured Discovery Training Center. This position will also support the Nebraska Business Enterprise (NBE) program which trains and supports blind entrepreneurs operating vending machines micro-markets and cafeterias under the federal Randolph-Sheppard Program. Tasks performed vary greatly and are based on the needs of the individual and agency.


Look at what we have to offer!
13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
Military leave
156% (thats not a typo!) state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Fun inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment
At the State we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect acting ethically in all situations and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Job Duties

* Use Structured Discovery methods to teach access technology braille cooking cleaning woodworking home maintenance/repair vending machine maintenance/repair orientation and mobility to adult clients of NCBVI.

* Evaluate the present level of skill possessed by clients to identify attainable goals and areas of needed improvement to adjust to blindness.

* Provide guidance and counseling on adjustment to blindness so that clients can learn to deal effectively with personal and public attitudes and misconceptions regarding blindness.

* Maintain daily logs submit and upload reports monthly to the electronic case management system.

* Educate clients and the public in understanding the various implications of blindness and how this relates to current attitudes toward blindness.

* Assist 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.

* Refer clients to additional opportunities provided by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and other social service agencies.

* Participate in community-based activities to promote transferrable problem-solving and self-confidence.

* Occasionally lead philosophical seminars related to blindness.

* Occasionally provide group teachings with other NCBVI staff.

* Understand and adhere to the National Blindness Professional Certification Boards Code of Conduct.

* Other Duties as assigned within the scope of the classification

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors degree in social science behavioral science social work counseling/guidance vocational rehabilitation psychology sociology human development education or related and two years experience; OR Masters 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

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with current Certification as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind (CVRCB) National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB) National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB) National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) or National Certification in Orientation and Mobility (NOMC).

Legal Requirements: **The successful candidate who is not a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind (CVRCB) will be required to obtain this certification within one (1) year of employment at NCBVI expense. Earning the CVRCB requires 600 hours of paid training under blindfolds (sleepshades) at the Nebraska Center for the Blind in order to learn the nonvisual techniques and positive philosophy critical for teaching consumers of NCBVI.

Other: This position requires travel with occasional overnight stays quarterly or semi-annually. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: teaching and instructing individuals; leadership techniques; blindness philosophies; various educational modalities as they pertain to the rehabilitation of blind individuals (i.e. Braille cane travel computer use email internet screen readers etc.); understanding of problems arising from blindness; counseling techniques used in the rehabilitation of the blind.

Skill in: evaluating each clients 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; apply specific counseling techniques according to the situation; effectively evaluate the results of instructional programs and revise such programs as warranted; establish a strong working rapport with clients general public and other service agencies.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay benefits paid time off retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position agency and employment status. For more information on benefits please visit: Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity inclusion and belonging. We recruit hire train and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race color religion sex. age national origin disability marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.