Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

About the role

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians. The position provides individualized orientation and mobility (O&M) assessments and training for consumers who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind.

Responsibilities

• Assess each consumer’s needs, goals, readiness, and motivation to learn O&M skills.
• Evaluate consumer’s understanding of spatial and directional concepts.
• Provide one-on-one instruction in areas such as sensory and concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted-guide techniques, cane travel, route planning across various environments, soliciting assistance, using public transportation, maximizing residual vision, and applying low-vision or electronic travel aids.
• Determine mobility needs based on prior O&M training, residual vision, individual circumstances, and physical or mental conditions.
• Identify locomotor, auditory, visual, or other challenges and make referrals to appropriate specialists.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in visual impairment field from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Certification by the Academy for Certification of Education and Rehabilitation Professionals (ACVREP) as a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT), Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, or Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
• Must obtain certification within two years from the date of employment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of orientation and mobility principles and techniques, with experience applying O&M instructional methods in community or educational settings.

Demonstrated skill in teaching or utilizing cane travel techniques, including assessing readiness, introducing appropriate skills, and supporting safe, independent travel.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience working with individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind, including an understanding of their unique travel and independent living needs.
• Knowledge of orientation and mobility principles and techniques, with experience applying O&M instructional methods in community or educational settings.
• Demonstrated skill in teaching or utilizing cane travel techniques, including assessing readiness, introducing appropriate skills, and supporting safe, independent travel.

Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits, including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).

Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.