Blind Children Specialist IV

Blind Children Specialist IV
The Blind Children’s Specialist IV is hired by and reports to the Program Supervisor. The Blind Children’s Specialist IV performs senior- level work and is responsible for providing services to children who are blind and visually impaired and their families through direct skills training, parent education, and case management training to promote the child’s self sufficiency and foster vocational discovery and development. Employees in this class provide direct services and caseload management in a designated territory and partner with community and educational partners to ensure each child reaches their individual goals. Work at this level is performed independently under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees in this class provide training and mentoring to other specialists. Performs related work as directed or other duties as assigned.
Position is open for statewide location.

Essential Job Functions:
Implementing and documenting quality BCVDDP services to children and families (35%)
Provides high quality BCVDDP Direct Skills Training services to children, families, external partners and BCP staff. (30%)
Maintains compliance with BCVDDP Program Policy, Procedures and Quality Assurance. (25%)
Professional Development to advance the BCVDDP mission and services(10%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of how to plan and execute training activities for new and current staff
Knowledge of Blindness/visual impairment and its impact on child development.
Knowledge of non-visual teaching techniques and task analysis
Knowledge of HHS HR Manual, HR Policies, and ensure services are provided/purchases accordingly. Knowledge of how to maintain and share a list of skills needed for employability to parents during the assessment process.
Knowledge of and utilization of other resources as appropriate.
Skills in communicating/determining program eligibility, assessing client needs to determine nature and scope of services per the program manual. Skills in assessing peer work and completion of case reviews.
Skills in organizing workload to meet monthly service contact goals and documenting services provided to family.
Skills in completing outreach, community activities, and direct skills training development with outside service providers.
Skills in managing a consumer service budget that ensures effective utilization of allocated funds
Skills in providing hands on training for consumers and families using non-visual learning techniques.
Ability to provide high quality BCVDDP services such as direct skills training, parent education and case management.
Ability to meet quality assurance standard of an overall case review, staff observations and all associated performance standards
Ability to assists consumer/family in developing FSP based on assessment results within timeframe outlined in Blind Children's Manual.
Ability to service and monitor progress through ongoing communication of consumer/family and service provider contacts.
Ability to promote the concept of employment for people who are blind within BCVDDP service. Ability to communicate bi-monthly with BCSS on status of case load management activities to work towards case load compliance.
Ability to maintain personal contact with area ECI, LEAs, medical providers, and other appropriate referral sources
Ability to utilize comparable benefits and documents in service record

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
none

Initial Selection Criteria:
Initial Criteria??
4 year degree or higher from an accredited college or university.?
Currently employed in the Blind Children’s Program as a Blind Children’s Specialist.
1 years of experience teaching adaptive techniques to people at different functioning levels, different ages, and those with multiple disabilities.
1 year of experience supporting and/or mentoring peers.?
?
Preferred Criteria
Bachelor’s degree, preference in child development, special education, counseling, human services, sociology, rehabilitation, or psychology.
Master's Degree
1 year of experience in the Blind Children’s Program as a Blind Children’s Specialist.
3 years experience working in a child development field.

Additional Information:
Requisition # 602101
Applications must be complete, and grammar will also be assessed. Interviewee selection is based on applicant demonstrating a clear match to all minimum criteria, and preference is given to those applicants matching the majority of preferred criteria. Applicants must complete an assessment upon submission of their application. Interview selection will be based upon a combination of clear match to criteria and the assessment. Resumes will not be considered in lieu of a complete application nor for supplemental consideration in meeting initial criteria. Individuals selected for interview may be required to travel to location of in-person interview at their own expense. The Section offers flexible work schedules and generous telework options. This position is posted in Houston but can be located statewide for current Blind Children’s Specialist staff.
SALARY NOTE: The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

MOS Code:
There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at
http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.