THE POSITION

Would you like to be responsible for the development, monitoring and implementation of special programming for the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS)? This position will give you the opportunity to work with statewide programs for customers within the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Specialized Services program for adults (SS-A) and children (SS-C). If you are interested in doing meaningful work that will impact the lives of Pennsylvanians, this is the job for you!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist develops, manages, and implements statewide programs for BBVS customers both internally and externally. Internal development of programs includes transitional programs for BBVS customers in VR and SS-C, focusing on transition from secondary, post-secondary, and/or employment. You will provide direct in-person oversight of OVR transition programs which include day programs as well as overnight – residential programs requiring 24/7 onsite residence over a 4-to-6-week period. Collaborating with entities in the development and implementation of on-site programs will help to ensure program success.

• Full-time employment.
• Work hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• The position will require to be on-site at the programs 24/7 for about a 4 to 6 week period.
• Telework: You will have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the assigned headquarters office.
• Salary:Most employees will start at the beginning level of the advertised salary.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

• Three years of professional experience in rehabilitation work, vocational guidance, employment counseling or placement, psychology, or social work, two years of which must have been in the field of vocational rehabilitation; and a bachelor's degree; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training. Graduate study in the behavioral sciences may be substituted for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of one year.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.