Vision Rehabilitation Instructor I, The Hatlen Center

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s The Hatlen Center provides comprehensive residential rehabilitation programs for adults aged 18 and older who are blind or visually impaired, many with recent vision loss. Participants learn assistive technology, orientation and mobility, braille, and independent living skills. Each client pursues individualized goals that lead to a confident transition to an independent life, education, or employment.

The primary focus of the Vision Rehabilitation Instructor I is to organize, develop, and implement individualized course instruction for blind and visually impaired adult students referred for braille instruction. In addition, your position provides supplemental instruction and support in Assistive Technology, Living Skills, and Financial Management as needed. Provides the instruction necessary to accomplish students’ objectives. Works as a cooperative member of The Hatlen Center instructional services team.

The hourly wage range for this role is $22.00 - $25.00.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides initial and ongoing assessment of student’s ability to both read and write Literary Braille, using the Hatlen Center Braille assessment and/or Braille Too, or other UEB assessment upon implementation of the UEB code.
• Teaches tracking skills, tactile discrimination skills, and the Braille alphabet.
• Use Braille Too: an Instructional Braille Reading and Writing Program for Secondary Students, a comprehensive instructional program of 10 units that covers reading and writing the Braille alphabet, contractions, punctuation and Literary Braille numbers. UEB instructional program will be used upon implementation of the code.
• Administers tests of both reading and writing skills.
• Exposes each student to the practical use of Braille.
• Exposes each student to the use of a Slate and Stylus.
• Writes monthly reports and progress reports for each student and deliver these reports promptly as they are due.
• Occasionally provides instruction in using Assistive Technology hardware, including but not limited to personal computers with speech, refreshable Braille displays, laser printer, Braille printer, and portable computer note-takers.
• Develops and implements a program of individualized Living Skills instruction that may include planning a grocery list, grocery shopping, apartment organization, cooking, food safety, cleaning, care-of-clothing, personal grooming, and hygiene.
• Develops and implements a program of individualized Financial Management instruction that may include organization skills, self-advocacy, social services, Department of Rehabilitation, communication, housing, finances and budgeting, medical, pre-vocational and social skills.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description

Education and Experience:

• An associate's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Training and/or certifications in computer literacy with adaptive technology for the blind and visually impaired is preferred.
• Past accomplishments of providing instruction to the visually impaired in braille, computer technology, and independent living skills are required.
• Knowledge of typing, braille, assistive technology, and independent living skills, and the ability to teach blind and visually impaired adults.
• Knowledge of and ability to instruct blind and visually impaired individuals using braille, assistive technology, and independent living skills equipment.
• Willingness and ability to make frequent field visits and attend meetings, conferences, and other job-related events away from headquarters.  If driving a personal vehicle, must be approved by our agency’s automobile insurance carrier. 

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role:

• Training and professional development

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.

Salary : $22 - $25