About the role:

In addition to strengthening support networks and community resources, the Blind & Low Vision Social Worker offers comprehensive advocacy and support to clients enrolled in Braille Institute of America services.

They also have the capacity to work with a wide range of individuals adjusting to vision loss, including older adults, people with disabilities, people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds, people of different sexual orientations, and people who identify as LGBTQ .

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Complete brief psychosocial assessments and outcome measures.
• Assess client’s behaviors, cultural influences, belief/value system and evaluate information to identify strengths and barriers as it relates to client’s goals and ability to engage in services.
• Collaborate with client and family/caregiver to develop and implement individualized goals focused on increasing student’s adjustment to vision loss, independence, and overall well-being.
• Create and maintain a thorough guide of community resources and connect Braille Institute clients with appropriate social service organizations in the community as well as serve as a liaison with organizations on behalf of clients.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with internal programs and community partners to encourage client success.
• Facilitate communication between clients and support structure and create opportunities for family support.
• Offer feedback about goals and help identify skills for client success; generate new ideas and find ways to overcome obstacles by referring to BIA internal programs.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings and trainings.
• Opportunity to create and facilitate support groups, workshops, and staff training.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in social work is required and a strong background in community-based organizations (CBO’s).
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a social services environment.
• Basic knowledge and skills in safety and risk assessments.
• Preferred experience or knowledge with visually impaired individuals.
• Knowledge with online education programs, or other technology-mediated instruction preferred.
• Ability to multi-task, market and implement a wide variety of programs for a diverse population.
• Excellent communication and computer skills are essential.
• Excellent organization, training and presentation skills; exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ability to creatively problem solve.
• Opportunity for supervision hours towards licensure and professional development training.
• Working knowledge of standard office computer software is required.

Who we are:

Braille Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss. We offer a broad range of free programs, classes and services serving thousands of students of all ages helping to demonstrate that vision rehabilitation is a beginning, not an end.

We serve the community from seven centers, and hundreds of community outreach locations throughout Southern California, and lead popular national programs like the Braille Challenge and Cane Quest. Our staff and volunteers understand losing your vision can be scary, but we believe it is not the end of independence but a new way of living.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• Social work: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Laguna Hills, CA 92653: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person