Job Openings

LOC - Program Manager/CVRT

04/21/2025

Job Status: Full-Time; 40 hours a week; times may vary.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer – reporting is subject to change.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for the following:

ü  Program Development & Management

ü  Program Staff Leadership & Development

ü  Education Instruction & Direct Services

ü  Budget & Resource Management

ü  Community Engagement & Advocacy

ü  Program Evaluation, Reporting & Compliance

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, but are not limited to: 

Program Development & Management

·       Design and implement vision rehabilitation programs to support the blind and visually impaired community.

·       Develop strategic plans to enhance the independence and quality of life of program participants.

·       Assess community needs and adjust programs accordingly to ensure relevance and effectiveness

·       Implement strategies for ongoing program improvement and sustainability.

Program Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and supervise Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT) and support staff

·       Manage program employees, including Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), and Assistive Technology (AT) staff, ensuring programs align with curriculum and meet client needs.

• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Education Instruction & Direct Services

·       Conduct client assessments to evaluate needs and determine appropriate rehabilitation services.

·       Develop individualized rehabilitation or instructional plans in collaboration with clients based on assessment results, goals, and needs.

·       Collaborate with specialists such as Assistive Technology Instructors, Rehabilitation Counselors, Low Vision Specialists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists to develop comprehensive client solutions.

·       Teach weekly or biweekly courses covering areas such as activities of daily living, communication skills, assistive technology, recreation, and psycho-social adjustment to vision loss.

·       Conduct ongoing Braille lessons based on individual client assessments.

·       Lead cooking classes with a focus on adaptive tools, safety, and techniques.

·       Provide individualized assistive technology training for clients at the center and in home settings.

·       Teach the effective use of optical aids and lighting to maximize visual efficiency

·       Design and implement new workshops and classes tailored to client needs.

·       Conduct Functional Vision Assessments and apply findings to rehabilitation strategies.

Budget & Resource Management

• Assist in developing and overseeing program budgets, ensuring responsible and efficient resource utilization
• Maintain compliance with financial policies and funding requirements

Community Engagement a& Advocacy

·       Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, families, donors, and community stakeholders.

·       Promote the organization’s mission through outreach, advocacy, and public forums.

·       Represent the organization in industry events and awareness initiatives.

·       Deliver outreach presentations to promote awareness and engagement within the community.

Program Evaluation, Reporting & Compliance

·       Monitor program outcomes and effectiveness through regular evaluations

·       Prepare reports and complete documentation to track assessments, training, client progress, and follow-up outcomes.

·       Prepare reports for senior management and funders, demonstrating impact and program success.

·       Review AER accreditation requirements, ensure compliance, and provide updates/support to maintain accreditation as needed.

·       Ensure all programs comply with regulatory guidelines, industry standards, and organizational policies.

Other Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

·       Engage in professional development training and workshops to stay updated on best practices and industry advancements.

·       Maintain professional accreditations, licensing, and continuing education requirements to ensure compliance with industry standards.

·       Participate in weekly staff meetings to discuss program updates, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

·       Access and input client services and progress data into the organization’s database system.

·       Perform other duties as assigned to support program objectives and organizational goals.

Core Competency Requirements

• Technical Skills - Knowledge and understanding of medical aspects of blindness and low vision. Expert in LOC policies, advocacy, community resources and organizations that support blindness.
• Client Service - Provides exceptional training and support while addressing individual needs.
• Instructional Programs - Ability to select, design and implement sequential instructional program to meet specific independent living needs of clients with blindness and vision loss in the areas of: personal management, home management, communication systems, Braille and other tactual, systems, assistive technology, recreation and leisure, deaf-blindness, psycho-social aspects of blindness and low vision, basic orientation and mobility, employment related skills.
• Interpersonal Skills - Collaborates, listens, and remains open to others' ideas; manages challenging situations with empathy and patience.
• Oral & Written Communication - Clearly conveys information, responds effectively to questions, and articulates ideas persuasively
• Team Work & Leadership – Provides Leadership to program team and balances team and individual efforts while supporting collective success.
• Adaptability – Handles changes and unexpected events with flexibility and composure.
• Dependability – Demonstrates reliability by consistently fulfilling commitments.
• Professionalism – Consistent demonstrates competence, respect, accountability, and ethical behavior in alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Continuous Learning - Actively pursues professional development to build skills and knowledge.
• Emotional Intelligence - Recognizes and manages personal emotions effectively
• Relationship Building - Strengthens connections through empathy and understanding.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves issues with logical and thoughtful decision-making techniques.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

·       Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy, Special Education or Health Sciences with an emphasis in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.

·       Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP)

·       5 years of experience working with adults and/or children who are blind or visually impaired in a professional setting as one of the following:

o   Teacher of the Visually Impaired (degree in Visual Disabilities). If not certified in Florida, must be able to take/pass the Florida State Board of Education Certification in the Area of Visually Impaired, or

o   Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

o   Assistive Technology Certification

·       Working knowledge of screen readers, iOS devices, braille displays and note takers preferable.

Language Ability:

• Ability to read and comprehend complex service contracts, instructions and correspondence.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

·       Ability to explain complex concepts and techniques clearly to clients, caregivers, and professionals.

·       Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to donors.

·       Multilingual abilities are a plus, particularly proficiency in languages commonly spoken in the service area.

Math Ability:

·       Basic math skills required for tasks such as budgeting, managing project expenses, and teaching client’s financial literacy skills.

·       Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Capacity to think critically, solve problems logically, and adapt to challenges.
• Ability to analyze situations, evaluate evidence, apply knowledge, and make sound decisions.
• Strong problem-solving skills to adapt teaching techniques to meet individual client needs.
• Ability to assess client needs and create tailored rehabilitation plans.
• High emotional intelligence to support clients navigating vision loss and life changes.

Computer Skills:

·       Proficiency in using assistive technology tools such as screen readers, magnifiers, braille translation software, and other vision-related devices.

·       Ability to train clients in the use of accessible technologies.

·       Knowledge of basic Microsoft Word and Excel and email/Internet software. Must have the ability to learn multiple client databases.

Physical Demands:

• Capability to work in varied environments, including clinics, homes, or community settings.
• Ability to lift and transport lightweight equipment needed for client training sessions to include lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds.
• Mobility and physical stamina to lead sessions or provide on-the-go support when required.
• Ability to provide her/his own transportation to client home assessments and groups, and physically manage access to a variety of home environments.

Other Qualifications:

·       Valid driver’s license for travel to client locations or plan for transportation submitted and proof of insurance.

·       Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated on new rehabilitation techniques and assistive technologies.

·       Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, creating reports, and tracking client progress.

·       High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
Must be able to successfully pass a drug test.

·       Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

E_mail: robing@lighthouseofcollier.org

Phone: 2394303934

Cert: CVRT

For immediate and confidential consideration, please forward your resume to:

Robin Goldstone Garcia
2685 Horseshoe Drive South
Suite 101
Naples, Florida  34104
robing@lighthouseofcollier.org