Job Openings

Assoc for Vision Rehab

08/08/2023

The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc. (AVRE) seeks a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M) to work with people in the Southern Tier of New York who are blind or visually impaired. The VRT and O&M will join a team of dedicated professionals committed to working with people who are visually impaired to live successful and independent lives. AVRE assists approximately 2,000 individuals annually through provision of itinerant services. Dually credentialed VRT/O&M candidates are welcomed.  Legally blind candidates are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must be certified or eligible for certification. Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree with a specialization in rehabilitation therapy of individuals who are blind and a knowledge of Grade II Braille; or a Bachelor’s Degree and successful completion of a training program for rehabilitation therapy professionals approved by the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) which meets nationally-accepted standards, as well as knowledge of Grade II Braille.

Compensation is competitive for the position and the area and includes a strong benefits package. Some relocation, student loan repayment, and tuition assistance and/or reimbursement may be available. Salary range is $40,000 - $47,000, commensurate. Final salary is based upon qualifications and experience.

New York’s Southern Tier abounds in natural scenic beauty. Its rivers and hills offer opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities year round including hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, and snowmobiling. Binghamton is located at the confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers and is an hour from the gorgeous Finger Lakes. The Southern Tier boasts a low cost of living, world class educational institutions, and a lively arts, music, and food scene.

ABOUT AVRE

AVRE is a private, non-profit organization. Its mission is to create opportunities for success and independence with people who have sustained vision loss. AVRE is the only organization in the Southern Tier that provides specialized employment and rehabilitation services for individuals with sustained vision loss. We provide rehabilitation services to consumers in the home, school, workplace, and at our Binghamton location. Our vision rehabilitation services include a low vision clinic, an information technology center, a retail store, orientation and mobility instruction, and independent living skills training. Our New York service counties include Broome, Tioga, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Cortland, and Chenango.

A Foundation for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc. (FVRE) is managed by a separate Board of Directors and is charged with oversight and growth of the investment portfolio and endowment. We operate a 93,000 square foot facility in Downtown Binghamton and off-site switchboard operations at three Veterans Administration Medical Centers. At the Binghamton facility we convert large rolls of paper (2 -3 thousand pounds) into manila file folders and copy paper. We also perform packaging and assembly operations that allow us to employ individuals with a range of skill sets and abilities.

AVRE’s hybrid business model enables it to be a self-sustaining human services organization. Individuals who are blind manufacture products and provide services for sale and distribution into the federal, state, and commercial markets. Operating income generated from these business activities is used to offset some of the cost of providing vision rehabilitation services. AVRE is positioned for growth in both the business division and provision of services.

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Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

REPORTS TO:  Director – Health and Rehabilitation Services

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

I.                 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist is responsible for the evaluation and training of individuals to maximize self-sufficiency and independence in the home and/or work environment.  Proficient teaching, problem solving, cooperating, and communication with internal/external service providers are key elements of the position, to ensure quality of service and consumer satisfaction.  Vision Rehabilitation Therapist works in a strong team environment.

II.               RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS

 May supervise and train Rehabilitation Therapist assistants and student interns.

III.             BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

 A.    Communication with the Director – Health and Rehabilitation Services is frequent.

B.    Communication with staff; i.e.:  Social Workers, Orientation and Mobility Instructor is ongoing.

C.    Communication with eye doctors, NYSCB counselor and other vision related professionals is regular.

D.    Communication with human service agencies is occasional.

E.    Communication with visually impaired consumers as well as their family members and significant others when appropriate is ongoing.

IV.            SUPERVISION REQUIRED

 This position requires the ability to work independently and in close coordination with the Director – Health and Rehabilitation Services.

V.              EDUCATION, TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

 This position requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree with specialization in rehabilitation teaching of individuals who are blind and a knowledge of Grade II Braille, or, a Bachelor’s Degree and successful completion of a NYSCB-approved training program for professionals which meets nationally accepted standards.

VI.            SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 A.    Evaluate the consumer’s Rehabilitation Therapy needs in the home and/or work environment.

B.    Provide instruction in meal preparation, home management, record keeping, and care for self and family members.

C.    Implement adaptive equipment and instruction in the consumer’s work or home environment.

D.    Provide instruction in reading and writing Braille, use of large print and/or audio methods of saving and retrieving information.

E.    Request adaptive equipment and instruct in the use of these items.

F.    Instruct in the use of low vision equipment.

G.   Complete service logs and reports required by the Association, contract and referral source requirements.

H.    Collaborate with staff to ensure continuity of services.

I.       Keeps workplace organized and clean.

J.     Perform other duties as assigned.

K.    Maintains strict confidentiality in all aspects of AVRE activities.

NOTE: Nothing in this job description should be construed as meaning that these are the only tasks and duties of the position.  Management reserves the right to modify positions as determined by business and consumer needs and requirements.

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Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O & M) (I, II)

REPORTS TO: Director – Health and Rehabilitation Services

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

II.       STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

An Orientation and Mobility Specialist (I, II) will assess the individual’s current travel abilities, determine (with the individual) mobility goals, and provide training to blind and visually impaired individuals in methods of independence and safe travel, to the extent of each individual’s abilities and desires.

III.      RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS

          O & M (I) - None.

          O & M (II) –

A.    May supervise and train O&M assistants and student interns.

B.    As assigned by Director, maintains availability to provide clinical guidance to O&M Specialist (I) in the development and implementation of service plans, to ensure consistency with AVRE and ACVREP standards.

IV.      BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

A.    Communication with the Director - Health and Rehabilitation Services is frequent.

B.    Communication for O & M (I) - with O&M Specialist (II) staff is frequent and ongoing, to obtain clinical guidance in development and implementation of service plans, to ensure consistency with AVRE and ACVREP standards.

C.    Communication for O&M (II) - with assigned O&M Specialist (I) staff is frequent and ongoing to provide clinical guidance in development and implementation of service plans, to ensure consistency with AVRE and ACVREP standards.

D.    Communication with other clinical staff, i.e.: Social Workers, Rehabilitation Therapists, is ongoing.

E.    Communication with eye doctors, NYSCB counselor and other vision related professionals is on a regular basis.

F.    Communication with human service agencies is occasional.

G.   Communication with visually impaired consumers, their family members and significant others (when appropriate) is frequent.

V.       SUPERVISION REQUIRED

A.    O & M (I, II) - requires the ability to work independently and in close coordination with the Director – Health and Rehabilitation Services.

B.    O & M (I) - requires ongoing clinical guidance from assigned O&M Specialist (II) staff to ensure development and implementation of service plans, and to ensure consistency with AVRE and ACVREP standards.

VI.      EDUCATION REQUIRED

A.    O & M (I, II) - must possess a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with specialization in Orientation & Mobility instruction.

B.    O & M (I) - Certification from the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) is desired but not required.

C.    O & M (II) - Certification from the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) is required.

VII.          TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Knowledge of current trends in Orientation & Mobility teaching techniques and use of specialized equipment is expected.

VIII.        EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

O & M (I) - Experience in providing Orientation & Mobility instruction to both children and adults is preferred, but not required.

O & M (II) – One or more years of experience providing Orientation & Mobility instruction to children and/or adults is required.

IX.            PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

          O & M (I, II) -

1. Evaluate the consumer’s Orientation & Mobility needs in the home, work, school and/or other community environments.
2. Provide instruction in sighted guide, protective techniques, indoor travel, basic cane travel, residential travel, business travel, and public transportation.
3. Request adaptive equipment and instruct consumer in the use of these items.
4. Instruct consumer in the use of low vision equipment used for travel, such as a monocular.
5. Complete service logs, interim reports and final reports to document all services delivered, utilizing correct documentation methodology.
6. Collaborate with other staff members to ensure continuity of services.
7. Maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of AVRE activities.
8. Keeps workplace organized and clean.

Additional for O & M (I) –

A.    Seek regular and ongoing clinical guidance from assigned O&M Specialist (II) staff in development and implementation of service plans, to ensure consistency with AVRE and ACVREP standards.

     Additional for O & M (II) –

A.    Maintain availability to provide clinical guidance (and documentation of clinical guidance) in service plan development and implementation to Orientation & Mobility Specialist (I) staff as delegated by Director – Health and Rehabilitation Services.

B.    Conduct periodic skill assessment of O&M (I) staff as delegated by Director – Health and Rehabilitation Services

C.    Provide regular and ongoing clinical guidance to assigned O&M Specialist (I) staff in development and implementation of service plans, to ensure consistency with AVRE and ACVREP standards.

NOTE:  Nothing in this job description should be construed as meaning that these are the only tasks and duties of the position.  Management reserves the right to modify positions as determined by business and consumer needs and requirements.

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Please submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:

Meghan Mitrus, Human Resources Director

AVRE
174 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901

VRT Job Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/jfsm5944

O&M Job Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/4xdnu5m6

Phone: 607-724-2428
Fax: 607-771-8045
www.avreus.org

AVRE encourages diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

E_mail: mmitrus@avreus.org

Phone: 607-724-2428

Cert: Multiple Certifications