Job Openings

Lighthouse Center for Vital Living

04/21/2023

Position Purpose and Summary

This position exists to provide training and support in the areas of blindness and low vision technologies to persons who have low vision, are blind, or who are DeafBlind. Technologies include computers, phones, software, and other specialized devices. The incumbent has the task of integrating mainstream and assistive technologies.

Customer ages will range from middle-school aged through older adult ages. Customers are immediately or ultimately seeking competitive integrated employment, and/or wish to improve their independence and quality of life. Instruction and support will largely be offered at the Lighthouse training center in Duluth, Minnesota; additionally, services may be provided in customers’ homes or via remote instruction. Training may be one-on-one or in groups.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Adjustment to Blindness Division Director the incumbent will:

• Perform assessments and training.
• Train consumers on the use of assistive technology according to their goals.
• Troubleshoot equipment and provide technical support to customers and colleagues as necessary.
• Review and test new and emerging technology.
• Research and stay up to date with trends and developments in technology.
• Maintain up-to-date training on digital accessibility best practices.
• Prepare customer and program progress reports as required by the organization, contractors and grantors.
• Upkeep records according to the organization’s practices and needs.
• Participate in planning and development regarding the organization’s access technology training and digital accessibility programs and grants.
• Attend and participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision as required.
• Present to community partners and healthcare providers.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• ·       Ability to work in our Duluth office
• ·       Competency in a variety of assistive and mainstream technologies such JAWS, NVDA, Zoom Text, Microsoft ® Office Suite, Google
           suite, Apple and Android phones and apps, and Braille devices.
• ·       Excellent people skills.
• ·       Experience working with a variety of ages.
• ·       Experience working with persons with visual impairments and blindness.
• ·       A relevant higher education degree or other qualifications in lieu of education
• ·       Passionate about the Lighthouse mission and impact
• ·       Ability to work both independently and within teams supporting team cohesion and goals.
• ·       Transparency, responsiveness, respectfulness and follow-through
• ·       Flexibility, integrity, positivity, authenticity, and innovativeness
• ·       COVID vaccination, drug testing and criminal background check requirements apply. Accommodations will be considered in lieu of
           COVID vaccination for religious or medical reasons.
• ·       Ability to maintain client confidentiality.

E_mail: chris@lcfvl.org

Phone: 218-624-4828

Cert: Any Certification

Candidate must be able to pass Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) test and otherwise meet SSB requirements for competency.

About the Lighthouse:

The Lighthouse Center for Vital Living is a thriving independent, regional nonprofit based in Duluth, MN. We serve people across northern Minnesota, northwestern WI and beyond. Our mission: helping people challenged by disability or aging live vital lives. We provide training, technology and social/emotional supports to help people improve their safety, independence and quality of life. We provide a wide array of services, including occupational therapy, assistive technology device loans and demonstration, technology training, blindness and low vision training, support groups, community activities, transportation and more. We currently have 20 staff and 2 graduate student interns, as well as a number of adjunct professionals who work with us as needed.

Our organization is now 103 years old. We previously operated under the names: Duluth Lighthouse for the Blind and the Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss. Historically, our mission was to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired maximize their independence and quality of life. Recently, our mission expanded. In response to regional need, we now serve all older adults as well as people of all ages with any disability.

Salary range:

$18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403B, with company matching starting after 1 year
• Health insurance (Currently: Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold. Lighthouse pays 80%)
• Dental insurance option (Employee pays 100% of premium)
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• Generous paid time off – starting at approximately 3 ½ weeks per year, plus 9 paid holidays and accrual of approximately 1 week per year for “reserve” fund (long-term sickness or family leave).
• Professional development opportunities.

Schedule:

Monday to Friday 8:00 to 4:30 pm. Occasional weekend or evening work is necessary in certain circumstances.