Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking a qualified individual to join our team with the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind as an Education Consultant For The Blind (Mobility Instruction). This role allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple impairments. Find out more information on this unique position below!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
- Work Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
- Work Shift: First shift, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (with a 45-minute lunch)
- Location: 184 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT
Responsibilities for this role will include traveling statewide.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
- Utilizing detailed knowledge of the principles and methods of education, including in all areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) to support children who are blind and visually impaired, including children with multiple impairments.
- Working in an encouraging environment that values collaboration and innovation while traveling statewide to deliver high-quality services.
- Being a part of a team that is dedicated to providing world-class educational and vocational services.
- Making a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES:
The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to:
- Deliver aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens
- Provide leadership on aging and disability issues statewide
- Provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy
- Advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults
- Serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level
The Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) is the state's leading bureau for the coordination and provision of services to all Connecticut residents who are legally blind or have significant visual impairments. These services include training and devices that help people who are blind function in the home and in the community independently; teaching children how to adapt to and learn in an environment - in and outside of school - that is designed for those with sight and providing services that help people who are blind find work or keep their job after blindness has developed.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
To Apply:
- The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
- In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the recruiter listed on this job posting.
- You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
- In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
- All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
- Although applicants will receive correspondence via email and/or phone, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
- This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
- Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. Read through this helpful link to prepare for your interview.
- Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Connect With Us:
- Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
- Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov, 860-924-7053.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Board of Education Services for the Blind, this class is accountable for planning and administering a program of independent travel instruction for blind adults throughout the State.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Plans and administers a program of independent travel instruction for blind adults and such blind children to whom the program may be applicable; supervises and instructs in all techniques of independent travel such as the use of cane and other guide devices; arranges the program to suit individual needs; instructs in safety measures for the protection of individuals; teaches muscular coordination and correct posture and walking; aids the blind in orienting themselves to the community and in areas where they would have occasion to travel; may speak before lay and professional groups; keeps records and submits reports on individuals and the program in general; does related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of the principles and methods of education of the blind and visually handicapped with emphasis on mobility instruction; some knowledge of eye diseases and of the psychological effects of blindness; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to deal effectively with others.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) years of experience in teaching blind or visually handicapped adults.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in mobility instruction.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. College training with special courses in the education of the blind may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's Degree in the field of mobility training may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience assessing and teaching Orientation and Mobility to students who are blind or visually impaired.
- Experience providing consultation to families of blind or visually impaired students.
- Experience managing a caseload.
- Experience providing consultation to education team members.
- Experience facilitating Orientation and Mobility presentations to groups.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Possession of a certificate in Orientation and Mobility from a recognized national, state or professional organization.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.