STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Education Consultant For The Blind (Mobility Instruction)

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #220809-3187T4-001

Introduction



The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), offers a myriad of programs and services to assist older adults and people with disabilities. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to deliver integrated 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; and serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level. 

Are you interested in joining our team as an Education Consultant for the Blind? We encourage you to apply today! 

The ADS is currently seeking an experienced and qualified Education Consultant for the Blind (Mobility Instructor).  This position is located within the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, CT.  It is full-time, 35 hours weekly with a work schedule of first shift, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m, Monday through Friday.  The position number is 83376.   Statewide traveling is required. 

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. 

In this role you will discover the opportunity to: 

  • Work independently and collaboratively with others; 
  • Apply you knowledge in the principles and methods of education of children who are blind and visually impaired, including children with multiple impairments; and
  • Participate in all areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). 
What’s in It for YouComprehensive Benefits

  • Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage; 
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings; 
  • Retirement healthcare offerings; 
  • Accrued vacation, personal and sick leave; 
  • 12 paid holidays per calendar year; 
  • Professional growth and development opportunities; 
  • Outstanding work-life balance
Our mission is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. 

Selection Plan

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

To Apply:
  • 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.
  • 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, 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.
  • 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.
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 Doreen Clemson at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or 860-785-9855.

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

Our preferred candidate will possess the following: 

  • Experience assessing and teaching Orientation and Mobility to students who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Experience providing consultation and support to families of blind or visually impaired students.
  • Experience managing a caseload. 
  • Experience providing support and 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.