STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Special Assistant To The Blind (37.5 Hour)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #240321-7780TC-001

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Introduction


Do you want to grow and build upon your current experiences? If so, we invite you to read on and learn more about this exciting opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking two  individuals to join our team as Special Assistant to the Blind, within the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind. 

What We Can Offer You:

  • The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;
  • A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation’s best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., along with comprehensive benefit offerings;
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings;
  • Generous paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year;
  • Professional growth and development opportunities;
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.  Click here for more information. 

Discover The Opportunity To:


  • Engage in a rewarding career;
  • Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
  • Thrive in an exciting environment;
  • Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment.

Position Highlights:


  • Monday – Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
  • 37.5 hours per week
  • Location: Windsor, CT

The Role: 


The Special Assistant to the Blind is responsible for assisting agency employees who are legally blind in various clerical duties such as reading, writing, filing, data entry and inventory control. They will transport individuals who are legally blind to appointments or meetings while maintaining safety which also includes providing verbal observations and use of sighted guide techniques. This position requires an individual to have the ability to carry and deliver equipment which may weigh up to 50lbs, to be in close proximately to service animals, includes statewide travel, and requires a clean Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicle driver's history record at all times during employment.

About Us:

ADS is a state agency with the mission of maximizing opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut.

The programs and policies of ADS are designed to:

  • Deliver aging and disability services that are responsive to the needs of Connecticut residents;
  • Provide leadership and resources on aging and disability issues statewide; and
  • Provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy.
We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make a difference!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
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. 
  • 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 Julie Barker via email at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

This class is accountable for driving visually handicapped persons to appointments and places of work and for guiding them in unfamiliar surroundings.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists blind rehabilitation teachers, counselors, clients and other visually handicapped persons in all required work activities including reading, writing, clerical duties, etc.; transports blind individuals to appointments or places of work; maintains safety of blind individuals; ensures that vehicle is in good operating condition; assists teachers in inservice presentations; observes clients' appearance and clients' living areas and describes these observations to teachers; assists teachers in giving lessons to clients; marks household appliances with Braille tape for client use; keeps records and prepares reports; may deliver mail, make bank deposits and run other errands for blind individuals; may assist in the stockroom of the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind; may assist rehabilitation counselors in the survey of factories for job opportunities for blind individuals; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; reading ability; map-reading ability; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Any experience and training which would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Experience in transporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Experience in maintaining inventory, delivering, and setting up adaptive equipment.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Experience in performing clerical duties to assist blind or visually impaired people.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to road hazards while driving and to possible injury when entering high crime areas.

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.





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