Job Description
THE POSITION Are you searching for specialized professional work providing rehabilitation therapy to persons who are blind or visually impaired? If so, we encourage you to join the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. Our ideal candidate will have an understanding of vision rehabilitation therapy; applying that knowledge to assist blind and visually impaired customers gain skills they need to live and work independently in their communities. If you are interested in experiencing the satisfaction of public service while enjoying professional career growth, the Department of Labor & Industry wants you to apply! DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position provides individualized instruction, evaluation, and support to customers who are blind and visually impaired to help them develop the skills needed for independent living. The role supports personal growth, adjustment, and community participation. As a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, you will perform the following duties: Skill Instruction: Teach adaptive techniques and coping strategies that support independence Assessment Activities: Evaluate customer abilities, needs, and goals to develop individualized instructional plans Progress Monitoring: Track customer development and adjust instructional methods to ensure meaningful progress Counseling Support: Provide guidance and encouragement to customers and families to promote positive adjustment Record Maintenance: Document services, progress, and case information in required systems Community Collaboration: Offer consultation and training to community programs to enhance support for individuals with visual impairments Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description . Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment Work hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Work hours are negotiable - 7.5 hour workday and lunch period is 30 minutes (or 60 minutes depending on work hours). The position is eligible for Alternate Work Schedule. Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, after completion of the training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview. Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of 59,345.00 (before taxes). You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. Required Experience, Training & Eligibility QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Successful completion of the commonwealth’s Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Intern program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or A bachelor’s or master’s degree or certificate from an approved college or university program in rehabilitation teaching of the blind or visually impaired, vision rehabilitation therapy, teacher of the visually impaired, or education with a concentration in visual impairment, that includes a practicum; or Possession of an active Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree or certificate. Other Requirements: PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. You must be able to perform essential job functions . Legal Requirements: This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law. Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance. How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted t