Blind Children Specialist I

The Blind Children’s Specialist I is hired by and reports to the Field Supervisor. The Blind Children’s

Specialist I performs entry level work and is responsible for providing services to children who are blind

and visually impaired children and their families through direct skills trainings, parent education and

case management to promote the child’s self sufficiency and foster vocational discovery and

development. Employees in this class provide direct services and caseload management in a

designated territory and partner with community and educational partners to ensure each child reaches

their individual goals.

Work at this level is performed under general supervision and substantial mentoring with some latitude

for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees in this class may provide training and

mentoring to other specialists. Performs related work as directed or other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and

performs other duties as assigned.

Task 1: Implementing and documenting quality BCVDDP services to children and families (35%)

Standards:

o Coordinates the development and implementation of Family Service Plans.


All children on caseload will have an Initial Assessment completed for their case.



All children on caseload will receive 1 Annual Assessment per year.


Implements planned services and monitors progress through ongoing communication with child,

family and external service providers throughout the life of the case.


Promotes the concept of employment and future independence and success for children who are blind or visually impaired within BCVDDP service.


Ensure adaptive aids, devices and assessed services are provided in accordance with BCVDDP

policy.

o Completes documentation of services in the electronic system within the month the service occurs.


Meets minimum standard of 45 Service Contact Requirement (SCR) per month unless in

probationary period.


Meets minimum standard of 540 SCR contacts per fiscal year unless in probationary period.


All children on caseload will receive 8 contacts per year with at least 1 contact occurring in every

quarter of the fiscal year.

Task 2: Provides high quality BCVDDP Direct Skills Training services to children, families, external

partners and BCP staff. (30%)

Standard:

o Internal Trainings


Assesses, plans and provides Direct Skills training activities to 75% of active status children/families

per year to meet child’s individual goals.

o External Partners


Participates in 1 outreach, training or community activity per year.

Maintains required contact and collaborates with area ECI, LEAs, ESCs, TWC, medical providers,

and other appropriate referral sources

o Utilizes other resources as appropriate.

Task 3: Maintains compliance with BCVDDP Program Policy, Procedures and Quality Assurance.

(25%)

Standards:

o Quality Assurance


Meets all quality assurance indicators during probationary period such as completion of field

observations, case reviews, staffings and OJT.


Meets quality assurance standard of an overall case review performance of 80% or higher.


Meets Field Observation performance standard of 80% or higher.

o BCVDDP Policy and Procedures


Communicates bi-monthly with BCSS on status of case load activities to maintain case load

compliance.


Complies to BCVDDP policy and procedures for all purchases.

Confirmation and update of income at every assessed purchase.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Working knowledge of child growth and development.

Working knowledge of the psychological, social, pre-vocational issues faced by blind or visually

impaired.

Working knowledge of counseling techniques as applied to children with disabilities.

Working knowledge of resources applicable to children with visual disabilities.

Working knowledge of caseload management by objectives.

Working knowledge of report and record maintenance principles and practices.

Skill in using personal computer and familiarity with Windows environment and Microsoft Office

software.

Skill in assessing and providing appropriate counseling, guidance and other assistance in connection

with the established program plan.

Ability to formulate an individual program plan with the child and family based on diagnostic and

evaluative data.

Ability to clearly express ideas, instructions, and reports orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, departmental staff,

agency staff, and the outside agencies with which the position interacts.

Ability to plan, organize and review essential functions for efficient results.

Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; calculate decimals and

percentages; interpret graphs

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Initial Selection Criteria:
Initial Criteria

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

1 year of experience working with children.?

1 year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.?




Preferred Criteria

Bachelor's degree, preference in child development, special education, counseling, human services, sociology, rehabilitation, or psychology.?

Master's degree.?

2 years of experience teaching and/or training children.?

1 year experience providing case management

Additional Information:
Applications must be complete and grammar will also be assessed. Interviewee selection is based on applicant demonstrating a clear match to all minimum criteria, and preference is given to those applicants matching the majority of preferred criteria. Applicants must complete an assessment upon submission of their application. Interview selection will be based upon a combination of clear match to criteria and the assessment. Resumes will not be considered in lieu of a complete application nor for supplemental consideration in meeting initial criteria. Individuals selected for interview may be required to travel to location of in-person interview at their own expense. The Section offers flexible work schedules and generous telework options.




SALARY NOTE: The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.




In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

MOS Code:
There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.