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Vision Loss Resources

For more than 100 years Vision Loss Resources (VLR) has provided services for those who are visually impaired, blind, or deafblind.  Clients, caregivers, donors, business partners, volunteers and dedicated staff provide robust support for VLR programming through Community Services, Rehabilitation Services and DeafBlind Services of Minnesota. Contract Production Services is a social enterprise owned by VLR which contributes support to the mission to provide services, skills, and support for people with vision loss.

Purpose:

• Provide support services that assist DeafBlind Youth in achieving their optimum level of independence and self-sufficiency
• Provide in-home and / or community-based instruction

Key Result Areas: 

The primary accountabilities for the position include:

1. Assist DeafBlind Youth in achieving independence and self-sufficiency

• Responsible for conducting one on one intervention in the home and/or community to provide clear and consistent sensory information to youth age’s birth through 21 whom are both deaf and blind.
• Facilitate language development and other identified needs: Provide clear and consistent communicated information to youth with dual sensory impairments.
• Facilitate the development of both expressive and receptive communication
• Conduct interventions to enable the youth’s participation alone and with peers/adults in activities and routines of the home and/or community, which may include learning through the use of natural routines and activities such as eating, bathing, playing, toileting etc.
• Works cooperatively with parents; discusses and models intervention and communication techniques to enable better and more frequent parent and child interactions.
• Accompany, support and supervise students during community based instruction.
• Facilitate interaction with other youth and community members.
• Serve on a youth’s education team if requested.

2. Reporting and Administration

• Work collaboratively with other professionals to integrate and document recommendations of the IEP/IFSP team.
• Participate in the preparation of individual plans; data and prepare progress reports as required
• Participate in required meetings
• Attend and complete required training courses

3. Positively contribute to DBSM’s mission, culture and values

• To assist deafblind individuals of all ages and all abilities to achieve their highest level of independence and self-sufficiency.
• Make decisions in the best interest of clients, students and DBSM
• Offer hospitality to every visitor and to each other
• Ensure self and staff demonstrate DBSM values in every interaction

I will have performed my job well when I:

1. Provide timely, high-quality work

• Help my students improve their communication abilities
• Help students gain independence
• Help students engage in community-based activities
• Develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with families
• Complete administrative and reporting responsibilities in a timely manner
• Respect boundaries and follow agency and regulatory policies

2. Contribute to the team

• Assist other employees and departments willingly
• Share relevant information with coworkers
• Follow all agency and regulatory policies and procedures

3. Contribute to the mission

• To assist DeafBlind individuals of all ages and all abilities to achieve their highest level of independence and self-sufficiency.
• Contribute positively to DBSM’s culture and work environment
• Demonstrate DBSM core values

Physical Demands

• The physical demands may vary by client, and may require the ability to regularly walk, stoop, bend, reach overhead
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on an occasional basis

Education and Experience

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent math and reading skills of a high school graduate
• Prior experience working with children with multiple special needs
• ASL fluency required in some positions, Intervener certification desirable
• Valid driver’s license with required insurance coverage. Ability to travel to and from youth’s home, and to transport youth in the community.

Attributes:

• Strong commitment to the DBSM mission
• Requires exceptional communication, creativity, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to the individual student
• Practices safe work habits throughout all work activities
• Ability and desire to work with diverse people and organizations

Vision Loss Resources is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer for all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Apply online or via email to julie@vlrw.org.

DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) is a division of Vision Loss Resources a nonprofit provider of training, classes, social activities, and support groups for people with vision loss living in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Our mission is “Creating a community of services, skills, and support for people with vision loss.”

We currently have a position for a Support Service Provider (SSP).

Are you interested in supporting self-determined deafblind adults, age 22 and up, living throughout Minnesota? Our Support Service Providers (SSPs) work with deafblind adults with unique needs and communication styles. SSPs assist them with activities of daily living such as grocery shopping, banking, running errands, reading mail and filling out forms. They also assist the deafblind with accessing their community life and information in their environment.

Important skills and qualities

• Knowledge of sign language and different modes of communication
• Knowledge of deafness, blindness and deafblindness
• Friendliness, compassion, service orientation, excellent work ethic, and the ability to set boundaries
• Experience working with adults with special needs
• American Sign Language proficiency a plus

Requirements

• Minimally a High school diploma, GED or equivalent math and reading skills of a high school graduate
• Teaching/instructional skills and experience required
• Training or degree in education desired but not required
• ASL fluency strongly desired as well as knowledge and experience using deafblind communication modes (low vision and tactile)
• Valid driver’s license with required insurance coverage. Ability to travel to and from client’s home and to transport client in the community
• Strong commitment to the DBSM mission and values
• Requires exceptional communication skills, creativity, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to the individual client
• Practices safe work habits throughout all work activities
• desire and respect when working with diverse people and organizations
• Strong work ethics/boundaries

Both Full-Time and Part-Time Positions Available

Our organization will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status regarding public assistance.

Apply online or via email to julie@vlrw.org.