Rehabilitation Specialist for the Blind

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Public Health (DPH) works with our local and tribal public health partners, and community groups statewide, on a wide variety of programs and services that protect the health of Wisconsin residents. 

DPH is recruiting for a Rehabilitation Specialist for the Blind within the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources (BADR). This position offers the option to work remotely up to 5 days per week but will travel up to 75% of the time across the Southwest region of the state. The position will oversee the La Crosse or Baraboo territories, depending on the location of the selected candidate and the needs of the unit. This schedule may vary based on training or operational need. 

Our diversity, equity and inclusion team strives to hire, develop and retain a talented workforce representative of the people of Wisconsin. We are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment. We promote professional growth and create a healthy work/life balance and inclusive culture.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time. 
• Top rated health plan options starting at $39/month for single plans and $97/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Premium pension plan with at least a 6.9% employer match in 2024. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!  
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary

As a Rehabilitation Specialist for the Blind, you will provide vision rehabilitation services to eligible consumers in the assigned regional area. Services include: orientation and mobility, independent living skills, assistive technology, adjustment to blindness and communication skills training.

You will be also responsible for maintaining collaborative relationships with key community partners (e.g., Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Independent Living Centers, etc.) and the provision of information to the consumers, families and the general public. This position provides leadership for the Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired (OBVI) and serves as key spokesperson on blind issues in the communities they serve.

Salary Information

The starting pay is between $27.50 and $34.00 per hour (approximately between $57,200 and $70,700 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. An add-on of $1.00 per hour may be paid for bilingual skills in American Sign Language, Hmong, or Spanish*.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Rehabilitation Specialist for the Blind - Senior and is in pay schedule and range 12/63. A 12-month probationary period is required. 

*Note: If applicable, the selected candidate will be required to complete a language assessment in order to receive the add-on pay described above.

Job Details

• All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
• DHS strives to hire individuals who demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races.
• DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.
• For positions that do allow remote working flexibility, although residency in the State of WI is not required for permanent positions, it is not anticipated that working outside of WI or bordering cities will be allowed as positions may at times need to report to office locations in WI on short notice.
• Employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet for remote work option. Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided. Remote work flexibility will be discussed in more detail during the interview process.
• This position requires the ability to drive a State vehicle or the ability to provide one's own transportation. In order to become authorized to drive a State vehicle, you must meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy. 

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have both of the following:

• Experience providing services or training to individuals who are blind or have severe vision loss.  
• Experience providing case management or service coordination for individuals who are blind or have severe vision loss.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience conducting assessments and developing service plans for individuals who are blind or have severe vision loss.
• Experience with the social, cultural, and economic needs of individuals who are blind or have severe vision loss. 
• Experience working with adaptive or assistive devices that help individuals who are blind or have severe vision loss increase their independence. 

Your letter of qualifications is limited to two (2) pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here. 

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process.  Sign in to your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. 

Helpful Tips: 

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline. 
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. Please monitor your email for communications related this position. Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered. 

If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs. 

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. 

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Human Resources at DHSDPHHR@dhs.wisconsin.gov. 

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is April 26th at 11:59 pm.