Visually Impaired Orientation Counselor II

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Blind & Visually Impaired Commission - Agency 81

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$22.007

Job Posting:

JR2025-00018778 Visually Impaired Orientation Counselor II (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

08-29-2025

Job Description:

Under general supervision, provides adjustment counseling and teaching of non-visual techniques for clients who are experiencing personal and social problems which are associated with the onset of blindness.

Tasks performed vary greatly and are based on the needs of the individual client, families or guardians or consulting agency. 

Technology Services: performs related work as assigned.

This position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and will cover a large area in that district.

Look at what we have to offer!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

 

Job duties

• Evaluates the present level of skill possessed by clients to identify attainable goals and areas of needed improvement to adjust to blindness.
• Educates clients and the public in understanding the various implications of blindness and how this relates to current attitudes toward blindness.
• Prepares and implements instructional programs for clients to address the necessary skills to deal effectively with blindness such as computer use (email, internet, social media, screen readers or low vision applications), cooking and other homemaking skills, Braille and cane travel.
• Prepares periodic reports to evaluate the clients’ progress toward successful rehabilitation and to monitor the overall effectiveness of programs provided.
• Assists in the training of new staff members in the different philosophies of working with the blind, the implications of being blind and teaching daily living skills to the blind. At times, serves as a team leader for a working group of Orientation Counselors.
• Refers clients to additional opportunities provided by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and other social service agencies.

• Performs other tasks as required within the scope of the classification

 

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, social work, counseling/guidance, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, human development, education or related and two years’ experience; OR Master’s degree in any of the above mentioned fields or related area and one year of experience Maintaining of the CVRCB Certification, once acquired on the job

 

Other: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or request driver accommodations for those with disabilities.

Immersion training under a blindfold will take place in Lincoln at 4600 Valley Road, Suite 100, Lincoln NE, 68510.  All new hires must complete 600 hours of immersion training at NCBVI expense to gain a Certification as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind (CVRCB).

Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: teaching and instructing individuals; leadership techniques; blindness philosophies; various educational modalities as they pertain to the rehabilitation of blind individuals (i.e. Braille, cane travel, computer use, email, internet, screen readers or low vision applications, etc.); understanding of
problems arising from blindness; counseling techniques used in the rehabilitation of the blind.
 
Skill in: evaluating each client's needs and the subsequent preparation and implementation of instructional programs to answer these needs.

Ability to: lead and mentor others in the completion of work; organize and coordinate various ongoing instructional programs; apply specific counseling techniques according to the situation; effectively evaluate the results of instructional programs and revise such programs as warranted; establish a strong working rapport with clients, general public and other service agencies.
 

 

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.