Employment
Vision Forward is recognized as the premier agency serving people of all ages with vision loss in Wisconsin. We empower, educate, and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions. Our vision is that all individuals with vision loss have reached their full potential to lead active and independent lives.
We currently have a career opportunities for a full-time Children’s Support Specialist, part-time Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Grant Coordinator, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, and Music Therapist.
Children’s Program Support Specialist
The Children’s Program Support Specialist provides clerical, administrative and operational support to the Children’s Program at Vision Forward, ensuring seamless communication, compliance with regulations, and efficient service delivery for children and families. This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate records, assisting with program intake, tracking compliance, and supporting collaboration across departments. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, a passion for working with children and families, and the ability to support both the administrative and direct service needs of the program.
Vision Forward is recognized as the premier agency serving people of all ages with vision loss in Wisconsin. We empower, educate and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions. Our vision is that all individuals with vision loss have reached their full potential to lead active and independent lives.
Benefits:
- 40 hours per/week – Monday-Friday
- Paid Holidays – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- 401K
- Company provided laptop
- Strong, experienced, supportive team
Core Functions:
- Maintain accurate and timely records for all program participants, ensuring compliance with daycare and Vision Forward policies.
- Track and manage licensing paperwork, child health records, and staff continuing education hours.
- Assist with reporting requirements for external stakeholders as needed.
- Ongoing Record maintenance, obtaining and coordinating signatures for consent forms and records requests with schools and other therapy clinics.
- Facilitate intake process, alongside program administrator, to ensure smooth enrollment for families into Vision Forward Children’s Program
- Assist with organizing parent events, workshops, and community outreach efforts.
- Support family communication by sending welcome letters, tracking consent forms, and following up on documentation.
- Work closely with external agencies, families, referral sources, and medical professionals to ensure effective collaboration.
- Assist with volunteer requests, training and task delegation alongside the Volunteer Coordinator to meet program needs.
- Assist children in engaging classroom activities selected by the special education teacher and paraprofessional. Provides backup coverage for classroom staff, as needed.
- Support therapists with equipment, positioning, and safe transfer of children between classrooms and therapy areas.
- Provide excellent customer service by answering phones, providing coverage for the wing entrance and greeting families.
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Associate’s degree required, additional education in early childhood development, special education, or a related field preferred.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; EMR experience highly desired.
- Experience working with children in childcare or early education settings is beneficial.
- Knowledge of child development and experience with special needs or visual impairments is an asset.
- Effective communication skills with families, external agencies, and a multidisciplinary team.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
This is a part-time / PRN Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) position to work primarily with the birth to six population. The ideal candidate is dedicated to assisting families of children with visual impairments to achieve their goals and has the willingness to grow and develop professionally.
Benefits:
- 20 hours per/week – Monday-Friday
- Holidays (off, but not paid) – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Dental and vision
- 401K
- Company provided cell phone and laptop
- Strong, experienced, supportive team
Core Functions:
- Comfortable working with children ages birth to 21. Has knowledge of how specific ocular conditions and/or a cortical visual impairment can impact vision, development and independent functioning.
- Conducts comprehensive evaluations for children with ocular and/or cortical visual impairments in a child’s home/natural environment, school or at Vision Forward. Evaluations will assess the child’s current level of functional vision and the impact of his/her vision on development of skills in other domains. Evaluations for Cortical Visual Impairment will also include The CVI Range Assessment with an explanation of how the 10 characteristics of CVI affect the child’s visual functioning.
- Develops either an Individualized Family Service Plan or an Individualized Education Plan for each child in conjunction with the parents and child’s team that includes measurable goals. Monitors and documents child’s progress regarding established vision goals and overall developmental objectives.
- Identifies and establishes a plan for each child’s emerging literacy needs, including pre-braille, braille, or large print and/or the use of adaptive equipment.
- Conducts individualized vision education/braille sessions in the child’s home, school or Vision Forward Association in accordance with center policy and performance standards.
- Works collaboratively with professionals from other agencies, classroom teachers and physical, occupational, speech and music therapists, to meet each child’s individual needs.
- Acts as a resource to parents and other team members regarding each child’s visual function and appropriate interventions and adaptations.
- Supports the use of techniques that enable children to move about the environment independently in consultation with the Orientation and Mobility Instructor.
- Identifies appropriate toys, supplies, equipment and other materials that can be used with the child to ensure the child’s vision needs are met and to aid families in providing appropriate activities and/or materials for their child.
- Completes timely documentation for each child at the point of service that reflects the child’s progress towards his/her individual goals and objectives in the electronic medical records system.
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, from a four-year college or university, with specialization as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Specialization in Orientation and Mobility is a plus.
- Maintains a current DPI license and certification.
- A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, proof of insurance and use of a personal automobile is required.
- Ability to effectively communicate with children, parents, professionals and other employees of Vision Forward. Desire to develop relationships with outside partners and referral sources.
- Experience and comfort serving children and families with diverse backgrounds.
- Good computer skills and competent in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook and Excel. Ability to use an electronic medical record system.
- Clear understanding of HIPAA, FERPA and privacy regulations.
- Desire to complete continuing education to build skill set.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com
Grant Coordinator
The Grant Coordinator is involved in all aspects of the grant process from identifying grant opportunities to writing grants and submitting grant reports after funding is received. Vision Forward has a strong history of grant support from family, community and corporate foundations in impact areas including vision loss, disability, early intervention, adaptive technology, job readiness and more. Vision Forward provides a highly supportive philanthropy team to assist with the stewardship of potential and existing grantors and grant tracking. The position is part-time, 25-28 hours per week, with the opportunity for some of those hours to be done remotely. The Grant Coordinator reports to the Director of Philanthropy.
Benefits:
- Part-time (25-28 hours per week)
- Monday through Friday with flexibility on days & hours (occasional night hours)
- Paid Time Off – 1 week after 1 year (prorate based on yearly hours worked), an additional week on year 5 (prorated based on yearly hours worked)
- Holidays (closed, but not paid) – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Dental and Vision – 50% premium paid by Vision Forward
- 401K – Vision Forward matches 100% on the dollar of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of every dollar you contribute
Core Functions:
- Maintain an in-depth understanding of Vision Forward’s mission and programs to effectively strategize about grant opportunities
- Identify and research potential grant funders
- Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to identify funding opportunities, gather language for grant proposals, collect data and impact stories for reports, and monitor that grant-funded activities are being completed
- Write proposals, letters of intent, reports and communications that are complete, compelling and meet all deadlines and requirements
- In conjunction with other staff, compile accurate budget information for funding applications
- Use the Bloomerang donor database to accurately maintain grant records, including foundation data, deadlines, etc.
- Work cooperatively with the Director Philanthropy and philanthropy team to oversee a grant calendar that ensures the timely submission of grant materials including letters of intent, proposals, and reports
- Serve as liaison with funders
- With the support of the philanthropy team, ensure that all grantors are being stewarded with meaningful interactions
- Use data and reports to analyze past grant activity and effectively plan for the future
- Work with the marketing team to feature stories of donors and grant-funded programs in agency communications
- Submit an appropriate number of quality proposals every year to meet annual grant writing goals
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Commitment to Vision Forward’s mission
- Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to write clear, structured, articulate and persuasive proposals specific to grantors criteria
- Attention to detail
- Exceptional critical thinking, organizational, and analytical skills
- Ability to interact positively and collaborate with others
- Demonstrated skills using data, experience and teamwork to make decisions
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- High sense of discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Knowledge of fundraising and research techniques and strategies
- Experience using Bloomerang or comparable donor CRM software a plus, but not required
- 3 – 5+ years of demonstrated experience and proven track record of successful grant writing and fundraising for a non-profit, desired
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university, desired
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
This position will provide assessment and training to a wide range of clients with visual impairment, and will be responsible for appropriate documentation. This person will participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team that includes technology instruction, occupational therapy, support and optometry.
Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward mission:
- Promote the dignity of all people living with vision loss.
- Provide exceptional customer service.
- Maintain a positive, cohesive, transparent, and family-friendly environment.
Core functions:
- Assesses clients’ orientation and mobility skills. Working with the client establishes specific and appropriate goals and plans for attaining goals. Recommends appropriate equipment and training for meeting those goals.
- Provides orientation and mobility training in various environments focused on assisting the clients in achieving their goals. Monitors client progress toward goals and adjusts training as needed.
- Works with all Vision Forward staff in the development of innovative programs for adults, youth, and children that foster independent travel skills and motivates clients to use them.
- Educates clients and family members about their particular diagnosis, functional implications, potential interventions, benefits of vision rehabilitation, and other resources within and beyond Vision Forward.
- Completes documentation, billing, and other reporting in a timely and accurate manner. Provides appropriate correspondence for referral sources, like eye care professionals and DVR. Maintains up-to-date and accurate records. Completes accurate entries into electronic medical record. Maintains assigned daily, monthly, and annual reports.
- Actively work and participate in collaboration with members of the Adult Rehabilitation Services team. Makes appropriate cross referrals. Actively participates in team meetings and activities.
- Serves as a resource for clients, families, team members, professionals, and the general community in orientation and mobility. Presents information to groups, participates in health fairs, and markets to referral sources.
- Stays current in practices related to orientation and mobility, medical aspects of vision loss, and devices available for people with vision loss.
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Bachelor or master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility, Rehabilitation Teaching / Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, or related field.
- Certification through ACVREP with COMS.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- An outcome and client focused approach to service delivery.
- Strong self-motivation, an innovative spirit and a desire to exceed expectations of clients, colleagues, and the organization.
- Must always represent Vision Forward in a professional, respectful and courteous manner.
- Experience with assistive technology instruction including screen readers, screen magnification, Braille displays, computer keyboarding, and smart phones/tablets. Certification as a CATIS, or interest in obtaining is preferred.
- Experience with Braille instruction for children or adults. Certification as a TVI preferred.
- Experience and comfort serving children and families with diverse backgrounds.
- Good computer skills and competence in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook, and Excel. Ability to use an electronic medical record system.
- Clear understanding of HIPAA, FERPA and privacy regulations.
- A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, proof of insurance and use of a personal automobile is required.
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off – Three weeks and will negotiate additional paid time off based on experience and tenure
- Holidays – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Company paid life insurance
- Company paid short and long term disability
- 401K
- Company provided cell phone and laptop
- Strong, experienced, supportive team
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com
Music Therapist of the Visually Impaired
The ideal candidate is dedicated to assisting families of children with visual impairments and has the willingness to grow and develop professionally.
Pay and benefits:
- Starting at $22.00 per hour based on experience
- Part-Time, Monday-Friday 15-20 hours a week
- Flexible hours – no weekends
- Holidays off, but not paid– New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- 401K
- Strong, experienced & supportive team
Core Functions:
- Comfortable working with children ages birth to 21. Identifies and implements music programs that are adaptive to the vision, physical, cognitive, and social needs of the individual client. Willing to serve some adult clients with vision loss.
- Conducts assessments and creates individualized intervention plans.
- Comfortable leading the client in new and adapted music experiences generating interest and attaining constructive, active involvement. Provides services in individual and group settings.
- Plans and conducts well-rounded music therapy program for a wide variety of disabilities.
- Assists children in classroom activities that the teacher has selected, including development, implementation and maintenance of individual daily sheets and portfolios. Collaborates and contributes to lesson planning and classroom learning objectives.
- Monitors and analyzes progress toward achieving goals and implements changes in program operations and models as needed. Pursues collaborations and partnerships.
- Completes timely documentation for each client at the point of service that reflects progress towards individual goals and objectives in the electronic medical records system. Completes billing for services and works in collaboration with other staff to ensure necessary authorization for services is secured.
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy and board certification.
- Minimum of three years’ experience working with children and/or adults developing and carrying out appropriate programming is desired. Previous experience working with disabilities strongly preferred.
- Ability to effectively communicate with children, parents, professionals and other employees of Vision Forward.
- Experience and comfort serving children and families with diverse backgrounds.
- Good computer skills and competence in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook and Excel. Ability to use an electronic medical record system.
- Clear understanding of HIPAA and privacy regulations.