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 opportunity for someone to serve as an Early Educational Paraprofessional. We are also hiring a full-time Orientation and Mobility Specialist, but will consider part-time and temporary candidates.

Early Education Paraprofessional 

The ideal candidate is dedicated to supporting and fostering independence in young children with visual impairments and other disabilities.  

Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward mission:  

Pay and benefits:  

• $17.00 – $20.00 per hour based on experience 
• Excellent Hours – Monday-Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 
• Paid Time Off – 2 weeks after 90 days, 3 weeks after 3 years of employment and 4 weeks after 5 years of employment  
• 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 
• Medical Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Long and Short-Term Disability Insurance 
• 401k with company match 

Core Functions:

• Promote the dignity of all people living with vision loss.  
• Provide exceptional customer service.  
• Maintain a positive, cohesive, transparent, and family-friendly environment.  
• Contributes to a child’s educational and social emotional wellbeing by following developmentally appropriate practices as outlined in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards and other best practice standards in the field of Early Childhood. 
• 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. 
• Implements modifications and adaptions to the environment or materials as directed by lead teacher, vision and orientation and mobility providers and therapists. 
• Assists children requiring daily care (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.) and provides appropriate care and/or develops children’s daily living activities and behavioral skills. 
• Assists therapists with equipment, positioning, and transfers of children between classroom and therapy areas, as needed. 
• Maintains the classroom and related areas in accordance with daycare regulations and follows all daycare regulations and policies. 
• Monitors and assists children throughout the day within a variety of environments (e.g. bathrooms/changing, classroom, playground, hallways) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children.
• Generates cleaning/sanitization schedule, allocates and monitors all cleaning related tasks with volunteers in accordance with state licensing requirements. 

The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:  

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. 
• 2-3 years’ experience working with young children, including those with Special Needs. 
• Registry Level 12 or above or ability to obtain within one year. 
• Bilingual preferred. 
• CPR, First Aid and AED for infants, toddlers, and adults. 
• Bi-Annual Mandated Reporter Training. 
• Shaken Baby and SIDS Training prior to hire. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. 
• May need to lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Strong self-motivation and a desire to exceed expectations of cleints, colleagues and the agency. 
• Excellent communication skills reflecting solid customer service.  
• Highly organized and the ability to focus on details and adapt to shifting priorities. 
• Flexibility to adapt, positive attitude towards change, and a constructive and creative approach to problem solving.   
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team. 
• Ability to relate well in cross-cultural environments. 

Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com

Vision Forward is a cutting-edge non-profit organization serving people with vision loss for over 104 years.  We are currently seeking an Orientation & Mobility Specialist to join our team.  Learn more with the full job description below!

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