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 part time Music Therapist and a full-time Orientation and Mobility Specialist, but will consider part-time and temporary candidates.

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. 

Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward mission:  

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.  

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