For more than 100 years Vision Loss Resources (VLR) has provided services for those who are visually impaired, blind or DeafBlind. Clients, caregivers, donors, business partners, volunteers and dedicated staff provide robust support for VLR programming through Community Services, Rehabilitation Services and DeafBlind Services of Minnesota. Contract Production Services is a social enterprise owned by VLR which contributes support to the mission to provide services, skills and support for people with vision loss.

Reason position exists:

• An intervener provides direct support to a person with DeafBlindness, in their home and/or the community to: enhance communication skills, improve conceptual understanding, improve self-esteem and support social and emotional wellbeing, and to develop experiential knowledge of their environment and community in order to achieve their optimum level of independence and self-sufficiency.

Key Result Areas:

The primary accountabilities for the position include:

• Responsible for conducting one to one DeafBlind Intervention in the home and/or community to provide clear and consistent sensory information
• Facilitate access to environmental information and the development and/or use of receptive and expressive communication skills
• Develops and maintains a trusting, interactive relationship that can promote social and emotional well-being for the client
• Organize and create client activities and routines in the home and/or community, which may include learning through the use of natural routines and activities such as eating, going into the community for shopping, movies, community festivals or parks, etc.
• Works cooperatively with parents, legal guardians or others as needed; discusses and models intervention and communication techniques to parents to support integration of the client into the family/community
• Accompany, support, and supervise client during community-based instruction
• Facilitate interaction with peers and community members.
• Creates learning materials as needed

• Promptly complete daily reports, progress reports and other documents as directed by supervisor
• Regularly check DBSM work email (minimum twice a week) and respond in a timely manner to emails from supervisors or clients
• Provide input in the preparation of individual plans as requested by supervisor
• Participate in staff and client meetings as directed by supervisor
• Attend and complete all required training as directed by supervisor

• To assist deafblind individuals of all ages and all abilities to achieve their highest level of independence and self-sufficiency.
• Make decisions and act in the best interest of clients and DBSM
• Offer hospitality to every visitor and to each other
• Ensure self and staff demonstrate DBSM values in every interaction

I will have performed my job well when I:

1. Provide timely, high quality work

• Assist my clients to improve their communication abilities and conceptual understanding and to improve their independence and quality of life
• Assist my clients to engage in community-based activities
• Develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with clients and families/teams
• Complete administrative and reporting responsibilities in a timely manner
• Respect boundaries and follow agency and regulatory policies, rules and laws

2. Contribute to the team

• Assist other employees and departments willingly
• Share relevant information with coworkers

3. Contribute to the mission

• To assist clients to achieve their highest level of independence and self-sufficiency
• Contribute positively to DBSM’s culture and work environment
• Demonstrate DBSM core values

Physical Demands

• The physical demands will vary by client, and may require the ability to regularly walk, stoop, bend, reach overhead, lift and sit on the ground with a client
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on an occasional basis
• May include pushing, lifting and stowing in car some clients’ wheelchairs
• Ability to drive to and from client’s home and to transport client in the community (mileage driven with clients is reimbursable)

Education and Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent math and reading skills of a high school graduate
• Completion of a DeafBlind Intervener Training course desired but not required
• Previous experience working with DeafBlind children or adults, or people with special needs, or working in special education are helpful but not required
• ASL proficiency may be required to work with some clients
• Valid driver’s license with required insurance coverage, and a safe reliable vehicle and ability to drive clients.

Attributes:

• Strong commitment to the DBSM mission
• Demonstrates dependability, consistency and a strong work ethic
• Feels comfortable working in close proximity to a client to provide information through touch to those that need tactile information
• Requires exceptional communication skills, creativity, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods and Intervention strategies to the individual client
• Ability and desire to work with diverse people and organizations
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Practices safe work habits throughout all work activities

Vision Loss Resources is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer for all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Apply online or via email to julie@vlrw.org.