Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Intern (College)

THE POSITION Are you enrolled in the final semester of a qualifying bachelor's or master's degree program or certificate program and searching for a professional opportunity to help people achieve optimal personal and social adjustment to blindness that leads to self-sufficiency? Become a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Intern with our Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services, Pittsburgh District Office. This highly structured internship involves formal instruction, on-the-job training, and practical work experience in providing rehabilitation therapy for persons who are blind or visually impaired to enhance their vocational opportunities, independent living, and educational development. Step into a job where your efforts help transform futures every day. Upon successful completion of the internship and the degree or certificate program, interns will be eligible for promotion as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. ## DESCRIPTION OF WORK This internship focuses on entry-level professional work teaching coping skills and adaptive techniques to customers who are blind and visually impaired. It works directly with individuals, collaborates other professionals, and connects with community programs to promote optimal personal and social adjustment leading to self-sufficiency and independent living. As a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Intern, you will learn and perform the following duties: 1. Assessment Work: Interview, evaluate, and observe customers to identify their current needs 2. Care Planning: Develop an individualized plan of instruction with customer participation that outlines goals, activities, and equipment needed 3. Skill Instruction: Teach skills and techniques that help customers be self-sufficient, live independently, and stay connected to their communities 4. Progress Monitoring: Evaluate achievements and adjust objectives when needed to maximize learning benefits for each customer 5. Record Keeping: Write case narratives and record statistical data of case details, plans, and progress 6. Community Support: Provide consultation and training for staff of community programs and facilities to promote positive attitudes and understanding Work Schedule and Additional Information: 1. Full time employment, 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday 2. Work hours are negotiable within a 7.5 hour work day, with a 30- or 60-minute lunch, depending on selected work hours. 3. The position is eligible for Alternate Work Schedules (AWS). 4. Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, after completion of the training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview. 5. Worksite Address: The address is: 531 Penn Ave Pittsburgh PA 15222. However, headquarters location may be flexible depending on the selected candidate. 6. **Salary: ** Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827 (before taxes). 7. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. ## REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Internship Training Requirements: 1. Current enrollment in the final year of an accredited college or university bachelor's or master's degree or certificate program in rehabilitation teaching of the blind or visually impaired, vision rehabilitation therapy, teacher of the visually impaired, or education with a concentration in visual impairment. Special Requirement: 1. Authorizatio by the college or university for the student to participate in the commonwealth's Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Intern program. Upon entering the internship, the student must be enrolled in the final semester of the appropriate degree or certificate program. Other Requirements: 1. PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. 2. You must be able to perform essential job functions.