The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven individual to provide direct services to a diverse caseload of adults ages 55 and older who are legally blind.

This Older Independent Blind (OIB) Social Rehabilitation Counselor position is based in the MCB Boston office and covers the Metro West and the Southeast regions of the state. The counselor will provide case management services in both regions. The counselor will travel at least 3 days per week in assigned areas to visit with consumers in their homes and/or other community settings.

MCB is a learning and participatory performance culture with an emphasis on high-performance teams, individual performance/contribution/impact, and engaging in activities to promote and support programs/regions/agencies (e.g., committee membership, internship programs, presenting at Town Halls, achieving learning and performance goals). In addition, MCB is an agency committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial equity, as well as innovation, transformation, change, and creating a culture of agility, excellence, and belonging.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide case management services and vision rehabilitation therapy (VRT) services.

• Evaluate the need for MCB support services and/or other community services and benefits and provide information and referral. Refer consumers to contracted Elder Peer Support Meetings as applicable.

• Develop, implement and monitor individualized service plans for the MCB services needed to facilitate the achievement of consumers’ social rehabilitation goals.

• Support consumers through the rehabilitation process by delivering compassionate counseling to consumers, their family members and support network.

• Consult and coordinate with outside agencies including elder service agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day health programs and health providers.

• Provide community outreach and education to agencies and organizations on behalf of MCB consumers as assigned.

• Complete case documentation in the electronic consumer tracking system and maintain case files. Complete agency purchase orders and payment vouchers and other fiscal documents as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of social rehabilitation and case management.

• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals.

• Ability to communicate effectively with and provide supportive counseling to consumers and their families and/or support network.

• Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational and health issues facing older individuals who are blind.

• Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.

• Talent for serving diverse populations and familiarity with secondary disabilities in addition to blindness.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to elders and persons with limited financial resources.

• Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Outlook.

• Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.

TO APPLY:

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

About the Commission for the Blind:

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is the point of entry for vocational and social rehabilitation services for residents of the Commonwealth who are declared to be legally blind by an eye professional. Under a newly created category, MCB will expand service to qualifying individuals who have low vision with a progressive visual impairment. These services help individuals to work toward independence and full community participation.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link, and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4