About Job

Requisition No: 858866

Agency: Department of Education

Working Title: EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM COUNSELOR - 48007281 (BLIND SERVICES)

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 48007281

Salary: $47,277.00 to $52,004.70 Annually

Posting Closing Date: 09/14/2025

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Florida Department of Education

Division of Blind Services

Bureau of Client Services & Program Support

Location: District 10/West Palm Beach (PALM BEACH COUNTY)

Position Title: Employment Program Counselor

(Human Services Program Consultant III) (Career Service)

Salary Range: $47,277.00 to $52,004.70 Annually

CANDIDATES ARE TYPICALLY HIRED AT THE MINIMUM SALARY

This advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies up to six months.

APPLICATION INFORMATION & HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

Application Information:

Your Candidate Profile (application) must be complete in its entirety.
Work History (in easy to review chronological order) Consists of:

- Any position held by a State of Florida Agency
- Any position held by a Florida University
- All periods of employment from high school graduation
- All periods of current or prior unemployment
- Gaps 3 months or more must be accounted for*
- Any Education
- Any Volunteer Experience
- Your resume and application must match
- Gaps 3 months or more must be addressed – you will need to account for and explain any gaps in employment including unemployment. You can either list these in your application under Period of Employment or attach a word document listing your gaps.
It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history. Your candidate profile will be converted to your official application.
Include supervisor names and phone numbers for reference checks or the contact information for your Human Resources office to verify current or former employment.
Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications.

Hiring Information and Requirements:

The Bureau of Personnel Management reviews every application for prior State of Florida and Florida University work history in the People First system.

If claiming Veteran’s Preference, the candidate MUST attach supporting documentation such as the DD214 and your VA Letter that reflects level of disability if applicable. Applicable to career service positions only.
If claiming Right to First Interview, the candidate MUST attach a copy of your official layoff letter when applying. This only applies to employees laid off from Career Service positions. Applicable to career service positions only.

If you are missing any of the items above, your packet may be held up at the final review step.

NOTE: Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported by the state application and any omission, falsification, or misrepresentation in the answering of the qualifying questions will be cause for immediate elimination from the selection process.

Office Contact:

Aaron Gaspard, HR Liaison

Phone: 561-681-2548

Job Description:

This position is in the Division of Blind Services, District 10 West Palm Beach Office. The Employment Program Counselor works with DBS clients and local businesses and other federal, state, public and non-profit employers, providing unique, specialized services to blind adults and children through the vision rehabilitation process, including advocacy, referral and resource development, counseling and guidance, and all other aspects of Independent Living, Children’s, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

(Note: The omission of specific job duties does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has an open position that is responsible for executing the following functions:

Maintain and practice a current understanding of FDOE and DBS policies and guidelines regarding information security.
Provide unique, specialized services to blind adults and children throughout the vision rehabilitation process including advocacy, referral and resource development, counseling and guidance, and all other aspects of Independent Living, Children’s, and Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Conduct outreach activities to increase on-the-job training, apprenticeships, work-based learning, volunteering, and employment opportunities.
Participate in job development, placement and follow-up activities of clients and utilize specific assessment tools as directed by policies and procedures.
Provide and document required client contacts, initial interview assessments, plan development, closure reports, implement and coordinate services in accordance with timeframes, policies, and procedures specified in the case service manual.
Model and demonstrate the principals of flexibility, adaptability, and approachability - while adhering to applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures.
Exhibit effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation.
Ensure services are expedited to applicants and clients with actual job offers and those who are at risk of losing employment.
Utilize understanding of education and training programs for blind and visually impaired clients to increase attainment of recognized post-secondary credentials that align with the skill needs of industries that lead to career pathways.
Obtain and interpret eye medical/other information to determine eligibility for services in accordance with program procedures.
Develop and amend Individualized Plans of Employment reflecting the required and appropriate services necessary for the client to obtain or maintain competitive integrated employment paying above subminimum wages.
Focus on career pathways by coordinating with education/training programs that provide workforce preparation activities, programs, and services designed to help an individual acquire a combination of academic knowledge and skills.
Coordinate necessary services such as independent living skills, assistive technology, orientation & mobility, supported employment, communication and vocational skills training with local providers. Work cooperatively with community providers, eye medical facilities and government agencies to develop referrals and coordinate services.
Utilize understanding of the Ticket to Work program to assist “ticket holders” in their efforts to find or retain employment for self-sufficiency.
Provide opportunities for and information about recreational/extracurricular activities and advocate for client participation in these types of activities when appropriate.
Provide community education, outreach, guidance, and training about blindness and document those activities in AWARE.
Provide liaison services to schools and participate in the development of Individual Education Plans when requested.
Assist teachers, employers and training sites - when requested - by making adaptations and/or modifications.
Participate in transition staffing and make recommendations for new referrals to the VR program through meetings with the Independent Living/Children's Rehabilitation Specialist on a quarterly basis.
Encourage clients to attain industry-recognized certificates and credentials linked to occupations in high demand.
Encourage the client's development of self-advocacy skills.
Conduct follow-up calls with clients and employers within 90 days of employment start date, as well as at the 180-day and employment anniversary to determine further services and possible job opportunities for other clients. Work with district leadership to ensure additional services are coordinated.
Assist in meeting program goals assigned by the state office and individually by the District Administrator by facilitating successful employment outcomes.
Focus on activities that lead to meeting WIOA performance measures, such as seeking opportunities for students and youth with disabilities to practice workplace skills, encouraging utilization of online job systems, strengthening employer relationships, and promoting integrated employment.
Monitor the provision of services to ensure clients have the functional and independent living skills necessary to achieve the vocational goal.
Develop, maintain, and improve techniques for caseload management, utilizing the electronic client information system (AWARE) to gather accurate data and generate reports.
Promote client satisfaction. Handle and attempt to resolve client issues before moving to the next level (Assistant District Administrator or District Administrator).
Understand various eye conditions and their impact on functional vision and convey this information in employment settings.
Understand the rehabilitation process and abilities, strengths, and capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Participate in statewide training program.
Other duties as requested.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to prioritize workload.
Ability to develop various reports.
Ability to manage people.
Ability to assess budgetary needs.
Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to plan, organize and direct programs or activities.

Who We’re Looking For:

The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions. The incumbent must interact courteously with others. The performance and behavior of all employees must demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unit. Attendance is an essential function.

Other Miscellaneous Duties:

Performs other duties as requested.
Some travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling; or
Four years of professional and relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program. Preference will be given to those with a bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
An ability to establish and maintain education and experience requirements to ensure an understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Knowledge of pre-employment transition services.
A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation; or who is eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
A Certified Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) designation.

Division of Blind Services Mission Statement:

The Division of Blind Services ensure blind and visually impaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunities to achieve success. In partnership with others, we create a barrier-free environment in the lives of Floridians with visual disabilities. The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. The Division serves thousands of Floridians through its plethora of programs and services. District and Satellite Offices located throughout the state, as well as the Career, Technology and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CTTC), and the Braille and Talking Books Library. The Division of Blind Servies has become a national model in education, employment and other services that foster independence for blind and visually impaired Floridians.

FDOE: Division of Blind Services (DBS)

Working for the State of Florida has Benefits!

State Group Insurance Coverage options+ (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options)

Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year.

Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required).

Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities).

Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits.

Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (for more information, visit the Florida Retirement System (FRS) website) Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Annual and Sick Leave Benefits.

Flexible Spending Accounts.

Ongoing comprehensive training provided.

Highly skilled, professional environment.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit the My Benefits Website at: State of Florida Benefits

We care about the success of our employees.

We care about the success of our clients.

We are always improving our technology, our tools, our customers' experiences and ourselves.

We offer rewarding experiences for reliable, compassionate and professional employees.

Leave Information: (CS)

- Annual Leave - All full-time Career Service employees filling established positions earn annual leave in varying increments dependent upon years of creditable service. Employees with up to 5 years of creditable service earn 8.667 hours per month, with 5 to 10 years earn 10.833 hours per month and those with over 10 years of service earn 13 hours per month. Employees in Senior Management Service and Selected Exempt Service positions are credited with 176 hours of annual leave upon appointment. In subsequent years, the annual allotment is credited on the anniversary date of the initial appointment.
- Sick Leave - Career Service employees earn 8.667 hours of sick leave credits per month.

Background Screening Requirement:

It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct the required verifications. No applicant for a designated position will be employed, contracted or permitted to volunteer until the level 2 screening results are received, reviewed, and approved by the Department. Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, finger printing for all purposes and checks under this requirement, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement.

Selective Service System (SSS) and Requirement:

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. For more information, please visit the Selective Service website.

If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.