Position Function:
The primary responsibilities of this position are to perform a variety of duties to assist with training, resource development, and technical assistance activities of the National Research and Training Center (NRTC) on Blindness and Low Vision. Regular travel is required for this position. The Older Blind Specialist exercises considerable independence and technical judgment in the performance of duties. This is a full-time 12-month position. Remote work will be considered for this position.
Salary Grade: Level II: 13; Level III: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
https://www.blind.msstate.edu
Area of Specialization:
Blind Specialist for Senior Adults
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive training and
technical assistance program for agencies that provide older blind services
- Provide technical assistance to program administrators and direct service staff
- Develop collaborative relationships within the fields of aging and vision loss
- Develop new and update existing online courses
- Create web-based technical assistance content
- Participate in older blind program evaluation activities
- Provide training at workshops and conferences
The Older Blind Specialist may also assist with research projects and developing reports and peer-reviewed publications.
Minimum Qualifications:
Beginning with a bachelor’s degree:
A professional employee with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Gerontology, or Vision Rehabilitation or related field and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate II level with a minimum of three years of relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
A professional employee with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Gerontology, or Vision Rehabilitation or related field and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate III level with a minimum of six years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
Beginning with a master’s degree:
A professional employee with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Gerontology, or Vision Rehabilitation or related field can begin work at the Research Associate II level with a minimum of one year of relevant experience and demonstrated competency.
A professional employee with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Gerontology, or Vision Rehabilitation or related field can begin work at the Research Associate III level with a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
Beginning with a doctoral degree:
A professional employee with a doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Gerontology, or Vision Rehabilitation or related field with two years of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate III level.
Salary will be commensurate with individual's background, education, and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Certification credentials/licensure in at least one rehabilitation-related area
• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Gerontology, Vision Rehabilitation
Therapy/Rehabilitation Teaching, Orientation & Mobility, or a closely related field
• At least three years of experience working directly with older adults.
• Experience presenting to groups of people.
• Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge and experience in the use of current and emerging assistive technology
used by persons who have visual impairments
• Knowledge of the special needs of older adults with vision impairment
• Ability to create engaging training activities
• Ability to develop and implement training evaluations
• Expertise with a variety of software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and
presentation
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and
nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control;
interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with
certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated
activities are key to the position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions
involving emotional issues or stress.
Instructions for Applying:
Please apply for the position directly to the NRTC and through Mississippi State University's job website. Email your letter of application, resume, or curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for at least three references to nrtcjobs@colled.msstate.edu. Additionally, apply through the university's job website at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu, PARF Number 508188 (Job title - Research Associate II-III). For questions about the position, contact Kendra Farrow at kfarrow@colled.msstate.edu. Persons with disabilities, especially those with vision impairments, are urged to apply. For more information about our center, view the NRTC website at https://www.blind.msstate.edu.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
