Position Function:
The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision (NRTC) at Mississippi State University invites applications for an Intermittent position, specializing in the program implementation for Older Adults who are Blind/Low Vision. The mission of the NRTC is to enhance employment and independent living outcomes for individuals who are blind or have low vision through research, training, education, and dissemination.
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. Some travel is required for this position. The Older Blind Specialist exercises considerable independence and technical judgment in the performance of duties. Remote work will be considered for this position. Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.
Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Area of Specialization:
Older Blind Specialist
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
- Review and create web-based technical assistance content
- Assist in identification of promising practices
- Attend and provide training at OIB-TAC annual conference
- The Older Blind Specialist may also assist with intensive technical assistance, developing reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree, with preferred fields of Rehabilitation Counseling, Gerontology, Vision Rehabilitation, or a related field
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.
• Meeting of deadlines and coordination of activities are key to the position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
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 510079 (Job title -Intermittent Worker). 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
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.
