News

Calling All Seniors and People with Disabilities!

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is having an important hearing on your needs.
Monday May 21 at 10:00 a.m.
San Francisco City Hall Board of Supervisors Chambers

Come hear a presentation on the 2010 census that explains the needs of our seniors and people with disabilities in San Francisco. Hear the City discuss why the need is increasing more rapidly than ever. Find out what the City’s plan is to address the growing number of people who want to age in the community. Come testify to the impact of the budget cuts we have endured over the last 5 years.
This is your time to let the legislators hear from you.

For more information, call James Chionsini (415) 703-0188 ext 304

Employment Opportunities: Daily Living Skills Instructor

Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time

Reports to: Daily Living Skills Team Lead

Society for the Blind is currently seeking a qualified individual as a Daily Living Skills Instructor. Our mission is to empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively and independently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship. Society for the Blind is a 501c3 organization serving Northern California, with a focus on Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties.

General Description: The essential functions of the job are to train and to guide clients through courses of instruction designed to help them carry out daily living tasks. This includes teaching skills and techniques to assist them in developing independence, effective communications, home orientation, home and personal management

Duties:

Teaching:

1. Evaluate clients to determine the nature, extent, necessity and feasibility of their undertaking living skills services.
2. Teach communication skills; Braille, handwriting, recording devices and other techniques as required.

3. Develop and teach skills in the management of food, cooking, shelter, clothing, child care, health, home maintenance, grooming, safety and other family responsibilities.
4. Help to maintain and create a safe positive learning environment for all clients.
5. Develop and implement new assignments and curriculum that will enhance and improve client’s independence.

Documentation:

1. Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly recordkeeping of client services; including, but not limited to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence

Team building and Networking:

1. Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
2. Consult with other professionals or other appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the clients.

1. Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client’s program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss.
2. Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society clients, staff, and volunteers.
3. Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors, such as Department of Rehabilitation.

Others:

1. Maintain positive and professional relationship with SFTB clients, staff and volunteers.
2. Attend all staff and department meetings.
3. Adhere to all Society policies and procedures.
4. Attend trainings by request of Instructional Team Lead and Core Programs Manager.
5. Stay current in areas of responsibility.
6. Other duties as requested or as need is assessed.

Qualifications:

1. 1.    Excellent English grammar and usage.
2. 2.    Excellent computer keyboard, computer basics and word processing and database software.
3. 3.    Current living skills teaching practices and techniques for blind and visually impaired clients.
4. 4.    Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Teaching and minimum two-year work experience,

      OR

Master’s Degree in Education with major in Home Management.

OR

Bachelor’s Degree with major in Education or a related field from an accredited college or university and two years’ experience as a Living Skills instructor.

OR

5 or more years of relevant work experience in the field of blindness skills training & education.

5. Ability to work individually or as part of a team.
6. Understanding of blindness and some proficiency in non-visual techniques.
7. Knowledge of, belief in and adherence to the agency’s mission and vision.

To Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter via email to Diane Starin, Daily Living Skills Team Lead at dstarin@societyfortheblind.org.

No phone calls please!

Application’s deadline: Until the position is filled.

Employment Opportunities: Job Title: Adaptive Technology Instructor IV

Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time
Reports to:                                      Adaptive Technology Team Lead

Society for the Blind is currently seeking a qualified individual as an Adaptive Technology Instructor IV. Our mission is to empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively and independently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship. Society for the Blind is a 501c3 organization serving Northern California, with a focus on Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties.

General Description:  The essential functions of the job are to teach all aspects of adapted computer and rehabilitation technology use to Society clients, to maintain expertise in all instructed programs and upgrades, and be a motivated team player to teach blind students computer skills using adaptive equipment and techniques to enhance computer competence and effectiveness, especially in employment settings.

Duties: 

Teaching

1. Instruct small group or individual classes in adaptive computing for blind and visually impaired clients.
2. Assess and evaluate clients as to appropriate instructional modality and needs.
3. Consistently achieve high level of excellence in both instruction and productivity.
4. Coordinate closely with the Adaptive Technology Team Lead and Core Programs Manager to arrange for maximum hours of client service and instruction.
5. Ensure that software and hardware are in good working condition for teaching.
6. Create manuals and tutorials which will assist clients to progress in learning curriculum.
7. Create, update, and revise curriculum as needed, with all related materials for submission to the Adaptive Technology Team Lead.
8. Develop new projects as assigned and as related to access technology with emphasis on both excellent client service and increased revenue production.

Documentation

1. Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly recordkeeping of client services; including, but not limited to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence.

Team building and Networking

1. Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
2. Consult with other professionals, family members or other appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the clients.
3. Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client’s program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss.
4. Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society clients, staff, and volunteers.
5. Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors, such as Department of Rehabilitation.

 Others:

1. Maintain positive and professional relationship with SFTB clients, staff and volunteers.
2. Attend all staff and department meetings.
3. Adhere to all Society policies and procedures.
4. Obtain training to enhance job requirements.
5. Stay current in areas of responsibility.
6. Other duties as requested or as need is assessed.

Qualifications:

1.            Highly skilled in current operating systems, especially current Windows, with a particular emphasis on mastery of all alternative keyboard commands to replace mouse use.

2.             Expertise in at least one major screen review program such as JAWS or Window-Eyes and familiarity with a second.

3.             Expertise in Microsoft Office Programs including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook & MS Internet Explorer required.

4.             Familiarity with ZoomText (all levels) desirable.

5.             Effective communication skills.

6.             Excellent organizational and time management skills.

1. Ability to work individually or as part of a team.
2. Understanding of blindness and some proficiency in non-visual techniques.

9. Knowledge of, belief in and adherence to the agency’s mission and vision

Educational and Experience Requirements:

10. High school diploma or G.E.D.

11. Minimum two years working experience.

To Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter via email to Karen Ankeny, Adaptive Technology Team Lead at kankeny@societyfortheblind.org .

No phone calls please!

Application’s deadline: Until the position is filled.

Employment Opportunity: Communications Instructor II (Formerly Braille Instructor)

Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time
Reports to: Daily Living Skills Team Lead

Society for the Blind is currently seeking a qualified individual as an Orientation & Mobility Instructor II. Our mission is to empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively and independently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship. Society for the Blind is a 501c3 organization serving Northern California, with a focus on Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties.

General Description: The essential functions of the job are to teach all aspects and levels of Braille and other communication devices used by blind or low-vision clients. Emphasis of instruction is on enhancement of Braille competence and effectiveness with particular focus on independent living as well as employment settings and outcomes.

Duties:

Teaching

1. Consistently achieve high level of excellence in both instruction and productivity.
2. Instruct small group or individual classes in Braille and other communication devices for blind and low vision clients.
3. Assess and evaluate clients as to appropriate instructional plan and needs for personal record-keeping by using agency’s database as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and email products.
4. Teach and/ or demonstrate use of various adaptive devices to download and access Electronic Braille via note-takers &/or Braille displays.
5. Ensure that the highest levels of Braille speed and accuracy are mastered by a student before completing and being released from the course.
6. Maintain the most up to date teaching practices with regard to Braille and other communication devices used by individuals who are blind or have low vision such as talking, tactile or visually-enhanced cellular phones; Personal Data Devices; and Braille note-takers.
7. Create, update, and revise curriculum as needed, with all related materials for submission to the Daily Living Skills Team Lead.
8. Develop new projects related to Braille and other communication devices with emphasis on both excellent client service and increased revenue.
9. Coordinate closely with the Daily Living Skills Team Lead and Core Programs Manager to arrange maximum hours of client service and instruction.

Documentation

1. Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly recordkeeping of client services; including, but not limited to, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, & correspondence.

 Team building & Networking

1. Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
2. Consult with other professionals, family members or other appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the clients.
3. Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client’s program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss.
4. Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society clients, staff, and volunteers.
5. Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors, such as Department of Rehabilitation.

Others:

1. Maintain positive and professional relationship with SFTB clients, staff and volunteers.
2. Attend all staff and department meetings.
3. Adhere to all Society policies and procedures.
4. Obtain training to enhance job requirements.
5. Stay current in areas of responsibility.
6. Other duties as requested or as need is assessed.

Qualifications:

1. Highly skilled in current operating systems, especially current.
2. Windows and proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is required.
3. Effective communication skills.
4. Excellent organizational and time management skills.
5. Ability to work individually or as part of a team.
6. Understanding of blindness and some proficiency in non-visual techniques.
7. Knowledge of, belief in and adherence to the agency’s mission and vision.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

1. High school diploma or G.E.D.
2. Minimum two years working experience.

To Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter via email to Diane Starin, Daily Living Skills Team Lead at dstarin@societyfortheblind.org

No phone calls please!

Application’s deadline: Until the position is filled.

Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – May 2012

Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – May 2012

Bill Barker's Braille Radio Reading Room - May 2012 [ 34:06 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (65)

Employment Opportunity: Executive Director Contra Costa Crisis Center

Employment Opportunity: Office Depot is looking for Customer Service Reps. in their Emeryville store

JOB INFORMATION

Please note, a link is provided, below, that will direct you to the career section of Office Depot.

Job Title: Customer Service

Job ID: 1088279

Location: Emeryville,CA

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office Depot Career Network

Responsibilities

The Customer Service Specialist (CSS) is responsible for providing an exceptional in-store customer service experience through proactively engaging with and working to make the customer satisfied in every interaction.

Utilizing Office Depot’s proven sales principles, the CSS must interact with every customer in their zone, and adjacent zones, as needed, to drive incremental sales opportunities and ensure every customer’s shopping needs are met.

Additionally, the CSS will be responsible for performing merchandise-related activities such as planogram, merchandise, and price changes as directed by the Sales leader.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent education preferred.

Other Information

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• No experience or training is necessary

• Previous sales/customer service experience is considered an asset

• Must possess ability to work with computers to process information/merchandise through POS register system.

• Must be able to read, count and write to accurately complete documentation, utilize training tools and serve customers at check-out.

• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, which are necessary to establish a selling relationship with customers. Must possess an interest in continually developing personal selling skills and product knowledge.

• Must like to interact with people and be driven by sales goals.

• Ability to work a flexible work schedule as business dictates

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Office Depot offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button.

How To Apply

Click the link http://www.officedepot.com/companyinfo/careers/search.jsp?jobreqnbr=1088279

and click the APPPLY button, then follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Office Depot is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, veteran’s status, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

City & County of S.F. Hiring: 9910 Public Service Trainee – Management Intern Program

FINAL FILING DATE:  FILE IMMEDIATELY
Receipt of applications may close at anytime, but not before Monday, July 2, 2012 at 5:00 PM.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), an enterprise department of the City and County of San Francisco, delivers world-class security and customer service in state-of-the-art facilities. SFO, the “gateway to the Pacific,” serves more than 41 million domestic and international passengers annually.

SFO was recently awarded the “Healthiest Place to Work in the Bay Area,” by the San Francisco Business Times. SFO continues to be committed to setting the standard for our industry.  SFO and its staff have been recognized as industry leaders in developing innovative programs and initiatives in the fields of security, the environment, customer service, concessions and business.  Leadership in each of these areas reflects SFO’s commitment to its mission “to provide an exceptional Airport in service to our communities.”

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) delivers world-class customer service in state-of-the-art facilities.  SFO and its staff have been recognized as industry leaders in developing innovative programs and initiatives in the fields of the environment, customer service, concessions, revenue development, and security.

As part of the Airport Commission’s commitment to provide qualified candidates with valuable work experience in a variety of operational administrative capacities, the Airport Commission is continuing its Management Intern Program that began in 1998. This one-year program provides comprehensive exposure to airport operations and can be extremely beneficial in preparing for a career in airport management or business planning for public government and transportation entities. In addition to learning about SFO’s organizational structure and its management culture, trainees will be expected to assist management and staff in performing certain regular tasks and special projects. This year, two internships will be offered.  Both internships will be rotational offering exposure to multiple sections.  Each selected intern will have customized rotations in several of the following participating sections:  Contracts Administration, Design and Construction, Landside, Noise Abatement, Planning, Safety and Health, Signage/Wayfinding, and Operations/TerminalSystems.

This program is limited to one year.  We encourage interns to apply to other positions at SFO after the internship, but there is no guarantee of employment transition.

Working Condition
One-year internship. Employees shall work for no more than 77 hours bi-weekly for FY12-13. These positions may require occasional work during evenings and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a Master’s Degree awarded 2007 to June 30, 2012 in one of the following subjects:  Architecture, Aviation, Business, Design, Finance, Occupational Safety, Public Administration, Public Policy, Planning, or related field.  Applicants failing to meet the requirement by the stipulated date will be subject to separation from employment.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in a standard office environment which may involve prolonged sitting, bending and operation of typing, word processing and other office equipment; and ability to work evening meetings.

HOW TO APPLY:
File immediately.  Applications will be available beginning Wednesday, May 9, 2012.  This recruitment process will be open at least through Monday, July 2, 2012 at 5:00 pm.  Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are being accepted through an online process.  Visit www.jobaps.com/sf to register an account (if you have not already done so) and begin the application process.

* Select 9910 Public Service Trainee – Management Intern Program (PEX-9910-058898 announcement)
* Select “Apply” and read and acknowledge the information
* Select either “I am a New User” if you have not previously registered, or “I have Registered Previously”
* Follow instructions on the screen

Interested applicants must submit all of the  following supporting documents to www.jobaps.com/sf. Applicants must specifically indicate the type and date of Master’s Degree awarded or anticipated on letter of interest and/or comprehensive resume:

1. Letter of interest: outlining skills, background experience and training related to the position. (copy and paste when prompted; you will also have the option to upload to “letter of interest” option)
2. Comprehensive resume: (copy and paste when prompted, you will also have the option to upload to “resume” option)
3. Position Paper on the following topic. (Position Paper should be no longer than three typed, double spaced pages) (copy and paste when prompted; you will also have the option to upload to “writing sample” as well).

Position Paper Topic:
Airport Capacity and Long-term Growth – SFO is a very land-constrained Airport located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County between U.S. Highway 101 and San Francisco Bay.  The Airport has two sets of closely spaced parallel runways.  In poor weather, the Airport’s capacity declines to approximately half of its good weather capacity.

The San Francisco Airport Commission does not currently plan to expand SFO’s airfield capacity given the financial cost and environmental considerations associated with new or reconfigured runways, which would require significant Bay fill and environmental mitigation.  The Airport’s current approach to managing demand and making the most efficient use of its limited capacity is to (1) promote the use and development of regional airport capacity to better serve the Greater Bay Area’s air transportation needs, (2) evaluate and implement advanced aviation technology to increase airfield capacity during poor weather and (3) assess and implement demand management measures to encourage the use of larger aircraft and reduce airline scheduling in peak periods.  What ideas do you have for addressing the Airport and the region’s long-term aviation demands and capacity constraints at SFO? 

File immediately: Computer kiosks are available for the public (from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of Department of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA or Airport Commission Human Resources at 710 N. McDonnell Road, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94128.

Applicants may be contacted by email about this announcement and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date.  Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter.  To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file.  Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.  Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline.  Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Charlotte Wu at 650-821-2025 or via e-mail at charlotte.wu@flysfo.com.

Resumes may be attached to the application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Note:
Make sure your application and any attachments to the application submitted at the time of filing are complete and accurate and include details on all experience, education, training and other information that qualifies you for this recruitment. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application at the time of filing may result in your ineligibility for this recruitment.  Only the most qualified applicants will continue on in the selection process.

VERIFICATION:
All applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point in the application and/or departmental selection process.  Verification of qualifying experience, when requested, must be documented on the employer’s business letterhead and must include the name of the applicant, job title(s), dates of employment, description of job duties performed, and signature of the employer or the employer’s authorized representative.  Experience claimed in self-employment will only be accepted if supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to minimum qualifications above.  Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupation and total earnings must be submitted.  Employees of the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee’s class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules.  Verification may be waived if impossible to obtain. The applicant must submit a signed statement explaining why verification cannot be obtained. Waiver requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Failure to provide the required verification, or request for waiver when requested may result in rejection of application.

Note:
Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification from this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

SELECTION PROCEDURES:
Oral/Performance Evaluation:
Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skill and ability levels in job related areas. Candidates may be required to perform a written exercise as part of the oral/performance evaluation.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance:
Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening.  Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination.  Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Reasonable Accommodation Request:
http://www.sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=20#reasonableaccomodation
Applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation for this selection process must contact the examination analyst, Charlotte Wu, by telephone at (650) 821-2025  or if hearing impaired (650) 821-2323 (TDD) or in writing to Charlotte Wu, San Francisco International Airport – Airport Commission Human Resources, P.O. Box 8097, San Francisco, CA 94128 as soon as possible (specify class 1052 IS Business Analyst in all correspondence).

Beta Testers Needed

Blindsight is looking for Beta Testers to test our iPhone text detection app, on course to hit the Apple App-store in May!

What’s this app all about?
Blindsight, a small R&D firm in Berkeley, is developing an iPhone application that can detect and speak out text – be it a sign around you, a handout or a product you need to identify. The application uses the built in camera to capture the area the phone is pointed at. Our patented text detection algorithm analyzes the video stream and tells you whether there is text or not. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and VoiceOver will do the rest and speak the text that was detected – all within seconds.

What you’ll get
Be the first to use text detection and recognition in your day-to-day life before anyone else!

What we’ll ask you to do
Be honest! – provide us feedback on functions, ease of use and the way you are using it in your life and you’ll be a part of making this app a useful tool and a delightful experience.

Interested?
Sign up for Beta Testing.

If you have further questions, please contact us at info@blindsight.com.

Blind Parents: Be Empowered!

Join the National Federation of the Blind of California blind parents group for their first-ever seminar. This seminar promises to be informative and interactive. You will:

When: Saturday June 9, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: California School for the Blind Theater, 500 Walnut Avenue, Fremont, CA 94536

For more information or to RSVP please contact Angela Fowler via email at: fowlers@syix.com or call 530-902-0987. Lunch will be provided. Childcare will not be provided.

For more information about the National Federation of the Blind of California please visit: www.nfbcal.org.