Archive for May, 2011

Meet Your Mentors – Visit Blind Professionals on the Job

Over the years you’ve probably heard of successful blind engineers, business people, researchers, managers, teachers and a whole galaxy of other professions. Wouldn’t you like to meet them at their job and find out how they do it?

Beginning in June the LightHouse’s new Jobsite Conversation Series will be providing blind or visually impaired jobseekers the real-world opportunity to meet and learn from some of the Bay Area’s most successful blind professionals.

Our intention is to show Bay Area jobseekers how important ambition and dedication are to any successful employee—and more so for blind ones.

Starting June 22, each week we will be coordinating a group of 15 to 20 individuals to meet with their employed counterparts working in the Bay Area’s leading businesses and institutions. There will be 25 visits, mostly on Wednesdays, which will consist of facility tours, an opportunity to hear the triumphs and hardships experienced by each professional, the chance for some Q&A, and conclude with a talk with the blind professional’s supervisor when applicable.

We’ll pick you up in our vehicle from a number of points in the Bay Area or sometimes meet at BART and go together as a group. And just to make it easy, we’ll provide a complimentary lunch to all participants. It’s all made possible through a generous grant from the BlackRock Foundation, which believes in the importance of employment for Bay Area blind and visually impaired residents.

The LightHouse has assembled an all-star cast of people to visit, from wealth managers to architects, from software developers to educators, and everything in between. Our goal is that participants who sign up for the free series attend their choice of at least half of this year’s 25 jobsite visits.

We’ll tie the growing group together with a common listserv, where you can continue to dialog with the employed blind people you meet and the circle of participants you’ll encounter along the way.  More than merely educational, this series will be a whole lot of fun.

To sign up, please contact Rich Russo, LightHouse Community Services Program Assistant at 415-694-7352 or rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org.

Space is going to be tight on these popular visits, so we encourage you to sign up for the series today.  Once you’re registered, you’ll receive our emails about upcoming visits, dates and locations.

BART Rider Alert: Delays on Upcoming Weekends in May, June

There will be major delays on May 28, 29 and 30 and June 4 and 5 for some BART customers traveling through the Transbay Tube. The delays are necessary to accommodate work on the cables that provide power to the track.

Delays for trains in both directions are estimated to be approximately 20 to 40 minutes on lines requiring transfers (trains coming from or going toward Dublin or Fremont) and 5 to 10 minutes on other lines (trains coming from or going toward Richmond or Pittsburg/Bay Point).

For full details, go to http://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2011/news20110524.aspx.

LightHouse Staffer Shares Her Guide Dog Story

Our very own Divina Fontanilla, LightHouse Braille Instructor, is the subject of the latest podcast from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Click here to listen to Divina talk about how she came to be paired with Syracuse.

Free Accessible Prescription Label Program

En-Vision America has announced a new program to aid the blind and visually impaired in obtaining accessible prescriptions. Under their Pharmacy Freedom Program, eligible individuals may obtain a free ScripTalk Station patient reader that will allow them to access their prescription label information.

ScripTalk Station utilizes RFID (radio-frequency identification) and TTS (text-to-speech) technologies to allow those that cannot read their prescription labels a way to access the information. It has been adopted by the Veteran’s Administration for use in their facilities across the country.

Participating pharmacies attach a small label to each prescription that contains all printed information. This provides a safe, private and independent way for the blind and visually impaired to manage their medication regimen, as well as helps pharmacies comply with ADA regulations in serving their patients.

Interested individuals should contact En-Vision America to get their free reader and provide pharmacy details. Pharmacies concerned with meeting the needs of their special needs patients may also contact the company for more information about the program.

For more information, contact En-Vision at 800-890-1180 or visit www.envisionamerica.com.

Scholarship Opportunity – Joseph Roeder Assistive Technology (AT) Scholarship

NIB is pleased to announce the Joseph Roeder Assistive Technology (AT) Scholarship, which is a $2,500 grant to an individual who is blind, interested in pursuing education in computer science, information systems or a related field and pursuing a career in access technology.  The scholarship is named in memory of Joe Roeder, who served as senior access technology specialist at NIB from 1997 until his death in 2010.

Roeder had 40 years of experience in the fields of design engineering, electronic information systems, training and business management, including experience as a mechanical and nuclear engineer at Bechtel Power Corporation.  He was instrumental in the development of Section 508 of the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, which requires all federal government agencies to provide accessible data and information for employees with disabilities.

Individuals to be considered for the scholarship are either entering their third or fourth year of college or graduate school, or are changing careers to pursue a career in assistive technology

All applications and additional documents must be submitted online no later than July 8, 2011 .  The top three candidates will be interviewed by phone during the week of July 22, 2011 and the winner will be announced on July 31, 2011 . For scholarship criteria and application, visit http://www.nib.org/content/scholarship-application

If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Gallagher at 703-310-0343 or kgallagher@nib.org

Chemistry Camp Featured on KQED

KQED Radio (88.5 FM) today aired a piece about the 2011 Chemistry Camp for blind high school students held April 29 to May 1 at Enchanted Hills. The three-day session was offered by the LightHouse in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind of California, the California Association of Blind Students and the University of California, Davis Chemistry Department.

QUEST on KQED Public Media.

To read a text version of the story, please go to http://www.kqed.org/quest/blog/2011/05/20/blindchemistrycamp/.

Speak Out About Proposed Utility Rate Hikes

Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), the nonprofit legal center based in Berkeley, CA, is concerned about how proposed changes in Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E) rates will impact residential consumers with disabilities, many of whom live on a fixed income and rely on utilities in a way that the rest of the population does not.

DRA is opposing the proposals before the California Public Utilities Commission and reminds the public that there will be a voting meeting on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at 9 a.m. when the issue will be addressed. The meeting will be held at 505 Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco.

The California Public Utilities Commission held a previous voting meeting on May 5, 2011, and discussed issues concerning PG&E’s proposal to raise or redesign its rates. No vote was taken at that meeting.

Disability Rights Advocates urges people to speak at this Thursday’s meeting. DRA believes that testimony reflecting the real-world impact of increased utility bills on individuals with disabilities is essential in providing the state’s decision-makers and the public with a complete picture of the effects of such rate hikes on all California residents.

The first 15 minutes of the meeting will be set aside for comments from the public, and during this time people will have an opportunity to address the Commissioners directly about the ways in which they will be affected by rate increases.

A number of other topics are on the Commission’s agenda, which can be found at the link below. Item number 45 refers to PG&E’s proposal to raise or redesign its rates.

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/AGENDA/135254.htm

People will not have to wait until item 45 in the agenda is reached to make their comments, as public comments on all agenda items will be heard during the first 15 minutes of the meeting.

Individuals must arrive at least 15 minutes before the meeting to sign up to speak at the Public Advisor’s table located at the room entrance. To sign up to speak beforehand, go to: https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/requesttocomment/

Those who need any accommodations must make arrangements as soon as possible with the Public Advisor’s Office at 866-849-8390, public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or TTY# 866-836-7825.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Raziya Brumfield at Disability Rights Advocates: rbrumfield@dralegal.org, 510-665-8644 or 510-665-8716 (TTY)

Employment Opportunity: Position opening at National Library Service: Braille Program Specialist

SALARY RANGE: $74,872.00 – $97,333.00 /year OPEN PERIOD: Monday, May 16, 2011 to Friday, June 17, 2011

SERIES & GRADE: GS-0301-12/12

POSITION INFORMATION: Open Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12

DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: Washington DC Metro Area,DC

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Anyone may apply – By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired provided that immigration law and other legal requirements are met, and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.

JOB SUMMARY: The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and the world’s largest library, with more than 140 million items in its physical collections (including books, manuscripts, prints, photos, film, video, and sound recordings) and more than 19 million items online at its award-winning Web site. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Library is also the home of the U.S. Copyright Office, the Congressional Research Service, and the Law Library of Congress and is leading the worldwide effort to preserve digital material through the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program. This position is located in the Materials Development Division of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The Braille Program Specialist reports directly to the Chief, MDD and serves as an expert on matters pertaining to braille policies and procedures. Plans and implements internal programs and field operations for the Chief, Materials Development Division and the Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). Working independently, the incumbent receives guidance in matters impacting policy. Uses LC and NLS policies to analyze and recommend internal and external procedures relating to the production and distribution of braille materials. The incumbent utilizes a broad professional knowledge of and experience in the area of braille. This position is located in the Materials Development Division of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library Services; Taylor Street Annex. The position description number for this position is 196085.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses are not authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

APPLY AT: USAJOBS.COM

Employment Opportunity – VP of Academic Affairs, San Jose Community College

Division: Vice President of Academic Affairs (SJCC) San Jose Community College

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree related to the assignment, or the equivalent.
2. Three years administrative or supervisory experience in an instructional services or related area.
3. Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the students we serve and sensitivity to and knowledge and understanding of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
4. Success integrating diversity as appropriate into the major duties outlined in the job description and in the duties listed in the District’s hiring policy or demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to do so.

Equivalency Information:

Equivalency: Applicants (including current or former employees) applying under equivalency bear the full responsibility of submitting by the closing date the District’s Equivalency Application in addition to the Administrative / Management Position Application with details and evidence of the factors (academic preparation and/or experience) they believe to be equivalent to the required Master’s degree for this position.

Application(s) for equivalency are required for any of the following reasons:
1. degrees are not in exact discipline required;
2. degree is in progress;
3. degrees were earned at a college/university not accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U. S. Department of Education; and/or
4. degrees were earned at a college/university outside of the United States.

Candidates with foreign degrees must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service. Simple translation of the language on foreign diplomas, transcripts, coursework, or similar will NOT suffice; thus will cause the application packet to be judged as incomplete.

More equivalency information, along with the District Equivalency Application, can be obtained at http://www.sjeccd.edu/hr/Documents/equiv_form.pdf

Application Procedures, Notes and Contact Information

Interested internal and external applicants MUST SUBMIT ONLINE ALL of the following materials BY THE CLOSING DATE to be considered for the position at https://jobs.sjeccd.edu. On the job posting, click “Apply for this Posting”):

1. A completed online San Jose/Evergreen Community College District ADMINISTRATIVE/MANAGEMENT POSITION APPLICATION
2. COVER LETTER
(Must state how you meet ALL the minimum qualifications in EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE as described in the job announcement Minimum Qualifications section. Also, state how you meet other qualifications)
3. RESUME
4. TRANSCRIPT(S) (unofficial or official copies) for stated degrees having the degree confer/award dates circled. Official transcripts will be required prior to employment start date should the position be offered.
5. District Application for Equivalency, if applicable (See Equivalency Information section), and additional materials relevant for equivalency consideration. Employees who were previously approved by the District colleges for equivalency MUST by the closing date submit proof of the dated District’s written equivalency approval.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:
If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at Kinkos, Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, etc.; then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application at the later part of the application process.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Only complete application materials will be considered (No exception for internal applicants). Application materials must include: a. ADMINISTRATIVE / MANAGEMENT POSITION APPLICATION, b. COVER LETTER, c. RESUME, d. TRANSCRIPT(S) of degrees stated and/or required, and e. District Equivalency Form, if applicable.
2. Do not mistakenly attach diploma to transcript link, or cover letter to resume link, etc.
3. Incomplete application packet and/or documents received by Human Resources after the closing date will not be considered (No exception for employees or non-employees).
4. Applications not having all required minimum qualifications in education and experience as stated in the Minimum Qualifications section will not receive further considerations.
5. Letters of Recommendation are not required and will not be included in the application packet. Additional documents that are not requested may not be included.
6. DEGREES must have been awarded by a college or university ACCREDITED by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
7. FOREIGN DEGREES: Candidates with DEGREES and CREDITS earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with the application. Simple translation of the language on foreign transcripts, coursework, or similar will NOT suffice; thus will cause the application packet to be judged as incomplete.
8. Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
9. Application materials become the property of the district and will not be returned or duplicated for applicants.
10. Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
11. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not assure an interview.
12. The District may re-advertise, delay, choose not to fill the position, or choose to fill more than one position.

Contact Information:
Office of Human Resources, Employment Services
4750 San Felipe Road, San Jose, CA 95135
Phone: (408) 270-6414 Fax: (408) 223-6341
Email: Hremploymentservices@sjeccd.edu

Employment Opportunity – City of SF – Clerk 1404

1404 Clerk

Department of Public Health – Laguna Honda Hospital is currently recruiting for two (2) full time provisional 1404 Clerk positions.

General description:

Under general supervision, 1404 Clerk performs general clerical work of ordinary difficulty and related duties as required.

Position #1:  Activity Therapy Department

Essential functions:

• Manage Activity Therapy equipment and supplies, assist staff, volunteers, and residents in the selection of appropriate equipment and supplies;
• Perform clerical and reception functions for the Activity Therapy Department;
• Post signage on the esplanade level of the hospital relative to on-gong resident activities and hospital events on a daily basis;
• Ensure appropriate storage of equipment and supplies;
• Maintain the Activity Therapy work room in an orderly fashion;
• Maintain the accountability of equipment and supplies through a reservation and sign-out system;
• Alert the Director of Therapeutic Activities of any misuse of materials, supplies, and equipment;
• Maintain inventory of audio visual materials and supplies;
• Analyze equipment for repairs, and/or arrange for repair as appropriate, and disposal of old equipment as necessary;
• Assist the Director of Therapeutic Activities in the acquisition of  department supplies and materials;
• Consult with staff and Director about the replacement of equipment or acquisition of new equipment;
• Assist in the processing of donated items including transporting those items from the Volunteer Lounge to the appropriate hospital department;
• Arrange for the pick up of items determined as inappropriate for use at Laguna Honda Hospital by charitable community organizations;
• Assist with the distribution of holiday decorations to the Nursing units;
• Assist with decoration of hospital facilities during holidays and special events;
• Participate in department based and hospital-wide training programs;
• Attend and participate in department staff meetings;
• Contribute to the development of departmental policies and procedures;
• Interact and collaborate with representatives of other hospital departments for the benefit of the residents; and Perform other related duties as assigned/required.

Position #2:  Health Information Services Department

Essential functions:

• Sorting mail and checking-in all charts in QuadraMed Chart Locator upon return from mail delivery according to department protocol;
• Responsible for all chart requests, including special requests, using chart request slips and the department’s chart management system (QuadraMed Millennium);
• Checking Master Patient Index before delivering medical reports to ensure that reports belonging to discharge episodes are not delivered;
• Filing all charts from the Incomplete Desk basket twice a day;
• Filing all charts into the file room daily (responsible for reviewing charts to ensure that charts belong in file room);
• Filing all charts pulled for reviews immediately;
• Purging and shifting medical records in the file room;
• Requesting and returning charts to outside storage;
• Delivering and picking up mail from all mail locations twice a day (delivers STATS as needed);
• Delivering and picking up medical records.  Checking with Discharge Coordinator before mail delivery;
• Reviewing overdue list to ensure that medical records are not out for more than three (3) days (refers  all problems to Supervisor/Team Leader);
• Answering telephone calls;
• Handling all public inquiries and referring them to the appropriate staff;
• Making copies of various reports for departmental use on a daily basis;
• Sorting and filing medical reports daily;
• Performing light typing;
• Performing backup duties for the department secretary and clerk typist;
• Maintaining established production and quality standards;
• Participating in regular staff meetings as needed;
• Assisting with the training, coaching, and orientation of students/volunteers;
• Performing other related medical record duties as required.