Next Week: Jump Into the Job Market with LightHouse Link

LightHouse Link Close-up of handshake of business partners

Next week, LightHouse for the Blind will kick off a new partnership series called LightHouse Link. If you’re blind or have low vision and you’re ready to work, get your resume ready.

Of all the challenges facing blind Americans, arguably the number one issue is employment, or the lack thereof. With an unemployment rate hovering above sixty percent, most people who become blind would be forgiven for thinking there’s no place in the job market for them — but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

That’s why, as part of the next step in our growing Employment program, we’re now facilitating real, face-to-face job interviews for blind jobseekers, linking them up directly with prominent employers in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

LightHouse Link is a foot in the door for people with skills, enthusiasm, and a desire to work who also happen to be blind or have low vision. With each new LightHouse Link opportunity, we will put qualified applicants in a room with hiring managers, and start chipping away at that unpleasant statistic, one hire at a time.

 

What’s the Job?

Our first Link opportunity is with a large local customer service and sales contact center right here in the heart of the Bay Area, only a few minutes from BART and public transit. The company’s leadership, all the way up to the VP of HR, understands that employees who are blind or have low vision are not only competent and capable, but are creative, loyal and reliable.

This job opportunity is not about “closing” sales, but rather is about following up with interested parties, educating customers on benefits of various products, and walking them through their options. Hirees will be thoroughly trained for the position and accommodations for various vision levels can be made.

The job will start at an hourly wage with potential for commission and raises in pay over time. The position includes full medical benefits as well as dental and vision at reduced premiums. Anyone with a high school diploma or GED is welcome to apply.

A consumer-friendly attitude is the most important qualification for this position; direct customer service experience is not necessarily required. After the LightHouse has pre-qualified candidates, they will be taken through a formal interview process conducted by the company.

How do I apply for this job?

To be considered for a LightHouse Link interview, email your resume to kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Interviews begin next week (first week of March), so don’t hesitate if you think this opportunity might be right for you. Though an interview is not guaranteed to all who apply, sending your resumé  to our employment program manager Kate Williams is the crucial first step.

What if I’m not quite ready to work?

That’s quite alright — and we might be able to help. As part of our core services at LightHouse for the Blind, we offer Employment Immersion, a multi-week small-group intensive course designed to help people who are blind or have low vision figure out what they want to do and how to get there. Contact kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org and we will get you set up for success.

Like the rest of the job market, LightHouse Link will move fast; so when we post a new link opportunity, expect a quick turn-around time. This first program will continue into next week, but we can’t guarantee consideration for this specific position unless you respond by March 2 to kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org and express your desire to interview.

Good luck, and see you after the interview!