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Deaf-Blind Telecommunications Program Associate

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:   Deaf-Blind Telecommunications Program Associate

REPORTS TO:  Deaf-Blind Specialist

STATUS:  Non-exempt (part-time)

JOB PURPOSE:

The Deaf-Blind Telecommunications Program Associate (DBTPA) is a part-time, federally-funded grant-based position. The DBTPA provides critical administrative support and assistance for the California Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Project (DBEP) administered by LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. This position is specifically responsible for supporting the Deaf-Blind Specialist in all aspects of administrative and program support to ensure program protocols and efficiencies are upheld. While this project provides essential telecommunications equipment and training to deaf-blind Californians, it is equally matched by the need for crucial data management.

The majority of the DBTPA position requires heavy, accurate, detailed and timely data entry into the Salesforce database, strong understanding and use of Excel, electronic file management, and equipment ordering and management. The DBTPA is also a representative of the project and must be able to relate to, and communicate with, students, vendors and outside agencies in a kind, yet effective manner.

The main work site for this position is at the LightHouse satellite office in the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley. The work area of the DBTPA is located in an open work environment, thus the ability to work in respectful low-noise areas, including working in and around guide dogs, is essential. The DBTPA must be flexible to travel to other satellite offices in San Rafael, Fairfield, Napa or the main headquarters in San Francisco as needed by the program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education or equivalent:  Associates or Bachelor’s Degree with concentrations in Accounting, Computer Science, Research or Mathematics.

Experience: Two years’ experience in administrative or accounting support or related field; a background in non-profits desirable.

Other:

  • Strong (intermediate to advanced) and demonstrated skills in computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite) and database management (Salesforce is used at the LightHouse) with a high rate of accuracy. Advanced use of Excel is essential.
  • Understanding of equipment related to telecommunication such as iDevices, low vision products and assistive technology.
  • Intermediate mathematical skills required, including the ability to analyze mathematical data.
  • American Sign Language or proficiency in a language other than English preferred, but not required. Strong ability to communicate in English is essential.
  • Must be extremely organized, professional, detail oriented, and self-motivated/sufficient.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions with excellent time management, organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience in working with the deaf and/or blind community (or individuals) a plus.
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills, patience and the ability to relate to a diverse staff and student population.
  • Must have valid California Driver License and be willing to drive.
  • Must have a desire to work with colleagues and find pleasure and purpose in what you do, as we strive to be mentors to the students we teach.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to: Carry or transport 20 lbs.; sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for long periods of time; operate standard office equipment; travel independently.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Communicate via telephone/video phone, email and written correspondence regarding the DBEP, to provide to potential recipients and inquiring family members and service providers.
  • Communicate with community agencies, volunteers, and student recipients who are deaf-blind, blind, and community members with varied backgrounds and viewpoints in an effective and collaborative way.
  • Distribute, organize, review and enter new DBEP applications.
  • Provide support to outreach efforts for the DBEP.
  • Maintain inventory lists of equipment and software.
  • Order and track office supplies, materials, and forms.
  • Organize and process work in a timely and customer-friendly manner.
  • Maintain accurate electronic and database (student and equipment) files.
  • Prepare equipment requests, vendor purchase authorizations, matching/tracking invoices and documentation of all purchases, and monthly expenses.
  • Maintain written correspondence as necessary.
  • Order and procure equipment and maintain inventory lists of equipment hardware and software.
  • Ensure detailed billing and database information concur with Finance Department entries.
  • Manage multiple tasks related to the DBEP with precision and a high degree of organization.
  • Update and maintain documents and reports related to the DBEP.
  • Provide accessibility support for blind/low vision and deaf-blind trainers, with administrative support related to the DBEP.
  • Arrange student travel needs for training. Assist or request driving, interpreting support for DBEP trainers as needed, and schedule students and trainers as requested for equipment delivery and training.
  • Drive (agency or rental vehicle) for equipment pick-up, delivery or trainer travel as necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer. LightHouse personnel are employed on an at-will basis. We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest. Thank you for your understanding.

Receptionist (2 positions)

                                                          JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:            Receptionist

REPORTS TO:                 Director of Human Resources & Facilities

STATUS:                    Non-exempt

JOB PURPOSE:

Founded in San Francisco in 1902, the LightHouse’s purpose is to promote the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or visually impaired. The LightHouse is currently in a period of growth, increasing our capacity to serve more low-vision and blind students.

We seek two professionals to consistently represent LightHouse in a welcoming, courteous and empathetic manner during all public interactions, during telephone and face-to-face exchanges involving staff and visitors alike.  This is primarily done by answering, correctly identifying and directing incoming telephone calls; also by greeting, directing and logging LightHouse staff and visitors.  This position also administers the needs and requirements of a Taxi Voucher program, serving its clients in accordance with budgetary requirements and grant guidelines.

Two part-time positions in San Francisco are being filled simultaneously.  One is a Monday-Friday position of 25 hours weekly, while the other is an on-call position, primarily for evening / weekend / vacation coverage.  Both positions may require flexibility at times, depending on LightHouse activities.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education:  High School diploma or equivalent, at minimum.

Experience:  At least one year’s experience running a multi-line telephone system preferred.  A professional background within the hospitality industry would be complimentary. A history including Windows-based programs to perform administrative tasks is desired.

Skills:  Excellent attendance and punctuality required.  Proficiency in MS Office Suite – primarily Word, Outlook and Excel.  Effective communication is a must, and the ability to communicate in a language other than English is always appreciated.  A work history within the disability community is very helpful.

Other:  The ability to manage a busy front desk area with calm professionalism.  Consistently positive interactions with all manner of people is expected.  Provide administrative support to others as time allows.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Able to sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for long periods of time; operate standard office equipment; move 20lbs independently.

 

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Answer incoming calls professionally, transferring to appropriate extensions.
  • Monitoring the door and visitor lounge, greeting visitors in a consistently warm and professional manner and announcing them to staff as needed.
  • Liaising with the Information Concierge to dispense accurate information as directed.
  • Maintain and update the Staff Directory and San Francisco sign-in sheets.
  • Direct visitors to their destination within the building.
  • Compile, publish and maintain the daily room and activity calendar.
  • Call taxis and other transportation services (such as Paratransit) when requested.
  • Administer and report Taxi Voucher program requirements as directed by its funders, the grant, and LightHouse management.
  • Be familiar with the Manager of the Day schedule and contact the appropriate one when needed.
  • Accept and log packages, informing staff of their arrival; also arrange for packages to be sent out as needed.
  • Alert the Facilities Coordinator when safety hazards are reported to the front desk.
  • Proactively coordinate Reception and taxi voucher coverage with other appropriate staff as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer to all.  We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace. We also operate under a mutual “employment at will” policy.

 

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. If applying for a writing position, please include a link to relevant clips or portfolio pieces.  Due to time constraints we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest; thanks for your understanding.

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

POSITION:            Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

REPORTS TO:                       Director of Rehabilitation Services

STATUS:                    Exempt

 

JOB PURPOSE:

The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) is responsible for teaching orientation and mobility to blind, low-vision and deaf-blind adults & seniors from diverse backgrounds. In providing orientation and mobility instruction, the COMS will conduct assessments and provide training which reflects recent and progressive travel and orientation techniques and trends, focusing on student’s travel needs in the home, work and community.  The COMS must have the ability to assess and teach to differing skill levels, as well as to train on varied mobility devices and options such as;  monocular use, purpose-built GPS, BrailleNote GPS, Seeing eye GPS, BlindSquare, Google Maps, Audible Pedestrian Signals and the Lighthouse’s very own tactile maps of public streets, transit hubs, and public spaces.

Flexibility and ‘thinking outside the box’ is essential to this position.  The COMS must be able to work with and provide information and training to family and friends, community members, volunteers and service providers and effectively communicate and collaborate with referral agencies in providing services to shared students.  The duties of the COMS may include (but are not limited to): conducting of assessments, writing individual training plans with the student, and facilitating individual and group instruction as needed.  Orientation and mobility instruction may occur on-site, in the home, workplace or the student’s community, including travel on all forms of San Francisco Bay Area-wide public transportation and Paratransit.

The COMS must be flexible working throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including periodic week-long training from the LightHouse North Coast office in Eureka, and able to travel as far south as Monterey and Salinas. Additionally, week-long seminar training may happen up to four times per year at Enchanted Hills Camp and Retreat.  Training may occur in either urban or rural settings. The COMS may also be asked to teach and assess for urgent and basic daily living skills.  The COMS is a professional within the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Team, sharing resources, recommendations and referrals. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education or equivalent: Master’s Degree with specialty in Orientation and Mobility, & Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) Certified – OR – Minimum of a BA Degree in Rehabilitation Services; or a related degree with National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).

Experience: A minimum of three years teaching Orientation and Mobility preferred   A history of teaching basic independent living skills (home-to-work skills) with adults and/ or seniors necessary.

Intern supervision experience preferred; the LightHouse works with San Francisco State University and the intention is to provide supervised intern placement within LightHouse on an annual basis.

Other: Fluency in a language other than English is very helpful. Multicultural teaching experience preferred; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills in order to relate to staff, blind and visually-impaired students, and persons in the community with varied backgrounds and viewpoints.

An ability to formulate individual, sequential training plans. Knowledge of Braille desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to teach in rain, cold, heat and other inclement conditions.

 

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Assess individual needs of students and set goals for instruction.
  • Provide training under training shade as necessary or recommended.
  • Provide professionally-written student assessments, goal development, and training summaries / recommendations, on a monthly basis to all third-party contracting sources (such as the Department of Rehabilitation, Veterans Administration and Regional Center).
  • Maintain weekly and monthly database entries regarding units of service provided to students, along with notes, goal-planning and reports for all direct services provided.
  • Act as Agency liaison in traffic, community transportation services and auditory signal issues or projects as requested.
  • Provide cane travel, route travel with dog guide users & teams and human guide instruction.
  • Develop and create maps for students as necessary; provide training in the use of tactile maps.
  • Maintain updated information regarding Paratransit programs, providing registration assistance and training in the programs as necessary.
  • Participate in Agency public outreach and education as requested.
  • Provide orientation and route training in all environments and on various forms of public transit.
  • Assess for and teach basic and essential independent living skills to blind and low-vision students such as labeling, money organization, use of an ATM, and home safety practices.
  • Provide assessment and training in independent living strategies that impact personal safety.
  • Provide assessment and training in independent living strategies which provide choice and independence in completing tasks in the home, volunteer work and employment.
  • Facilitate or co-facilitate classes, including our Changing Visions, Changing Lives immersion cohort and community workshops.
  • Initiate outreach, training and collaboration with local universities and school’s disabled student programs, in providing campus orientation.
  • Conduct student home safety assessments and community agency environmental evaluations.
  • Provide consultation and/or training to staff in community agencies regarding environmental modifications and strategies in working with persons who are blind or low-vision.
  • Attend and participate in All-Staff meetings, monthly Consumer Review and departmental meetings (Rehabilitation Services).
  • Complete requisite documentation in a timely manner.
  • Ensure all publicity materials have first been approved by the Director of Rehabilitation Services.
  • Completely and accurately record student information in the proprietary LightHouse client database.
  • Complete monthly billing on a timely basis (by the first of each month).
  • Maintain timely communication and responses to clients (within 48 hours of referral).
  • Maintain professional communication via e-mail and voice mail on a timely and ongoing basis.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer to all.  We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace. We also operate under a mutual “employment at will” policy.

 

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest; thanks for your understanding.