The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Children’s Services Worker in its Southeast region of Massachusetts to be part of its supportive regional team. The Children’s Services Worker is responsible for assisting children who are legally blind from birth to fourteen years of age in developing the physical, social, emotional, and mental abilities which will prepare them to participate in educational processes. The Children’s Services Worker provides case management and supportive counseling services to consumers, families, and caregivers as applicable.
To be successful in this role, our applicant must have the ability to identify consumers’ service needs and goals, have the capacity to exercise independent decision-making while drawing from a rehabilitation/social service knowledge base and knowledge of agency practices, and can learn and apply state, federal and agency guidelines to properly procure purchase of services for consumers. This position reports to the Boston office and travels at least 3 days per week to provide services to assigned areas in South Eastern region of Massachusetts.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
· Deliver specialized services to an assigned caseload in the South East region and maintain case records.
· Advocate for consumers and families, develop individualized service plans, attend, and participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 meetings.
· Utilize and coordinate community resources to meet consumers' needs.
· Refer to and advocate for social and recreational programs.
· Provide information and assist with the application process for benefits such as MassHealth, home care for children who have significant disabilities, pediatric nursing home placement, Department of Developmental Services, Department of Public Health, and others.
· Participate in regional Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) or Deaf Blind Extended Supports (DBES) transition processes for consumers turning fourteen and make appropriate referrals.
Required Qualifications:
· Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of social rehabilitation and case management practices.
· Ability to communicate effectively with professionals.
· Ability to communicate effectively with consumers and their families/support network.
· Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational and health issues facing individuals who are blind.
· Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.
· Talent for serving diverse populations and familiarity with disabilities in addition to blindness.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to children who are blind and their families.
· Knowledge of the needs of children with both ocular and neurological visual impairments.
· Knowledge of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as well as the IEP/504 processes.
· Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Outlook.
· Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.
About the Agency
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) provides the highest quality rehabilitation and social services to individuals who are blind, leading to independence and full community participation. MCB accomplishes this critical mission by working in partnership with consumers who are legally blind, families, community agencies, health care providers, and employers.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1 (800) 510-4122, Ext. #4.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Children’s Services Worker in its Southeast region of Massachusetts to be part of its supportive regional team. The Children’s Services Worker is responsible for assisting children who are legally blind from birth to fourteen years of age in developing the physical, social, emotional, and mental abilities which will prepare them to participate in educational processes. The Children’s Services Worker provides case management and supportive counseling services to consumers, families, and caregivers as applicable.
To be successful in this role, our applicant must have the ability to identify consumers’ service needs and goals, have the capacity to exercise independent decision-making while drawing from a rehabilitation/social service knowledge base and knowledge of agency practices, and can learn and apply state, federal and agency guidelines to properly procure purchase of services for consumers. This position reports to the Boston office and travels at least 3 days per week to provide services to assigned areas in South Eastern region of Massachusetts.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
· Deliver specialized services to an assigned caseload in the South East region and maintain case records.
· Advocate for consumers and families, develop individualized service plans, attend, and participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 meetings.
· Utilize and coordinate community resources to meet consumers' needs.
· Refer to and advocate for social and recreational programs.
· Provide information and assist with the application process for benefits such as MassHealth, home care for children who have significant disabilities, pediatric nursing home placement, Department of Developmental Services, Department of Public Health, and others.
· Participate in regional Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) or Deaf Blind Extended Supports (DBES) transition processes for consumers turning fourteen and make appropriate referrals.
Required Qualifications:
· Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of social rehabilitation and case management practices.
· Ability to communicate effectively with professionals.
· Ability to communicate effectively with consumers and their families/support network.
· Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational and health issues facing individuals who are blind.
· Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.
· Talent for serving diverse populations and familiarity with disabilities in addition to blindness.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to children who are blind and their families.
· Knowledge of the needs of children with both ocular and neurological visual impairments.
· Knowledge of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as well as the IEP/504 processes.
· Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Outlook.
· Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.
About the Agency
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) provides the highest quality rehabilitation and social services to individuals who are blind, leading to independence and full community participation. MCB accomplishes this critical mission by working in partnership with consumers who are legally blind, families, community agencies, health care providers, and employers.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1 (800) 510-4122, Ext. #4.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.
- A Master's or higher degree in social work, psychology, human services, rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, or counseling may be substituted for an additional year of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.
- One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.
- A Master's or higher degree in social work, psychology, human services, rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, or counseling may be substituted for an additional year of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.
- One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.