Program Director For The Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) And Work Incentives Planning And Assistance (WIPA) Programs
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) is a state agency dedicated to helping Mississippians with disabilities to live and work independently. MDRS serves through four major programs: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (VRB), Office of Special Disability Programs (OSDP), and Disability Determination Services (DDS). Services also include support through Assistive Technology, the Office of Business Development and much more. It is the mission of MDRS to provide appropriate and comprehensive services in a timely and effective manner. Programs and services assist individuals with disabilities to gain employment, retain employment, and to live independently. MDRS is always looking for qualified and passionate employees to help fulfill its mission.
This position is with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (OVRB) and will function as the Program Director for the Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) programs. The employee will work under the leadership of the OVRB Director. The primary duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Assist with programmatic reporting as needed.
- Maintain accurate records of services requested and provided.
- Attend trainings or certificate programs related to position.
- Educate consumers regarding Assistive Technology Network resources.
- Submit individual quarterly report to the Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind.
- Network with other professionals in the field of AT or IL Services throughout the state.
- Other related duties as assigned.
What you'll need to be successful:
Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with staff and supervisors/directors in a professional manner to provide clear delivery of instructional training. Must be able to follow directions and adapt well to change.
Preferred Qualifications:
Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and 4-7 years of experience. Agency preferred qualifications: Bachelor's degree in counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching or Orientation & Mobility or related field, or Master's Degree in Social Services, Psychology, Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling and 4-7 years of experience in any of the following areas: disability services, an employment agency, educational institution, or an advocacy-related organization.
This position will require the following:
- Experience in providing individual counseling to beneficiaries seeking employment and intensive follow-up services to ensure that they are using the work incentives appropriately.
- Experience in providing confidential services to people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI} and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI}.
- Experience in educating beneficiaries on how employment will affect their public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, subsidized housing, and food stamps.
- Experience with intakes and assessments of consumers current abilities and evaluate their individual needs.
- Experience developing Independent Living Plans based on individual consumer needs using choice options counseling.
- Experience in collection necessary Information and/or referral to appropriate community-based organizations as needed. Assessment of Assistive Technology needs and eligibility of services.