REHABILITATION INSTRUCTOR-BLIND* - 05272026- 77945

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0020117_Rehab_Instructor_Blind_Rutherford_6826.pdf

This is an on-site position

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and one year of full-time professional experience in vocational rehabilitation, instructional work with individuals with disabilities, or teaching/training.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Additional graduate course work in one or a combination of the following may be substituted for the required experience, on a year for year basis, to a maximum of one year: orientation and mobility, vocational rehabilitation counseling, or special education or other related educational field working with individuals who are blind or vision impaired or have other disabilities.

Note: An official transcript is required for a proper evaluation for this class.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Additional full-time professional experience in a field as listed above may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis

OR

Four years as a Rehab Assistant with the Department of Human Services.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

1. Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
2. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
3. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check;
4. Submit to a review of their status on the Department of Health's vulnerable persons registry.

Overview

This vacancy is within the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services. The Tennessee Department of Human Services is announcing a vacancy for a Rehabilitation Instructor Blind within the Transitional Services for the Blind Program at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna.

This position plays a key role in supporting the mission of the Division of Rehabilitation Services by providing individualized instruction and alternative-technique training that help individuals who are blind or visually impaired gain greater independence at work and in daily life. The Rehabilitation Instructor-Blind delivers one on-one and small-group instruction using structured discovery methods, adaptive devices, and accessible technologies, enabling students to build essential skills in areas such as assistive technology, Braille, career development, and functional living skills.

This role supports students in preparing for employment by offering tailored training, facilitating hands-on learning opportunities, and guiding them through the development of professional competencies that reduce disability-related barriers. The rehabilitation Instructor-Blind also contributes to coordinated service delivery by participating in student assessments, progress reviews, and team planning, while maintaining accurate documentation and staying current on emerging tools, resources, and community supports. Through collaborative engagement, person-centered instruction, and a commitment to empowering students, this position enhances TRC's capacity to equip individuals with the skills and confidence needed to pursue their employment goals and live more independently.

Responsibilities

1. Conducts comprehensive assessments of customers functional abilities and review of vision/medical records to determine service eligibility, establish individualized plans, and set targeted goals to promote independence. Observes customers in their home or training environment, monitors customer progress, and modifies plans as needed.
2. Provides training in adaptive techniques, assistive technologies, independent living skills, pre-vocational competencies, and communication tools to empower customers and prepare them for employment opportunities and improve independent living outcomes.
3. Requests and maintains electronic case records, including applications, referrals, and medical documentation. Records customer interactions, progress, and instructional outcomes electronically to ensure compliance with program standards and confidentiality requirements.
4. Understands and remains current on industry trends, new technology, adaptive techniques, community resources, and assistive equipment available. Explains policies and procedures and researches and responds to customer concerns.
5. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to identify resources and enhance service delivery. Identifies, creates, and participates in community events, engagement activities, initiatives, and resource fairs to educate the public on blindness and vision impairment, share available resources, and promote program.
6. Oversees the procurement, receipt, payment, and distribution of adaptive equipment, assistive technologies, supplies, services, and materials using agency purchasing procedures. Maintains accurate inventory and accounting for equipment provided to each customer.

Competencies (KSA's)

1. Customer Focus
2. Resourcefulness
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Instills Trust
5. Situational Adaptability

1. Customer and Personal Service

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Judgment and Decision Making
4. Learning Strategies
5. Time Management

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Originality
4. Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

1. General Office Equipment
2. Adaptive Equipment
3. Assistive Technologies
4. General Home Devices and Technologies