Educational Consultant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking a qualified individual to join our team with the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind as an Education Consultant For The Blind (Mobility Instruction). This role allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple impairments. Find out more information on this unique position below!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• Work Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Work Shift: First shift, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (with a 45-minute lunch)
• Location: 184 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT

Responsibilities for this role will include traveling statewide.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Utilizing detailed knowledge of the principles and methods of education, including in all areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) to support children who are blind and visually impaired, including children with multiple impairments.
• Working in an encouraging environment that values collaboration and innovation while traveling statewide to deliver high-quality services.
• Being a part of a team that is dedicated to providing world-class educational and vocational services.
• Making a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES:
The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to:

• Deliver aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens
• Provide leadership on aging and disability issues statewide
• Provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy
• Advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults
• Serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level

The Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) is the state's leading bureau for the coordination and provision of services to all Connecticut residents who are legally blind or have significant visual impairments. These services include training and devices that help people who are blind function in the home and in the community independently; teaching children how to adapt to and learn in an environment - in and outside of school - that is designed for those with sight and providing services that help people who are blind find work or keep their job after blindness has developed.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
• For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

• This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm work authorization.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Board of Education Services for the Blind, this class is accountable for planning and administering a program of independent travel instruction for blind adults throughout the State.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Plans and administers a program of independent travel instruction for blind adults and such blind children to whom the program may be applicable; supervises and instructs in all techniques of independent travel such as the use of cane and other guide devices; arranges the program to suit individual needs; instructs in safety measures for the protection of individuals; teaches muscular coordination and correct posture and walking; aids the blind in orienting themselves to the community and in areas where they would have occasion to travel; may speak before lay and professional groups; keeps records and submits reports on individuals and the program in general; does related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of the principles and methods of education of the blind and visually handicapped with emphasis on mobility instruction; some knowledge of eye diseases and of the psychological effects of blindness; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to deal effectively with others.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) years of experience in teaching blind or visually handicapped adults.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in mobility instruction.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. College training with special courses in the education of the blind may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's Degree in the field of mobility training may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience assessing and teaching Orientation and Mobility to students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Experience providing consultation to families of blind or visually impaired students.
• Experience managing a caseload.
• Experience providing consultation to education team members.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Possession of a certificate in Orientation and Mobility from a recognized national, state or professional organization.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.