Employment Opportunities

Company Summary

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida's largest and oldest not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired. Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of over 90,000 blind and visually impaired people annually, from babies to seniors, and their families. Our programs' impact is statewide, national, and international.

Benefits:

Miami Lighthouse is proud to provide one of the most comprehensive benefits programs in the not-for-profit industry. Our benefits package includes life insurance, accident insurance and long term disability at no cost to our employees; voluntary benefits, including health insurance with Florida Blue for which Miami Lighthouse subsidizes a significant portion of the premium, dental, vision, short term disability and supplemental insurance; generous employer funded 401(k); and above average paid days off.

Career opportunities available at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind

Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Development Specialist
Driver

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

POSITION SUMMARY: This position provides instruction to children ranging in age from birth to twenty-one years old, develops and implements individualized lesson plans for each student/client. Collaborates with other professionals and serves as a community liaison to ensure quality services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, but not limited to:

• Provides direct instruction in braille and technology to blind and visually impaired children.
• Provides support to instructional staff on how to implement accommodations in the learning environment.
• Adapts the environment for learning.
• Provides support to families on braille instruction.
• Attends IEP meetings as required.
• Provides outreach support and training for children and families.
• Provides direct early intervention support related to clients’ goals.
• Supports all Children’s Programs in varying capacities as needed.
• Maintains professional accreditations, licensing and/or continuing education as required.
• Updates client assessments and reports findings in appropriate database systems.
• Participates in staff conferences and community fairs.
• Participates in the adaptation of curriculum materials based on client needs and advances in the profession.
• Administer the Oregon Project assessment tool with children.
• Collaborates with Miami-Dade County Public Schools instructors and administrators.
• Participates in departmental meetings to review progress of clients as needed.
• Works with administration to advocate for special needs of the blind and visually impaired children.
• Maintains lesson plans and case notes as required.
• Conducts research to contribute to professional journals and stays current of trends in the profession.
• Participates in Professional Associations.
• Complete Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessments and/or other screenings and assessments as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Visual Disabilities from an accredited university.
• Fulfil all the Department of Education requirements and keep the Florida Department of Education certifications valid at all times.
• Prior experience with early intervention preferred.
• Completion of DCF Child Care trainings.
• Fulfil the CVI Assessment and Intervention Certification.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time; bend, climb, kneel, and push, lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Completion of required trainings within 2 years of hire or as required for curriculum compliance.
• Previous experience working with the visually impaired preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Proficient in use of computers including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and use agency’s database and computer network with efficiency.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and/or ability to travel within the community.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, including ability to manage complex responsibilities.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Ability to respond effectively to complaints or concerns.
• High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and drug test screening.

Orientation and Mobility Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: This position carries the major responsibilities for developing and implementing individualized lesson plans for each client in learning concepts, equipment and materials, skills and techniques essential to meeting the client’s goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, but not limited to:

• Assesses individual needs of client and aid client in goal setting for instruction.
• Evaluates client’s abilities to travel safely and independently in familiar and unfamiliar environments.
• Provides individualized instruction to clients.
• Provides indoor and outdoor instruction as well as outreach services as needed.
• Evaluates the client’s progress on an ongoing basis, keeping progress notes on each client.
• Estimates readiness and measures ability and competence in techniques and skills related to personal, vocational, and other needs.
• Emphasizes the efficient, effective, and appropriate use of any residual vision, low vision devices, and other sensory modalities in the learning, practice, and use of techniques, skills, and equipment to meet client’s goals.
• Teaches problem solving and resource utilization.
• Reinforces the instruction of other staff members and assists other staff members in understanding the objectives and methods, as well as equipment appropriate to instruction.
• Participates in the development of curriculum materials based on client needs and advances in the field.
• Participates in agency outreach and education.
• Assists clients in the transfer of skills gained in agency setting to other various “real-life” settings.
• Participates in conferences and staff meetings regarding assigned clients.
• Maintains resource file to share with clients and staff.
• Stays updated on current trends and changes in the field.
• Establishes and maintain appropriate client records, including daily service statistics.
• Refers clients for other services as appropriate.
• Refers to and helps to maintain an orientation and mobility policy and procedure manual.
• Acts as advocate for clients when necessary.
• Participates in department and agency quality improvement efforts.
• Prepares reports as needed.
• Provides O& M instruction to Children’s Programs “Bright Beacons”.
• Provides O& M instruction to Lighthouse Learning Center students.
• Maintains instructional area so clients are taught in a clean, healthy, safe, environment.
• Maintains O&M certification (COMS) current.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with an emphasis in Orientation and Mobility. Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), or eligible for certification and able to attain certification within established period of time.
• Previous experience working with the visually impaired preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Proficient in use of computers including Word, Excel and Internet research.
• Ability to learn and use agency’s database and computer network with efficiency.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence, effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, their families and the general public.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and/or ability to travel within the community.
• High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.

Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the coordination of all public relations efforts to promote the programs, events, services and staff of the organization. Direct involvement in Blind Babies, Children's, and Adult Programs and interaction with clients is an important component of this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, but not limited to:

• Implements, plans and organizes all special events in coordination with Development and Executive offices.
• Coordinates all aspects of special events with assistance from Development staff & Facilities team –these tasks include, but are not limited to:
• Prepares event budgets including anticipated event revenue and related expenses
• Manages invitation design, printing, and mailing to ensure quality and timeliness
• Manages RSVP list; make follow up calls
• Coordinates food/catering
• Coordinates rentals when needed (i.e. linens, serving/clean-up staff, tables, chairs, lighting, etc.)
• Coordinates sponsorship solicitations.
• Prepares nametags for guests (when needed).
• Designs programs and prepares program copy.
• Coordinates all staff assignments.
• Handles event follow-up correspondence.
• Processes invoices.
• Assists in developing and stewarding corporate sponsorships and relationships for events in coordination with Development and Executive offices.
• Meets regularly with Development staff to gather and share information to efficiently expedite projects and reports.
• Develops and stewards corporate sponsorships and relationships for events and programs in coordination with Development and Executive offices.
• Stewards, cultivates and upgrades individual and prospective donors (up to $1,000) personally or by coordinating with senior development staff.
• Assists in the management and organization of the Development office.
• Organizes and conducts tours to media and potential donors as needed.
• Attends, supports and participates in outreach and networking events (e.g. chamber events, special community committees, community relations and social events, etc.) as needed.
• Relates appropriately with donors, clients, peers, volunteers, administrative staff, Board members and the general public.
• Works towards the goal of having all development projects completed on time by serving as liaison with appropriate persons and scheduling follow-up and coordination of Development projects.
• Meets regularly with Development staff to gather and share information to efficiently expedite projects and reports.
• Keeps Senior Director of Development fully informed at all times regarding matters essential to administration.
• Participates in department and agency quality improvement efforts.
• Composes development business correspondence and proofreads for grammar, spelling and punctuation with a high degree of accuracy according to writing guides such as AP Style and Elements of Style.
• Provides support and coordination to Miami Lighthouse fundraising and community outreach events (i.e. represent Miami Lighthouse at various health expos & events).
• Assists in other departments when needed. Provides back-up support for Receptionist as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education required.
• Three years of significant experience in events and/or development.
• Knowledge of Miami-Dade philanthropic community required.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Normal work schedule is from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, working a minimum of 37.5 hour per week. Must be available for selected breakfast and/or evening, and weekend events.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with donors.
• Able to speak effectively before board of directors, agency employees, community groups and other stakeholders; skilled at persuading and influencing others.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, including ability to manage complex responsibilities.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to work with good judgment and with unquestioned confidentiality with regard to Lighthouse information and donor records.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other databases; The Raiser's Edge preferred.
• Reliable transportation, and ability and willingness to travel to meet with donors and prospective donors.
• Affinity with the overall mission of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
• Personal characteristics associated with successful development professionals, including sound judgment, impeccable integrity, demonstrated initiative, appropriate professional appearance, and attitude and personality to work effectively with colleagues, Miami Lighthouse staff members, volunteers, and constituents.
• High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.

Driver

POSITION SUMMARY: This position carries the major responsibilities for safely and courteously driving assigned clients to and from their homes (or other locations) to MLB using an agency vehicle. This position will also assist with general housekeeping duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, but not limited to:

• Works with the Manager of Transportation to effectively schedule clients and manage routes.
• Calls clients to confirm pickup and drop-off times.
• Greets passengers/clients and assists them in entering and leaving vehicle.
• Keeps the Facility & Transportation Director aware of changes in client scheduling.
• Reads and understands specific vehicle operating manual and is able to operate every device on vehicle.
• Reads and understands road maps, traffic signals, and traffic signs.
• Obeys all traffic laws.
• Maintains vehicle in good operating condition.
• Provides routine maintenance/custodial services as needed.
• Reports maintenance items to the Facility & Transportation Director in a timely manner.
• Schedules vehicle maintenance requirements with Facility & Transportation Director to ensure uninterrupted transportation services to clients.
• Maintains a valid Florida driver's license and a good driving record in order to be added to Miami Lighthouse's auto insurance policy.
• Lifts or moves objects up to 50 lbs.
• Provides written incident reports and other reports as needed.
• Performs duties in a pleasant, helpful, polite manner understanding that actions as a driver reflect on the Agency.
• Assists with housekeeping duties and during events as needed.
• Provides support services to the agency as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Completion of the Department of Children & Family Child Care Training Required.
• Minimum of one year of experience driving a bus or passenger van.
• Valid Florida Driver's License and clean driving record required.
• Physical Exams are required to be completed annually.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time; bend, climb, kneel, and push, lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Experience working with children or disabled people preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
• Experience working with children or people with disabilities preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.

 

Application Process

For immediate and confidential consideration, please forward your resume or application and salary requirements to:

601 SW 8th Avenue, Miami, FL 33130
E-mail: employment@miamilighthouse.org
Fax: (305) 285-6967

Click here for the Application for Employment.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster English Version Spanish Version
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Poster
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster English Version Spanish Version
E-Verify Participation Poster English Version Spanish Version
Right to Work Poster English Version Spanish Version

Equal Opportunity Employer
Drug-Free Workplace
E-Verify Participant

Miami Lighthouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, familial status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/poster.cfm

 

 

 

Miami Lighthouse has been continuously accredited by the National Accreditation Council For Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC) since 1978 and The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) since 2017 distinguishing that an agency or school operates at the highest level of quality and is positioned to generate the outcomes needed by the clients.