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

Director of Heiken Children's Vision Program
Manager of Vision Rehabilitation Programs
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Computer Technology Instructor
Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Director of Heiken Children's Vision Program

POSITION SUMMARY: This position carries the major responsibilities of directing the strategy and day-to-day operations of the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program. This includes implementing and evaluating existing processes as well as implementing new or improved ones to optimize the programs objectives. In addition, it requires the training, development and supervision of the programs staff members throughout the state of Florida

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

• Leads and promotes the eye/vision program in target communities through continual campaigns that include program presentations as well as telephone and email communication/follow-up.
• Serves as a trusted partner and liaison between Heiken Vision Program FOPN personnel and Instant Vision Program doctors.
• Serves as a valuable resource and Subject Matter Expert for school personnel in Dade County as well as all statewide program partners.
• Identifies program opportunities / needs and recommends solutions and action plans as necessary (i.e. outreach program, expanded school site visits, technology and staffing) to achieve the desired goals.
• Develops, communicates and updates all Heiken Children's Vision Program resources/tools to ensure successful implementation by school-site personnel and contracted Optometric Physicians.
• Assists with the hiring, onboarding and management of one direct report, the Assistant Manager of the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Programs.
• Directs the activities of the Assistant Manager, support personnel and volunteers in order to optimize program objectives.
• Provides training, feedback, coaching and continued development to support staff as needed.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive and updated Desk Manual used to ensure consistency and continuity in the absence of any program members (ie. vacation / leave etc.)
• Prepares weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports. for ongoing projects.
• Analyzes report data to ensure all program objectives align with our high service model and execution standards.
• Ensures all requests for services have been addressed and consistent follow-up is maintained with all referrals.
• Assists with the planning for the coming year's projects and maintains an accurate and up-to date organizational calendar (current year and one year forward)
• Establishes and maintains an up-to-date Outreach Calendar of Program Services.
• Identifies perspective funding sources and reaches out to promote program awareness and funding.
• Proactively seeks opportunities to facilitate presentations and build partnerships that will successfully secure donor funding for the program.
• Plans, monitors and manages all program expenses ensuring they are aligned with approved budget.
• Oversees the input and reconciliation of invoices before submission to accounting.
• Ensures all eye glass orders are administered accurately and efficiently.
• Ensures all mobile units are used properly and safely by adhering to all policies & procedures.
• Coordinates with doctors to complete IVP visits in schools.
• Maintains high level of organization, and develops and follows processes and procedures.
• Participates in department and agency quality improvement efforts
• Provides consultation, public educations and in-service training as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college required
• Valid Florida Driver's License and clean driving record required and/or ability to get to various locations.
• Prior experience in Health Care Administration, Nursing Administration including School Nurse or Optical Business Experience required.
• Require hours of employment Monday – Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm, 100% in office with some travel to School sites primarily in Miami-Dade County.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet research.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, including ability to manage complex responsibilities.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence, effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients and their families, and the general public
• High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.

Manager of Vision Rehabilitation Programs

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is responsible for developing and implementing individualized lesson plans to teach clients Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and to coordinate High School High Tech Programs.

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

• Provide O&M training to Children, Transition/HSHT, and Vocational Rehabilitation client's delivered at center or itinerant.
• Attends IEP meetings for Transition/HSHT clients as required.
• Participates in the development of curriculum materials based on client needs and advances in the profession.
• Participates in O&M departmental meetings to review progress of clients as needed.
• Works with administration to advocate for special needs of the blind and visually impaired to travel safely in the environment.
• Assesses individual needs of client and aid client in goal setting for instruction. Helps clients set meaningful, realist goals for achievement.
• Evaluates client's abilities to move about and to use various mobility aids such as canes and compasses.
• 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.
• Estimates readiness and measures ability and competence in techniques and skills related to personal, vocational, and other needs.
• Teaches clients skills that are required for home upkeep, kitchen safety and cleanliness, basic meal preparation, grocery shopping, organization of one's home and personal affairs through new approaches that maximize the use of remaining vision and other senses.
• Instructs clients on make-up and grooming, personal hygiene, clothing selection and laundry techniques to restore a sense of personal style and identity.
• Teaches money identification, telephone dialing, phone shopping and banking, and how the use of talking clocks and calculators can return control over finances and daily schedules.
• Educates clients on writing guides, check writing templates, Braille and various labeling techniques provide options for handling the many reading and writing tasks associated with modern life. Use of the Talking Book program introduces one avenue of enjoying leisure time.
• Develops and implements applied learning experiences. Teaches problem solving and resource utilization.
• Participates in the development of curriculum materials based on client needs and advances in field.
• Instills a sense of confidence and independence in clients through encouragement, support and praise.
• Participates in agency outreach and education.
• Assists clients in the transfer of skills gained in agency setting to other various "real-life" settings.
• Coordinates High School High Tech work experiences and Business Advisory Council meeting. Participates in conferences and staff meetings regarding assigned clients and HSHT requirements.
• 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.
• Develops and implements individualized lesson plans for each client in learning concepts, equipment and materials, skills and techniques essential to meeting client's goals.
• Maintains instructional area so clients are taught in a clean, well-stocked, healthy, safe, environment.
• Participates in departmental and agency quality improvement efforts.
• Maintains appropriate records, daily progress notes, and daily service statistics.
• Maintains current industry (COMS) and (CVRT) certification.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with an emphasis in area of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and Orientation and Mobility.
• ACVREP Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or eligible for certification and able to attain certification within established period of time.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Learns and uses agency database and computer network with efficiency.
• Valid Florida Driver's License and/or ability to travel within the community. Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients and their families, and the general public.
• High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.

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.

Computer Technology Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY: Assesses individual needs of client and aid client in goal setting for instruction.

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

• Demonstrates full knowledge of access technologies for the blind and visually impaired.
• Organizes and maintains access technology equipment used by blind people.
• Instructs clients in the use of access technology equipment used by blind people.
• Maintains a resource file of agencies, companies, and other supply sources for access technology equipment.
• Prepares computer classes in accordance with curriculum.
• Provides outreach training to Vocational Rehabilitation clients and others in the community as required.
• Participates in the development of curriculum materials based on client needs and technology updates.
• Maintains accurate and updated client records, including daily service statistics.
• Collaborates with Chief Program Officer and Manager in designing an effective program that meets the clients' needs.
• Advises staff and community about functional aspects of access technology services.
• Maintains appropriate records, daily progress notes, and daily service statistics.
• Maintains appropriate certification.
• Participates in conferences, meetings, and staff meetings regarding assigned clients.
• Provides consultation, public education, and in-service training.
• Refers clients for other services as appropriate.
• Prepares reports as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent from four-year College or technical school preferred; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess DOE/DBS endorsement in Screen Readers and Magnification. Endorsement must be obtained within one year of employment.
• Proficient in the use of a wide variety of up-to-date access technologies such as JAWS, NVDA, Magic, ZoomText. Software.
• Proficient in the use of portable computer devices such as Windows and Apple/Android tablets and cell phones with access technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Proficient in use of computers including Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet research in a Windows 7/10 environment.
• Proficient in the use of Macintosh OSX environments.
• Ability to learn and use agency database and computer network with efficiency.
• Excellent organizational skills such as planning, prioritizing, organizing workload, handling multiple deadlines.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to 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 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.

 

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.