The Vision Impairment Specialist represents Blind Babies Foundation and is responsible for provision of specialized services to families of young children with vision impairments, birth through five years of age. The Vision Impairment Specialist provides home instruction, activity plans, and resource information and referral, advocates on behalf of the client family, and partners with parents and caregivers to empower them as advocates for their child. Direct Services 1. Provides home visits to families, supporting parent/child interactions through developmentally appropriate play activities. 2. Works with families to develop curriculum appropriate for a child with vision impairment. 3. Provides family with information about visual diagnosis and effects of vision loss on early childhood development. 4. Conducts developmental and functional vision assessments using observation, parent interview and formal assessment strategies. 5. Provides social/emotional and crisis support to families as appropriate. 6. Helps parents advocate effectively for themselves and their child. Related Family Services 1. Plans and implements family events, providing information and parent to parent support. 2. Assists in the development of new services and materials. 3. Refers families to community resources. Outreach Services 1. Actively collaborates with community-based providers of related services to overcome family barriers, such as language, culture and income. 2. Consults with professional community on behalf of children and families (attend medical visits; IFSP, IEP sessions; program visits, etc.). 3. Provides workshops and trainings for parents and professionals. 4. Serves as public relations representative of the agency, as necessary. Case Management Responsibilities 1. Completes and maintains client case files (Face Sheet, Home Visit Log Notes, Developmental Profile, Family Program Plan, Physician Reports, Correspondence, Reports of Medical Visits, IFSPs, IEPs, etc.). 2. Follows agency guidelines for participation in the National Registry of Early Childhood Vision Impairment Project. 3. Provides monthly accounting of client contract hours. Agency Responsibilities 1. Participates in monthly full staff meetings, regional meetings, annual retreat, and inservice sessions. 2. Contributes to BBF Newsletter on request. 3. Provides information regarding program services to Development Department on request. 4. Other duties as required REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • B.A. or B.S. degree • Professional preparation in the education of children with vision impairments, orientation and mobility, infant or early childhood development, and/or social work • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with children and adults • Strong organizational skills • Self starter • Flexible schedule • Ability to network with professionals • Ability to utilize technology to fulfill responsibilities of the position • Must have dependable means of transportation • Valid driver’s license or ID; submission of DMV report and proof of auto insurance • Willingness to be fingerprinted and submit to a background check • Willingness to submit to pre-employment physical and other appropriate tests (at agency expense). DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Teaching Credential in Vision Impairment, Orientation and Mobility, Early Childhood Special Education, and/or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education. • Experience with young children with multiple impairments • Second language, such as, Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese • Experience as a home teacher • Child and Family Counseling background • Experience working in multi-cultural situations • Public speaking skills • Infant Massage training • Experience/training in Active Learning techniques of Lilli Nielsen