Careers

Our current employment opportunities are listed below. Please direct any questions regarding these opportunities to Natawcha Hart at nhart@pghvis.org

DRIVER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Department: Rehabilitation Department
Supervisor: Director of Rehabilitation
Job Status: Exempt

Job Summary:

The Driver for Transportation Services provides essential transportation and support services to individuals who are blind or vision impaired. This role includes transporting clients to and from their homes to our facility while offering door-to-door escort services.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Transport our Rehabilitation clients to and from the facility to the client’s home
  • Provide superior customer service to our clients
  • Great time management skills
  • Must be able to maintain a schedule
  • Loading and unloading of goods
  • Inspecting and maintaining the vehicle
  • Must be able to navigate routes
  • Collaborate with other department staff to provide on-site transportation
  • Maintain a high level of organization
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Proficiency in safely operating agency vehicles
  • Strong interpersonal skills for effective interaction with clients, family members, staff, and other professionals
  • Excellent writing and critical thinking skills
  • Dedication to providing high-quality, comprehensive services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired

Physical Demands:

  • Extended periods of driving, requiring the ability to sit for long periods while maintaining focus and alertness
  • Frequent use of hands and arms to operate the vehicle and related equipment, including handling and maneuvering steering wheels, gear shifts, and control panels
  • Occasionally required to lift, carry, and load/unload items up to 50 lbs. using proper lifting techniques and equipment
  • Providing physical assistance to passengers, including helping them in and out of the vehicle and supporting passengers with mobility issues, ensuring their comfort and safety during transit
  • Ability to hear traffic sounds, and emergency signals, and communicate effectively with passengers
  • Capability to respond to and manage minor vehicle maintenance issues or emergencies, with basic first aid knowledge being beneficial

Reasoning Abilities & Language Skills:

  • Ability to assess and make quick decisions based on traffic conditions and route changes
  • Skill in interpreting and following driving directions, maps, and GPS systems
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with passengers, dispatch, and clients
  • Competence in understanding and following written and verbal instructions related to transportation tasks
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various situations that may arise on the road
  • Capability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently, providing appropriate assistance as needed
  • Proficiency in documenting trip details, incident reports, and other relevant information accurately

Additional Requirements:

  • Clean driving record
  • Successful completion of a background check

LICENSED COUNSELOR/CLIENT INTAKE SPECIALIST

Department: Rehabilitation – Client Services
Supervisor: Director of Client Services
Job Status: Exempt

Job Summary:

The Licensed Counselor/Client Intake Specialist plays a dual role, providing comprehensive counseling services and client intake support. In the counseling role, services are offered to individuals, families, and groups with a focus on grief, acceptance, and drug and alcohol addiction. Assessments are conducted to help patients identify areas of need, develop coping strategies, and create action-based goals and objectives. A professional degree and licensure must be maintained throughout this position.

In the Client Intake Specialist role, providing support and friendly interactions to potential clients is essential. This includes assisting them in navigating the system to receive needed services. Effective communication with potential clients, their relatives, other agencies, and interested parties regarding all aspects of vision loss and blindness is crucial. Assessments and counselor recommendations help determine participants’ needs and serve as a community resource.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Counseling:

  • Provide professional counseling services to individuals, families, and groups
  • Develop and implement treatment plans
  • Provide crisis intervention services
  • Conduct psychological assessments
  • Communicate with other team members to coordinate treatment
  • Refer patients to appropriate psychological and social services
  • Participate in interdisciplinary care teams
  • Provide guidance to patients not directly managed by the counselor
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Client Intake Specialist:

  • Determine the nature of phone inquiries and callers’ needs to make appropriate referrals
  • Enter potential clients into the database and update information for existing clients as needed
  • Provide internal referrals for service assessments and various programs within the agency
  • Attend community events and provide information to potential clients and patients
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

    • Strong oral and written communication skills, including reporting and presentations
    • Highly personable telephone skills
    • Ability to probe with empathy and compassion
    • Working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems and Microsoft 365, preferably
    • A self-starter, data and deadline-driven, and ability to multi-task with solid organizational and time-management skills
    • Create positivity with co-workers and constituents
    • Interest in programs related to vision loss
    • Willingness to learn and grow in a positive and rewarding environment
    • Candidates with visual impairments are encouraged to apply for this position

Requirements:

    • Must be a licensed counselor in the state of Pennsylvania
    • A reliable form of transportation or a valid Driver’s License
    • Clearances Required/Need to Obtain:
      • Act 151 (Child Abuse History Clearance)
      • Act 34 (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History Clearance)
      • Act 114 (Federal Criminal History Record Clearance)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Working Environment:

  • General office environment: air-conditioned office, with moderate noise levels.

Physical Demands:

  • Activities require a significant amount of sitting in an office in front of a computer monitor, including using a keyboard and mouse extensively
  • Ability to speak professionally on the phone with various stakeholders
  • Ability to utilize a visually based database
  • Responsibility to lift and /or carrying supplies up to 25 Pounds without assistance

Reasoning Abilities & Language Skills:

  • Ability to evaluate information and the implications of a course of action or solution
  • Ability to interpret and apply common sense understanding to carry out a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
  • Ability to follow and execute directives from leadership
  • Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
  • Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Evaluate trends in data or information
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret both internal and external documents

If relocation is required, BVRS will consider covering these expenses with a signed employment contract.

ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST

Department: Client Services
Supervisor: Director of Client Services
Job Status: Exempt

Job Summary:

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist plays a crucial role in empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to navigate their environments safely and independently. This position involves assessing clients’ orientation and mobility skills, developing personalized training programs, and providing ongoing support to enhance their travel capabilities.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ orientation and mobility skills to determine their specific needs
  • Develop and implement individualized training plans that address clients’ unique challenges and goals
  • Instruct clients in the use of mobility aids and techniques, such as white canes, electronic travel aids, and guide dogs
  • Educate clients on safe navigation strategies, including street crossings, public transportation use, and emergency procedures
  • Maintain detailed records of clients’ progress and adjust training plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes
  • Collaborate with other professionals, including rehabilitation therapists, educators, and family members, to support clients’ overall rehabilitation plans
  • Stay current with advancements in orientation and mobility techniques and technology to provide the most effective training
  • Offer workshops and training sessions for staff, and volunteers on sighted guide techniques and other relevant topics
  • Participate in outreach activities to promote orientation and mobility services within the community
  • Maintain certification and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Client Services

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Orientation and Mobility or a related field
  • ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals) certification or eligibility
  • Experience working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired is highly desirable
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as needed

Decision-Making Authority/Supervisory Responsibility:

  • Reports directly to the Director of Client Services
  • Holds decision-making authority regarding clients’ orientation and mobility training programs
  • May supervise orientation and mobility interns and support staff

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to anticipate and respond to potential hazards to ensure client safety
  • Physical capability to assist clients who may need support, including lifting and guiding
  • Proficiency in navigating various terrains and environments, including stairs, uneven surfaces, and outdoor settings
  • Ability to walk for extended periods and distances while conducting training sessions

REHABILITATION TEACHER

Department: Rehab
Supervisor: Director of Rehab
Job Status: Exempt

Job Summary:

The Rehabilitation Teacher provides comprehensive training and support to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, helping them to achieve greater independence in their daily lives. This role involves developing and implementing personalized rehabilitation plans that address clients’ unique needs and goals.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Conduct assessments to determine clients’ rehabilitation needs and develop individualized training plans
  • Teach clients essential skills for daily living, including personal management, home management, and communication skills
  • Provide instruction in adaptive equipment and technologies designed for individuals with vision impairments
  • Must be able to work with clients in their homes, community and facility
  • Will be able to commute to client’s homes/community in their own vehicle
  • Educate clients on methods for managing their homes and personal finances
  • Offer guidance and support in vocational and recreational activities to enhance clients’ quality of life
  • Collaborate with other professionals, such as the low vision doctor, occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and assistive technology instructors, to ensure a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation
  • Must be able to document clients’ progress and adjust training plans as necessary
  • Stay current with developments in rehabilitation techniques and adaptive technologies through ongoing professional development
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Rehabilitation

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Teaching, Vision Rehabilitation, or a related field.
  • Certification as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or eligibility for certification.
  • Experience working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired is highly desirable.
  • Strong instructional and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to develop and implement effective training plans.
  • Proficiency with adaptive equipment and technologies for vision impairments.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to clients’ homes or community settings.

Decision-Making Authority/Supervisory Responsibility:

  • Reports directly to the Director of Rehab.
  • Holds decision-making authority regarding clients’ rehabilitation plans.

Requirements:

  • A reliable form of transportation or a valid Driver’s License
  • Clearances Required/Need to Obtain:
    • Act 151 (Child Abuse History Clearance)
    • Act 34 (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History Clearance)
    • Act 114 (Federal Criminal History Record Clearance

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

Working Environment: 

  • General office environment: air-conditioned office, with moderate noise levels

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to perform tasks that involve physical activity, such as demonstrating adaptive techniques and navigating various environments
  • Responsibility to lift and /or carrying adaptive equipment and training materials up to 25 Pounds without assistance
  • Ability to travel to different locations as required for client training sessions
  • Ability to speak professionally on the phone with various stakeholders
  • Ability to utilize a visually based database

 Reasoning Abilities & Language Skills:

  • Ability to evaluate information and the implications of a course of action or solution
  • Ability to interpret and apply common sense understanding to carry out a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
  • Ability to follow and execute directives from leadership
  • Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
  • Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Evaluate trends in data or information
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret both internal and external documents

CUSTODIAL TEAM LEADER – BRIDGEVILLE (PART-TIME)

Job Summary:

PBA Products & Services is an agency that supports and works with individuals with disabilities. Basic cleaning skills needed such as mopping, sweeping, dusting, and cleaning of restrooms. We are looking for a reliable team member who is able to float between two cleaning locations — in Pittsburgh, PA 15219 and Bridgeville, PA 15017.

Persons with Disabilities encouraged to apply.

Job description:
Working supervisor of janitorial team. Must be able to pass all criminal background checks. Reliable transportation required.

Job Type/Salary:

  • Part-Time
  • Weekdays, Daylight Shifts (approx. 2pm-6pm)
  • 12-25 hours per week
  • Pay range $16.50-$17.00/hour depending on experience

Qualifications:

  • Previous janitorial or custodial experience
  • Knowledge of floor care and commercial cleaning techniques
  • Ability to perform industrial cleaning tasks
  • Experience in facilities maintenance and porter duties
  • Proficiency in maintenance tasks such as buffing
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
  • Certification in cleaning or maintenance related field is a plus
  • REQUIRED: Ability to commute between two locations – one in Pittsburgh and one in Bridgeville

Clearances Required/Need to Obtain:

  • Act 151 (Child Abuse History Clearance)
  • Act 34 (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History Clearance)
  • Act 114 (Federal Criminal History Record Clearance)

BVRS is an equal opportunity employer.