Social Worker

The Braille Institute is seeking a Blind & Low Vision Social Workers for their Los Angeles, CA, (90029) and Santa Barbara, CA, (93105) location.

Who is Braille Institute?

Braille Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss. We offer a broad range of free programs, classes and services serving thousands of students of all ages helping to demonstrate that vision rehabilitation is a beginning, not an end.

We serve the community from seven centers, and hundreds of community outreach locations throughout Southern California, and lead popular national programs like Braille Challenge and Cane Quest. Our staff and volunteers understand losing your vision can be scary, but we believe it is not the end of independence but a new way of living.

About the role:

The Blind & Low Vision Social Worker will be able to demonstrate the ability to work with a diverse population who are adjusting to vision loss, including people with disabilities, older adults, differing socioeconomic status, ethnicity and race, sexual orientation and identity, etc.

Additional duties include:

• Collaborate with client and family/caregiver to develop and implement individualized goals focused on increasing student’s adjustment to vision loss, independence, and overall well-being.
• Create and maintain a thorough guide of community resources and connect Braille Institute clients with appropriate social service organizations in the community as well as serve as a liaison with organizations on behalf of clients.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with internal programs and community partners to encourage client success.
• Facilitate communication between clients and support structure and create opportunities for family support.
• Offer feedback about goals and help identify skills for client success; generate new ideas and find ways to overcome obstacles by referring to BIA internal programs.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings and trainings.
• Opportunity to create and facilitate support groups, workshops, and staff training.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in social work is required and a strong background in community-based organizations (CBO’s);
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a social services environment;
• Basic knowledge and skills in safety and risk assessments.
• Preferred experience or knowledge with visually impaired individuals;
• Knowledge with online education programs, or other technology-mediated instruction preferred.
• Ability to multi-task, market and implement a wide variety of programs for a diverse population.
• Excellent communication and computer skills are essential;
• Excellent organization, training and presentation skills; exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ability to creatively problem solve.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is required;
• Opportunity for supervision hours towards licensure and professional development training.
• Working knowledge of standard office computer software is required.

COVID Policy

Braille Institute requires its employees to be “fully vaccinated.” “Fully vaccinated” means having received both shots of a two-dose vaccination series (Pfizer or Moderna) or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine AND having received a booster once booster-eligible, which is 6 months after the second dose for Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.