Overview
Since our founding in 1974, our mission to enable people of all ages living with a visual impairment or blindness to remain independent, active and productive in our society has been our core tenet.
Lighthouse of Southwest Florida is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
Join our talented team of professionals that provides a variety of rehabilitation and support services and support to children and adults in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties experiencing vision loss and blindness.
Among a competitive wage, we offer a four-day work week in a friendly work environment, generous paid time off, an array of benefits such as 100% employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees, and a 401(k) retirement savings plan. As an added benefit, fleet vehicles are available for itinerant work by designated program staff and instructors.
Current Job Openings
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Full-time Position (Lee County, Florida)
Lighthouse of Southwest Florida – 35 W. Mariana Ave., North Ft. Myers, FL 33903
General Responsibilities:
The Chief Executive Officer, with authority delegated by the Board of Directors, is responsible for the overall administration of all the programs and services of Lighthouse of Southwest Florida, Inc.
Essential Duties:
The Chief Executive Officer carries out the agency’s program activities within the budget and in accordance with policies established by the Board of Directors. The areas of responsibility include: 1) Fiscal Control, 2) Programs, 3) Personnel Management, 4) Policy, 5) Community Relations, and 6) Fundraising & Development.
Ensures appropriate operational monitoring of compliance with non-profit practices and regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Fiscal Control:
Supervises and collaborates with Chief Financial Officer to analyze and direct all financial operations of all programs and services.
Submits an annual budget to the Board of Directors for approval.
Monitors agency compliance to maintain standards of accounting applicable to non-profit business practice.
Negotiates contracts and agreements with funding sources in accordance with the direction of the Board of Directors.
Submits requests for funding from a variety of funding sources.
Programs:
Identifies the needs of the population to be served.
Establishes program objectives.
Carries out programs that meet national accreditation standards and achieves the objectives of each program.
Maintains knowledge of developments in the field of vision rehabilitation.
Recommends to the Executive Committee the need for physical plant accommodations to complete the objectives.This includes, but is not limited to, classroom & office space, technology, and ground use recommendations.
Locates new sources of funding and oversees grants proposals & applications.
Personnel Management:
Carries out sound personnel practices and policies in accordance with the Personnel Manual and current professional standards.
Recruits, employs, supervises, annually evaluates, and discharges all personnel. Only the Chief Executive Officer can hire and discharge staff.
Supervision and evaluation may be delegated to supervisory staff as per the Chief Executive Officer.
Encourages professional growth of staff.Informs the Executive Committee of personnel changes.
Policy:
Carries out the policies and procedures as set forth in the Policy & Procedures Manual.
Recommends changes in policy and procedures.
Acts as liaison between the Board of Directors and staff concerning the development and implementation of policy and procedures.
Presents recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning legal and contractual obligations of the agency.
Community Relations:
Initiates new contacts and maintains contacts with other human service agencies and networks locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.
Promotes training about blindness and low vision for agencies, businesses, and organizations in the community.
Initiates and participates in public relations activities of the agency.
Represents the Agency in the community.
Fundraising & Development:
Supervises and collaborates with the Director of Development and Communications to oversee fundraising, resource development and implementation, including identification of resource requirements, research of funding sources, and establishment of strategies to ensure sustainability of the organization.
Serves in concert with the Board of Directors in fundraising.
Promotes funding development of the Board of Directors.
Promotes and oversees funding development of staff.
Establish and maintain effective communication with the management team, Board and staff.
Employee is required to appear for work at the office location, or at client locations as scheduled, during work hours.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in vision rehabilitation, rehabilitation, gerontology, social work, or a closely related field is required.
Master’s degree preferred.
Four or more years of management or supervisory experience in non-profit business is required.
Possess knowledge and experience of applicable laws and ethics pertaining to the governance of a non-profit business.
General Information:
Four day work week: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Mon – Thurs. Occasional weekends.
Health insurance, Dental, Vision, Life insurance for eligible employees (company pays 100% premium for insurances).
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) and company match; additional non-elective contribution for 2 year tenure
Paid vacation, sick and holidays
Agency closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day (paid holiday time)
Continuing education opportunities
Fleet vehicles for itinerant visits
Salary commensurate with experience
No phone calls please.
Be sure to include resume when completing the on-line application below.
Indicate CEO under “Please list the job opening for which you are applying”
Work Remotely:
No
Job Type:
Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
CERTIFIED VISION REHABILITATION THERAPIST (CVRT)
Full-time Position (Lee County, Florida)
Lighthouse of Southwest Florida – 35 W. Mariana Ave., North Ft. Myers, FL 33903
Essential Duties:
Oversee all aspects of Vision Rehabilitation Services and training to ensure that clients achieve the level of independence established by their Rehabilitation Service Plan.
Essential Functions:
Administer assessments and interpret results to develop client rehabilitation plans within the scope of practice for vision rehabilitation.
Provide consultation, support, or education to groups such as parents and teachers.
Identify functional impact of visual impairments related to life skills.
Develop rehabilitation or instructional plans collaboratively with clients, based on results of assessments, needs, and goals.
Design and implement lesson plans, schedule classes and update curricula.
Develop group and individual instructional objectives in the areas of personal management, home management, communications, sensory development and leisure activities. Teach clients to read and write Braille. Teach clients to use adaptive equipment such as large print, reading stands, lamps, writing implements, software, and electronic devices.
Select and distribute instructional materials, aids, and appliances used in teaching according to agency protocols.
Monitor clients’ progress to determine whether changes in rehabilitation plans are needed.
Write reports or complete forms to document assessments, training, progress, or follow-up outcomes.
Provide outreach and itinerant services.
Work with all other instructors/program staff to ensure continuity of services.
Collaborate with specialists, such as rehabilitation counselors, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists, to provide client solutions.
Complete all necessary notes, reports, paperwork in a timely manner.
Employee is required to appear for work at the office location, or at client locations as scheduled, during work hours.
Other duties as assigned
Education and/or Experience:
Minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s Degree in Vision Rehabilitation or related field; Master’s Degree in Vision Rehab or related field preferred.
Three (3) years of experience in the field of Vision Rehabilitation preferred.
Computer Skills (Microsoft Office)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Must maintain professional accreditations, licensing and/or continued education as required.
General Information and Benefits:
Four-day work week: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Mon – Thurs. Occasional weekends.
Health insurance, Dental, Vision, Life insurance for eligible employees (company pays 100% premium for insurances).
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) and company match; additional non-elective contribution for 2-year tenure
Paid vacation, sick and holidays
Agency closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day (paid holiday time)
Continuing education opportunities
Fleet vehicles for itinerant visits
No Phone Calls please.
Be sure to include resume when completing the on-line application below.
Indicate CVRT under “Please list the job opening for which you are applying”
Work Remotely:
No
Job Type:
Full-time
Salary:
$58,000.00 – $64,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree (Required)
Experience:
Working with blind and low vision for 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
CVRT (Required)
Work Location:
One location
PROGRAM SERVICES SUPERVISOR – SOCIAL WORKER
Full-time Position (Lee County, Florida)
Lighthouse of Southwest Florida – 35 W. Mariana Ave., North Ft. Myers, FL 33903
General Responsibilities:
Oversee the development and implementation of the day-to-day administration of program services by ensuring the agency’s operation and programs are both effective and efficient.
Essential Duties:
Ensure appropriate operational monitoring of programs, supervision of program staff, contract/grant fulfillment and compliance, and program development to provide support to clients who are experiencing blindness or vision impairment.
Provide case management and counseling services to include social services assessments, interventions, and evaluations for individualized plans of care for clients who are experiencing blindness or vision impairment.
Essential Functions:
Provide leadership for the development, implementation, fulfillment and promotion of the organization’s mission, vision, strategic plan, and annual goals in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer. Lead team to continually strive for excellence in quality programs and customer service.
Cultivate an organizational culture within the program area that reflects the agency’s philosophy and values.
Supervise social worker(s), recreational therapist(s), and assistive technology specialist(s), including conducting performance evaluations, coaching and discipline as necessary. Supervise social work student interns.
Assists the Management Team to develop the organization’s Annual Operational Plan and Budget by providing budget information related to programming.
Manage program budget and approve program purchases.
Establish and maintain effective communication with the program staff and management team.
Complete program-related reporting to funding agencies.
Oversee processing of incoming referrals, including referrals from VisionRefer.
Oversee case management of adult programs including database management and collaboration of interdisciplinary team for client service deliverables.
Collaborate with program staff and instructors to refer clients to appropriate areas to address service plan needs. Follow up with instructors and clients for evaluation of service plan.
Participate in clinical staffing meetings with Lighthouse of SWFL and Division of Blind Services staff.
Assist in assessing the needs of newly referred clients by conducting initial intake assessment and Comprehensive Functional Assessment (CFA).
Conduct home visits as appropriate.
Assist individuals and families in the development and management of coping skills. Manage crises as needed.
Educate and assist clients to access community resources to address unmet needs.
Develop and implement intervention, treatment, and discharge plans to address vision rehabilitation and psychosocial needs of clients.
Follow up with clients as needed while they are receiving services.
Facilitate completion of outcome measures and/or contract required surveys.
Monitor completion of annual and case closure CFAs.
Advocate for clients.
Facilitate support groups (individuals & families).
Network with social service agencies, and other community partners that provide services to people with disabilities.
Provide written reports, as required by Lighthouse of SWFL.
Assist in providing educational presentations to agencies who are serving our clients and community partners.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word)
General Information:
Four day work week: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Mon –Thurs. Occasional weekends.
Health insurance, Dental, Vision, Life insurance for eligible employees (company pays 100% premium for insurances).
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) and company match; additional non-elective contribution for 2 year tenure
Paid vacation, sick and holidays
Agency closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day (paid holiday time)
Continuing education opportunities
Fleet vehicles for itinerant visits
No phone calls please.
Be sure to include resume when completing the on-line application below.
Indicate Program Services Supervisor under “Please list the job opening for which you are applying”
Work Remotely:
No
Job Type:
Full-time
Salary:
$65,000.00 – $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Full-time Position (Lee County, Florida) 38 hours
Lighthouse of Southwest Florida – 35 W. Mariana Ave., North Ft. Myers, FL 33903
Essential Duties:
Responsible for addressing the needs of visually impaired clients in the area of Assistive Technology to include the use of visual techniques, non-visual techniques (auditory and tactual), and strategies and problem-solving skills using various assistive technology devices and solutions.
Essential Functions:
Conduct and write Assistive Technology assessments for a variety of clients (college, vocational and recreational).
Teach all aspects of Assistive Technology and peripherals (including but not limited to screen magnification, screen reading software, optical character recognition software, PDA’s for the Blind, and GPS for the blind) to clients individually and/or in class setting/small group.
Maintain working knowledge of trends in technology.
Create sequential lesson plans, schedule classes and update curriculum.
Work with other instructors to ensure continuity of services and educational needs of clients.
Complete all necessary notes, reports, paperwork in a timely manner.
Maintain Assistive Technology lab.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma required. Bachelor or Master’s degree in related field preferred.
Three (3) years experience teaching Assistive Technology for the visually impaired preferred.
Prior teaching experience in a group setting highly preferred.
Computer Skills (Microsoft Office).
Certificates, Licensures, Registrations:
Florida DBS endorsement in Screen Magnification and Screen Reader required.
CATIS certification preferred.
Must maintain professional accreditations, licensing and/or continued education as required.
General Information and Benefits:
Four day work week: Mon – Thurs. Occasional weekends.
Health insurance, Dental, Vision, Life insurance for eligible employees (company pays 100% premium for insurances).
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) and company match; additional non-elective contribution for 2 year tenure
Paid vacation, sick and holidays
Agency closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day (paid holiday time)
Continuing education opportunities
Fleet vehicles for itinerant visits
No phone calls please.
Be sure to include resume when completing the on-line application below.
Indicate Assistive Technology Specialist under “Please list the job opening for which you are applying”
Job Type:
Full-time
Salary:
$18.00 – $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
TRANSPORTATION & MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST
Full-Time Position (32 hours per week)
Lighthouse of Southwest Florida – 35 W. Mariana Ave., North Ft. Myers, FL 33903
General Responsibilities:
Provide assistance to transportation and building and grounds maintenance.
Essential Duties:
Operate fleet vehicles equipped to provide non-emergency transport of blind or visually impaired passengers to include accommodations of wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers and offering safe transportation.
Assist Maintenance Supervisor with the day-to-day maintenance of the building and grounds.
Essential Functions:
Serve as driver for transportation trips for disabled persons of all ages.
Ensures safety of all passengers
Provides assistance required to safely board and un-board wheelchair bound passengers.
Complete required transport documentation examples: maintenance logs, trip logs, and mileage reports.
Assist with estimating trip time and planning routes that will best serve passenger.
Use knowledge of local area, GPS, and/or mapping applications to avoid high traffic areas and to ensure the shortest and safest route to destination.
Arrive at the predetermined locations on time and as scheduled.
Inspect and maintain the cleanliness of the fleet vehicles.
Ensures that the fleet vehicles’ maintenance schedule is up-to-date; confirms that there are no mechanical issues.
Performs general cleaning and maintenance tasks in the center.
Maintains inventory of cleaning and maintenance supplies.
Assists Maintenance Supervisor with the day-to-day maintenance of building and grounds.
Report any building and grounds maintenance issues or repairs that need to be performed.
Ensure assigned tasks are completed in a timely manner and according to operating procedures.
Employee is required to appear for work at the office location, or at client locations as scheduled, during work hours which may include some weekends.
Other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
Knowledge of basic maintenance functions, including basic electric, plumbing, HVAC, painting, and upkeep of grounds.
Possession of the patience and tact necessary for contacts with individuals, both adult and children, and their caregivers.
Must be reliable and capable of working independently and remaining calm in case of emergency.
Excellent inter-personal skills with ability to establish rapport and demonstrate empathy toward clients with visual impairment and other disabilities
Detail-oriented and excellent organizational skills
Ability to work independently and to multi-task under pressure with close attention to details and accuracy
Possess high level of honesty and confidentiality
Professional maturity and judgment
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent required
Two years of passenger vehicle driving experience preferred
Satisfactory completion of a company training program in passenger assistance techniques, sensitivity training, and map reading, or demonstrated competence based on previous employment experience preferred.
Computer Skills (Microsoft Office Word, Outlook, Excel)
Certificates, Licensures, Registrations:
Valid Florida Driver’s License
Motor Vehicle Record in compliance with FDOT standards and insurance coverage requirements.
CPR/First Aid Certificate desired
General Information:
Four-day work week: Mon – Thurs. Occasional weekends.
Health insurance, Dental, Vision, Life insurance for eligible employees (company pays 100% premium for insurances).
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) and company match; additional non-elective contribution for 2 year tenure
Paid vacation, sick and holidays
Agency closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day (paid holiday time)
Continuing education opportunities
Fleet vehicles for itinerant visits
No phone calls please.
Be sure to include resume when completing the on-line application below.
Indicate Transportation & Maintenance Specialist under “Please list the job opening for which you are applying”
Job Type:
Part-time
Salary:
$15.00 – $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Education:
High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
Passenger Vehicle Driving: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Florida Driver’s License (Required)
Work Location:
One location