Easterseals Rural Rehabilitation Specialist

Nebraska AgrAbility, a program of Easterseals Nebraska, is looking for a professional who has the ability to provide comprehensive education and rehabilitation technology services to Nebraska farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Services will include case management, coordination of support services, on-farm visitation to determine assistive technology needs necessary to regain or maintain farm and ranch employment, including the production of a written assessment.

Responsibilities and Duties:

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  Comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations as appropriate for the position.
• Comply with all policies and procedures of the agency, including those specified in the employee handbook and AgrAbility services manual.
• Identify client needs in the areas of equipment/assistive technology, financial, education, employment, independent living, peer support, safety, and be able to assess the risk of secondary injury.
• Develop an individualized assessment and recommendations report that detail how the recommendations made will enable or enhance worker productivity.
• Refer clients to the proper service professionals based on their individual needs.
• Provide funding coordination.
• Maintain individual service records, outcome data and other relevant records.
• Develop personal and professional growth through participation in educational opportunities and training.
• Create visuals and provide information and training as a regular expectation of education, marketing and marketing objectives.
• Perform other duties as directed or assigned.

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  Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, health care services, occupational or physical therapy, engineering, ag business, ag economics, or a related field.
• Candidates with two-year agricultural associates degrees will be considered with relevant experience.
• Must have knowledge of all areas of Nebraska agriculture, especially cash grain and livestock production.
• Thorough understanding of an agricultural worksite, farm culture and working knowledge of how to operate farm equipment safely.
• Ability to recognize unsafe practices, identifying areas of improvement to prevent primary or secondary injury on the farm/ranch.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, including ability to effectively communicate with clients, vendors, and co-workers while maintaining outstanding level of professionalism.
• Have the creative ability to create content and use social media and online networking platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Proficient in remote, distance-based technologies, such as the use of Teams and Zoom.
• Keyboarding and computer navigation skills are necessary, preferable using Apple/Mac products. Required skill sets include Word, Excel, and presentation software (PowerPoint or Canva), as well as Gmail and/or Outlook for email communication.
• Have the ability to navigate online resources for farmers and ranchers with a basic understanding of medical terminology and the types and origins of disabilities and have the ability to assess functional physical limitations to make assistive technology recommendations to correct those limitations.
• Individual must have the drive, initiative and ingenuity to create solutions in complex cases.
• Be flexible and have the desire to conduct program outreach, develop professional presentations, and deliver or facilitate such presentations for both large and small groups across the state of Nebraska or online.
• Must have designated workspace and discipline to work independently from a home office.
• A high-speed home internet connection is required.

Must have a valid Nebraska driver license and vehicle. Occasional overnight stays throughout Nebraska, and out of state for continuing education, will be necessary.