Job Placement Associate

Job Placement Associate

MANA-SOTA LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND INC 7318

North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 $45,000 - $50,000 a year $45,000 - $50,000 a year

LIGHTHOUSE VISION LOSS CENTER JOB DESCRIPTION JOB PLACEMENT ASSOCIATE UPDATED

February 2026

FLSA STATUS:

Salary Exempt

SUPERVISOR

Vocational Rehabilitation Career and Assistive Technology Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Job Placement Associate is primarily responsible for assisting in guiding persons with visual impairments during and following the completion of the online Lighthouse Employment Services Training Program. The Job Placement Associate will assist in seeking paid job opportunities, paid and non-paid internships, and WBLE/work experiences for Lighthouse clients with visual disabilities with local and national employers, community, and government organizations. The role will also assist in facilitating job placements through communication with employers or community organizations. In addition, the Job Placement Associate will cross-train with the Assistive Technology Department to provide support to clients as needed. Because assistive technology is a core requirement for many individuals with visual impairments to attain and sustain employment, the associate will be equipped to instruct or reinforce basic assistive technology skills in collaboration with the Assistive Technology team. This cross-training ensures a seamless client experience and promotes employment readiness by addressing both job skills and technology needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

Establish and maintain relationships with local employers, national business and government organizations, and community groups to build a network for job placements for Lighthouse clients with visual disabilities. Responsible to maintain the database of members of local and national employers, community organizations and state and local government agencies Assist in researching On the Job Training (OJT), Work Based Learning Experience (WBLE), volunteer and internship opportunities for Lighthouse vocational rehabilitation program participants with visual disabilities. Responsible for researching and attending job fairs, performing community outreach, and attending other career networking events to promote employer awareness and potential employment opportunities for qualified people with visual disabilities. Responsible for procuring guest speakers, preferably individuals with visual impairments, to volunteer as guest speakers to present content online or for the Employment Services Training Program. Guest speakers can include business owners, career specialists, informational guest speakers, etc. Research current job listings for individuals with visual impairments to identify current job openings related to their training, education, experience and identified career goal. Assist Lighthouse clients as needed in attending job fairs, job interviews, new employee orientations and training, and perform onsite job coaching when necessary. Assist in evaluating job content, working environment, and the ability of the employer to meet job accommodations and solutions to employment barriers if needed. Assist with Lighthouse Virtual Employment Services Training Program modules if needed Assists in gathering, analyzing, and maintaining data and statistical information to evaluate effectiveness of the Employment Services Training Program Maintain necessary contact as required with Vocational Rehabilitation Career Manager, DBS counselors, Lighthouse clients,employers, community organizations, and state and local government agencies. Attend meetings and trainings as needed.

Other Functions:

Support Lighthouse's fund-raising activities. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

An associate degree from an accredited college/university preferably with relevant coursework in human resources, public relations, behavioral or social sciences, healthcare, or related fields is required and/or equivalent experience One year of experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities is preferred. Experience in career placement services is a plus. Strong computer and internet skills. Familiar with the Zoom platform. Proficiency with Google Suite applications and/or Microsoft Office applications. Strong attention to detail is a must Excellent oral and written communication skills. Required knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Bi-lingual is a plus Must be able/willing to travel within the five counties that we serve. Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in order to meet Lighthouse established deadlines. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work along with meet schedules and timelines. Ability to work cooperatively as a team member to meet organizational goals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to communicate efficiently both orally and in writing.

Other Requirements:

If an employee drives a car for Lighthouse business, a valid Florida driver's license, good driving record and proof of insurance are required. Pass a Level II background check. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.