Adjustment Counselor

[per diem, year round]

$33.00 - $36.00 per hour

ARE YOU passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals who are adjusting to blindness or low vision?   Do you want to provide emotional guidance to clients on their journey? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

ABOUT US

Each year, the Carroll Center for the Blind helps nearly 1,300 blind or visually impaired children, adults and senior citizens gain the skills they need to live active and fulfilling lives. Our Newton campus houses our rehabilitation program, computer training classes, low vision store, and administrative offices. A large portion of our programs are services conducted in public schools, students’ homes, and their communities.

WHO WE SEEK

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and mission driven Adjustment Counselor who will be instrumental in providing clients in maximizing their capacity for personal growth and reducing any barriers to learning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support & Listening:
  • Provide individual and group counseling to help clients adjust to their vision loss.
  • Provide additional support to clients during their first week at CCB, as needed.
  • Proactively design intervention services and treatment plans that support the client’s social and emotional well-being.
  • Create a welcoming and safe environment where clients feel comfortable expressing their concerns and needs.
  • Actively listen to clients and help them articulate their challenges, turning their feedback into actionable steps.
  • Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions 1-2 times per week, and collaborate with the client’s team to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all clients.
  • Provide mental health support to summer students (limited time).
Adjustment & Vision Rehabilitation Guidance:
  • Support and advise clients on the emotional and practical aspects of adjusting to vision loss.
  • Identify strategies, provide necessary support and training to the Rehab and Dorm staff to handle difficult situations, implement individualized client plans, and update the staff with revisions accordingly.
  • Help clients navigate the personal, social, and professional challenges of vision loss, focusing on building their independence and confidence.
  • Provide insight and guidance on vision rehabilitation, ensuring clients are aware of available resources and strategies for coping.
Collaboration with Staff:
  • Work closely with program staff to ensure client needs are being met.
  • Communicate client feedback to the team in a timely manner, offering suggestions for improvement based on what you hear from clients.
  • Provide support to staff regarding client behaviors and emotional needs.
Fostering A Positive Environment:
  • Contribute to creating an energetic, positive, and safe environment at the Carroll Center.
  • Encourage a sense of community and support among clients and staff.
  • Help build an environment where clients feel safe, empowered, and ready to take the next step in their vision rehabilitation journey.
  • Identify strategies, provide necessary support and training to the Rehab and Dorm staff to handle difficult situations, implement individualized client plans, and update the staff with revisions accordingly.
Other:
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of 2 years experience working with clients or patients adjusting to vision loss, a disability, or chronic illnesses required.
  • Excellent listening and communication skills for effectively advising team members, clients, and external stakeholders.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace for daily communications and documentation.
  • Demonstrated initiative and a proactive mindset when working with clients and staff.
  • Strong organization skills and the ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams
  • Demonstrated empathy and sensitivity towards clients and their families, required.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to the client’s evolving needs.
  • Ability to provide emotional support and counseling to patients
  • Knowledge of the types, symptoms, and presentation of emotional and psychiatric disorders in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct self in a professional manner and represent the department and its mission accurately.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form (linked below). Should you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please email hr@carroll.org and we will be happy to assist you.

The Carroll Center for the Blind is a private, non-profit agency located in Newton, Massachusetts that serves persons of All Ages and All Stages of Vision Loss. We are close to Boston, Cambridge, Wellesley, Watertown, Waltham, Allston/Brighton, and on public transit routes.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Carroll Center for the Blind (CCB) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and always fosters acceptance for everyone. We offer fair opportunities to all qualified persons in recruitment and selection, employment, compensation and benefits, professional development and training, transfers, promotions, social activities, and the use of CCB’s facilities. CCB welcomes all qualified applicants and ensures that everyone will receive equal consideration for employment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military, or veteran status, political or union affiliation, or any other categories protected by Federal or State law. The CCB culture embraces both the law and a work environment that is safe, positive, diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Our mission and impact shines brightly on all.