Vision Program Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the teacher of the visually impaired, the vision assistant will enhance the effectiveness of learning opportunities for visually impaired students by providing direct instruction to students to increase their visual efficiency skills, modifying materials, and assisting students in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment. The person in this position will provide Braille material and instruction in the Braille code in accordance with WAC 181-82-130.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the vision program staff with modifications and supplemental services necessary for the education of students with visual impairments. Provide Braille instruction to students with visual impairments under the guidance of the vision teacher. Modify classroom work for students with visual impairments. Plan daily/weekly individual lessons based on IEP goals and objectives. Assist in implementing each student's IEP goals and objectives. Transcribe materials into Braille and interline student Brailled materials. Assist in the production, ordering, dissemination and return of Braille, large print and audio materials and equipment. Maintain appropriate communication with the vision program supervisor and staff, and other district personnel and agencies. Consult with classroom teachers to provide accurate and appropriately adapted materials. Operate, and assist students in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment such as Braillers, keyboarding equipment, electronic scanners, low vision devices and personal computers. Train other staff members in the use of specialized equipment. Assist in providing instruction to students on how to use low vision devices and equipment. Work toward developing and maintaining, in oneself and in the students, proper attitudes, good work habits and respect for the rights and properties of others and to maximize students' independence. Assist in the maintenance of confidentiality of student records. Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports. Keep instructional staff informed of any special needs or problems of individual students. Maintain Braille competency skills as mandated by the State of Washington. Assist the vision program staff with promoting and maintaining program goals. Provide technical information to paraeducators and other staff regarding accommodations and materials used by visually impaired students. Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Work collaboratively with others fostering a team approach, whenever appropriate. Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Associate's degree or minimum of two years of college One year experience working with visually-impaired children and/or supporting teacher(s) of visually impaired Preferred Qualifications Existing certification as a Braillist Conditions of Employment Successful completion of a Unified English Braille (UEB) certification exam within one year of employment, as required by WAC 181-82-130. Successful completion of the Unified English Braille (UEB) recertification exam every five years as required by WAC 181-82-130. Criminal background clearance. Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis. Valid Washington state driver's license. History of consistent attendance and positive evaluations. Knowledge Of Microsoft Windows and/or other computer operating systems. Microsoft Office. Familiarity with general software programs. Ability To Learn and demonstrate an understanding of literary and Nemeth Braille for reading, math, writing, and translation purposes in accordance with WAC 181-82-130. Collaborate effectively with classroom teachers, related service providers, students, parents, and building staff members. Meet the needs of students, staff, and parents. Respond to needs for materials modifications. Follow written and verbal instructions with minimum supervision. Speak, read, and follow written communications in English. Demonstrate the desire, skill, and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs. Demonstrate willingness to continue professional growth. Interact positively with a wide range of temperaments and personalities. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Demonstrate proficiency using an e-mail system. Demonstrate basic knowledge modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency. Demonstrate exemplary customer service and have the ability to effectively interact with administrators, office, support and teaching staff, applicants and other community members. Remain flexible. Cope with frequent interruptions and to shift priorities to meet required deadlines. Attend to detail and follow tasks through to completion. Exercise initiative, make independent decisions, multi-task and follow through on assignments. Demonstrate work as a team member and resolve conflicts. Resolve routine problems and make decisions within established parameters. Cope with and assist angry or distraught staff, applicants, and other community members. Maintain a high level of confidentiality. Maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups in a multicultural and diverse community. Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality. Abide by Federal Way Public Schools' Policies and Procedures. Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others. Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District. Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future." Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee may occasionally be required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will constantly be required to sit for extended periods of time and use a computer screen and keyboard, and occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 5 pounds and must frequently lift/carry up to 10 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 20 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum weight of 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position constantly deals with interruptions and frequently deals with angry and distraught employees and community members. This position requires driving to student placements to provide services and to deliver materials and equipment.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is for 180 days per year during the school year. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

This position reports to, and is evaluated by the certificated teacher of the visually impaired.

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION

Level C on the Prof-Tech salary schedule.

EEO STATEMENT

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Federal Way Public Schools