DeafBlind Specialist I

Position Type:
Student Support Services

Date Posted:
5/6/2026

Location:
Anywhere in Illinois

Date Available:
ASAP

Closing Date:
Until Filled.
JOB DESCRIPTION - DEAFBLIND SPECIALIST I

TITLE .. DeafBlind Specialist
CLASSIFICATION .. Certified (TRS)
STATUS FLSA Exempt
REPORTS TO . Project Reach Coordinator
EVALUATION . Project Reach Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS :
The applicant will hold current Illinois State Board of Education licensure in one or more of the following areas:
Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired or Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or LBSII: Deaf/Blind Specialist or
LBSII: Multiple Disabilities Specialist

JOB GOAL :
The function of the DeafBlind Specialist I is to implement the activities described in the Illinois Project Reach grant application. The DeafBlind Specialist I provides technical assistance, coaching, and training to families and service providers of children and youth who are DeafBlind or who are at risk for DeafBlindness between the ages of birth and 22.

MAJOR DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL
• Communication skills, including meeting facilitation skills
• Ability to complete tasks within a timeline after direction and training
• Technology skills, including remote meeting platforms and social media
• Sign language and/or Spanish, preferred
• Experience with children/youth with deafblindness preferred.

CHILD IDENTIFICATION
1. Make annual contact with agencies that serve or are likely to serve children who are DeafBlind.
2. Provide information and training to assist local service providers in identifying children with DeafBlindness or at-risk for DeafBlindness.
3. Assist with completion of referral forms to Project Reach.
4. Obtain vision and hearing medical records.
5. Interpret medical information to determine child needs.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
1. Process requests for Technical Assistance and write technical assistance plans/agreements.
2. Write, coordinate, evaluate and document completion of technical assistance services.
4. Train service providers in specific topics related to DeafBlindness, including evidence-based strategies for children with DeafBlindness.
5. Participate IFSP/ IEP meetings, or give input as needed.
6. Conduct home visits to provide family-based technical assistance.
7. Assist in evaluation of technical assistance.

GRANT MANAGEMENT
1. Collect and update demographic information for the DeafBlind Child Count
2. Document information regarding child demographics and technical assistance activities in the Technical Assistance Effectiveness Database (TED).
3. Document family and service provider contacts in TED
4. Attend Project Reach staff meetings.
5. Assist in obtaining materials and services needed to comply with requirements of ADA (interpreters, Braille materials, etc.)

LIAISON
1. Maintain collaborative relationships with service provider agencies.
2. Collaborate with state agency and community entities.
3. Assist with child transition from Part C to Part B services.
4. Assist with student transition from Part B services to adult services, including linkages to HKNC.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Maintain area of certification, licensures, and/or credentials.
2. Attend professional development activities related to job responsibilities.
3. Coordinate with other specialists and consultants to share areas of expertise.
4. Provide information for project newsletter and assist in editing.
5. Submit articles in local and statewide newsletters relating to the needs of children who are DeafBlind.
6. Document use of training materials and trainings
7. Make presentations on DeafBlindness and related areas at statewide conferences and meetings.
8. Participate in national learning communities and work groups as assigned.
9. Assist with grant application process.
10. Submit a monthly calendar with time accounted for.

TIME COMMITMENT: FULL TIME: 32 - 40 hours per week; benefits available
PART TIME/JOB SHARE: 15-20 hours per week: no benefits

GEPA (Section 427) Compliance: Project Reach is committed to a policy of equal treatment and equality of opportunity in all employment and services provided, void of discriminatory regard for race, gender, color, national origin, age or disability.

Apply at Student Services