Braillist

Position Purpose

Transcribes materials into braille and tutors students in the use of braille in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Modifies materials, including large print, digital, and auditory formats. Checks and corrects student’s work completed in braille. Prepares printed copies of student work for general education teachers and parents. Works under a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and collaborates with school staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps; (or willing to learn)
;
• Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines;
• Effective time management skills;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students;
• Ability to recognize variations in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, administrators, support staff, and other stakeholders.

Education, Training, And Experience

• High school diploma or GED;
• Braille transcription experience or willing to commit to completion of literary braille transcription training modules within six (6) months of hire, and completion of math braille transcription training modules within twelve (12) months of hire.

Certification And License Requirements

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Performs transcription of braille formats and codes.
• Prepares instructional materials including textbooks, tests, daily assignments (on the Promethean), units, maps, and diagrams for students with visual impairments.
• Confers directly with Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments regarding specific problems, formats, and special needs in the transcription of materials.
• Collaborates with staff on revisions within braille codes and formats.
• Keeps updated on new transcribing rules and materials; as new materials become available, evaluates, and advises staff on them.
• May assist and consult daily with TSVI and regular education teacher.
• Communicate daily with regular education classroom teachers to get student assignments that need to be modified and place them in the student's agenda.
• Keep documentation and records about daily activities in all classes for TSVI, as requested.
• Assist with instruction in the VI (Visually Impaired) Resource Room, such as tutoring students in braille, organizational skills, and in academic areas, etc., as needed.
• Aid students with visual impairments in the regular education classroom with accessing materials, presentations, etc., and inform the student of what is happening in the classroom.
• Follow up with students on tasks as needed. For example: extra practice in a particular O&M skill, OT skill, low vision aid, etc., as directed by TSVI, O&M Specialist, or OTOT, or O&M Specialist.
• Attend team meetings, as needed.
• Attend IEP meetings for assigned students when requested.
• Aid getting students on/off transportation in the morning and afternoon, as needed.
• Aid/accompany students on field trips to provide auditory information and ensure student safe travel.
• Participate in on-going training for specialized software, modified tools, braille codes, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the local school administration (which should not take precedence over serving students in the visual impairment program).
• Represent the VI program to other school personnel, parents, and students in a professional, respectful, and friendly manner.
• Respect the confidentiality of student information at all times and be especially vigilant when talking to parents.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• In this position, employees in this position are required to work in indoor and outdoor environments.
• This role may use standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers.
• The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, external agencies, vendors, and the community.
• Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force.
• The work frequently requires activities involving driving automotive equipment as regular travel is required among WCPSS schools and central services locations.