Family Support Specialist for Blindness and Visual Impairment (BVI) - PaTTAN

A vacancy exists for a Family Support Specialist for Blindness and Visual Impairment (BVI) to work for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit at PaTTAN - East! The Family Support Specialist will provide technical assistance and training related to blindness and visual impairment as part of the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN). They will be responsible for assisting and providing leadership in communication with families and educators on improving services to student who are blind or visually impaired. They will design and develop family engagement training materials and resources in collaboration with educational consultants and other family support specialists that will be used across statewide BSE/PaTTAN initiative areas. In addition, they will provide training and technical assistance and professional development to families and educational professionals. They will work collaboratively with statewide family organizations. Qualifications Personal and/or family experience navigating educational programming for individuals with blindness or visual impairments strongly preferredLived experience with blindness or low vision, including individuals who are blind or have low vision themselves, or those with close personal experience (e.g., family member or caregiver).Demonstrated understanding of the impact of vision loss on individuals and families.1-3 years of experience in any specialized area required as part of the job functions preferred (training and support will be available)Associates/BS Degree in general field preferred.Expertise (includes one or more of the following):Professional approach to their work that includes very strong customer service skills.Strong Technology skills, including extensive use of Microsoft applications as well as MCIU software.Specialized skills in area to be able to work autonomously as proven through work experience.Customer service with staff, students and familiesFamiliarity and ability to use various technology and database systemsAbility to multi-task with attention to detailNecessary to be flexible and adaptable to various interruptionsProblem-solving ability and experience de-escalating contentious situations with students and familiesOriginal certificates of clearance from the State Police, Child Abuse Registry, and PDE FBI Duties & Responsibilities Participates as full member of the PaTTAN training and technical support teamWorks with PaTTAN Educational Consultants across PaTTAN initiative areas to ensure that family needs and perspectives are representedAssists in the development and implementation of professional development for families and professionalsProvides strategies to effectively engage families whose children are blind or visually impairedParticipates in regional and statewide meetingsParticipates in conferences, institutes, and academies as part of the PaTTAN teamAssists in the development of resource materials that specifically assist families and LEAs in understanding the critical role that families play in the education of students who are blind or visually impairedAnalyzes services to make recommendations for improved effectivenessProvides confidential guidance to families and LEAs pertaining to rights ensured through procedural safeguardsProvides guidance to families and LEAs to increase collaborative practice before/during/after challenging communicationsGuides work of the PaTTAN Schools Engaging Families and Blindness/Visual Impairment initiatives, and federally grant-funded statewide family networkPerforms other duties as required by PaTTAN Director and/or Assistant Director Location: PaTTAN-East is located at 2500 Monroe Boulevard, Suite 110, Norristown, PA 19403. Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 7.0 hours/day, 12 months (260-262 days/year) Salary $27.41/hour - $32.25/hour (PS2) About Us The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, a regional educational service agency, provides dynamic, visionary leadership and effective, efficient services for constituent school districts, schools and students. Why Should You Apply? Competitive salary.Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance coverage.Tuition reimbursement.Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.Participation in PSERS (Public School Employees' Retirement System).Paid time off benefits. How To Apply Applications can be submitted online at www.mciu.org/careers (Job ID: 1722). Please contact the Human Resources Office at careers@mciu.org or 610-755-9307 if you have any questions or need assistance. The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Key Words Education Family Support Montgomery County