Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired with Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

About the role

The Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking an Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired who will provide early intervention services to young children with visual impairments and their families. This position will collaborate with other disciplines and participate in various meetings and trainings.

Responsibilities

• Provides instruction throughout the school year and up to 25 days during the summer for early intervention outreach or ESY.
• Collaborates effectively with other disciplines.
• Provides instruction in the use of low vision aids.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform routine computer functions and complete specialized assessments.
• Maintains a safe, age-appropriate learning environment for children and their families.
• Modifies and adapts materials and the environment to meet the needs of each child.
• Understands and implements the parent training model for Early Intervention services.
• Provides both informational and hands-on training to families; attends medical appointments as needed.
• Participates in IFSP meetings, quarterly meetings, and staff meetings as scheduled.
• Stay current with developments in the field of visual impairment education.
• Participate in in-service training, conferences, and professional learning communities.
• Incorporate Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) components, including compensatory skills, assistive technology, self-determination, and independent living skills.
• Develop and adapt instructional materials, using tactile, auditory, and visual strategies appropriate for each student.
• Conduct functional vision evaluations (FVE) and learning media assessments (LMA) to determine instructional needs annually.
• Instruct in pre-braille/braille reading, writing and math; auditory learning strategies; and creation of accessible materials and instruction for students with CVI.
• Follow age-appropriate curricula and modify to suit individual goals, and provide specially designed instruction on an individual basis when required.
• Organize a collection of student data.
• Implement and follow positive behavior plans/goals for students.
• Complete report cards or progress reports as required. Communicates with parents/others about a child's progress.
• Train and support educational staff in best practices for working with students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Completes required paperwork related to service provision, including state, county, and OSB-mandated documentation.
• Completes the required paperwork necessary for students to register for quota funding available through American Printing House for the Blind annually.
• Conducts vision assessments and develops corresponding reports and individualized goals.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date child files to ensure compliance with the standards of various funding agencies and counties.
• Demonstrates flexibility and reliability in meeting the needs of the program and families served.
• Performs other essential duties as assigned and adheres to the policies and guidelines outlined in the OSB employee handbook.

Qualifications

• Maintain a professional attitude at all times and fulfill assigned duties and special activities.
• Contribute as a member of the program team to the long range planning efforts of the program and the school.
• Demonstrate problem solving ability and flexibility and a willingness to work with others to ensure the best program for the children.
• Demonstrate good time management skills.
• Demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.
• Demonstrate competence in understanding the visual etiologies of the students.
• Demonstrate skills in effectively interacting with the parents.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrate crisis intervention skills and leadership skills with respect to the home/classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.

Skills

• Current PA Teacher of the Visually Impaired Certification.
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2 person lifts.
• Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.