Visual Impairment Services Coordinator

The Visual Impairment Services Coordinator is responsible for coordination, planning and preparation of compliance documents for students eligible for students with visual impairments as well as providing services or coordinating services through contractors. The Visual Impairment Services Coordinator is responsible for working with the Special Education Teacher, Evaluation, and Related Service personnel in maintaining all data integrity regarding reporting for all special needs students including date of ARDs, instructional setting, PEIMS, and student disability, etc. This role will serve multiple campuses.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree and Teacher of the Visually Impaired certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of all applicable federal and state laws as well as local policies and procedures
• Knowledge of instructional materials, technology, and state evaluation.
• Skilled in communicating effectively with parents, teachers, campus administrators and administrative personnel.
• Skilled in working with computer platforms, including but not limited to, Google apps, eSped, Word documents and spreadsheets.
• Skilled in working in collaborative team-based environments
• Skilled in working with, and presenting, to diverse populations of students, parents, and others
• Ability to exercise good judgment in decision making, especially in difficult circumstances.

• Knowledge in principles and techniques of individualized instruction and behavior management; assessment, subject area, and instructional methods, techniques and tools for students with visual impairment
• Knowledge of practices used to develop skills related to self-help; equipment and devices used to teach students with visual impairment Current trends and innovations related to educating students with visual impairment
• Knowledge of psychological, social and vocational impacts of visual impairment
• Knowledge of post-high school vocational opportunities for students with visual impairment
• Knowledge of braille and the use of braille in a school setting
• Knowledge of individual education plan requirements and implementation
• Ability to teach children in grade levels and age ranges as assigned

Experience:

• At least 2 years teaching experience in special education
• Prefer experience with computer based documentation systems

Essential Job Functions:

• Evaluate the individual needs of the student and create a specific program to meet these needs, which may be academic and/or social in nature
• Evaluate and make periodic reports on the academic achievement and personal adjustment of the visually impaired student in cooperation with the regular classroom teacher and principal
• Consult on a regular basis with classroom teachers in planning the instructional program for students with visual impairments
• Confer frequently with parents and school staff members on each student’s progress
• Provide appropriate physical and psychological environments to establish and reinforce acceptable student behavior, attitudes, social skills and self-image
• Assist the classroom teacher in understanding and working with the visually impaired student
• Conduct assessment and evaluation of students' vision needs; attend and serve as a member of the IEP team to determine eligibility of students for program; assist in the development of IEP instructional goals and objectives; assist in identifying other related services for the student; evaluate student progress and submit reports in a timely manner to coincide with IEP review meetings
• Establish a varied environment which accommodates the differing ways students learn
• Provide, secure, or develop special equipment and materials including tapes, books, software,
• Provide, secure, or develop special equipment and materials including tapes, books, software, digital and electronic materials, as available and needed for each student
• Teach special skills as needed which may include braille, typing, writing, daily living, prevocational skills, and community access
• Work directly with individual students with visual impairment and develop goals and objectives
• Prepare reports required by state and/or local education agency (VI census) and obtain required reports and consult with students’ physician regarding students' physical condition
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative working relationships with parents, staff, school district personnel, and other community service agencies
• Maintain effective and timely written and oral communication with parents, staff, school personnel, and community agencies; attend various school related meetings
• Provide parent education related to students' needs
• Consult with teachers, vision educators, paraprofessionals, and other members of the educational team
• Provide in-service training and consultation to staff, school district personnel, volunteers, and agency personnel
• Work with regular education staff to foster integration of special education students

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None
 

Equipment used:  Computer, printer, scanner, calculator, telephone, electronic mobile device, shredder, assistive technology for students with visual impairments

Working Conditions:  Physical Demands /Mental Demands/ Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described 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 and expectations.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.  Regularly sit, talk or listen; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate. The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail.  There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.  Regularly perform multiple, highly complex, tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions and compliance with legal guidelines. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances and integrating into different school environments. Regular attendance expected.