GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides direct and consultative services to and for visually impaired children in order to assure maximum growth in all developmental areas.  Services may include (a) evaluation and assessment, (b) direct instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum, (c) and liaison with parents, teachers, agencies, and administrators.

 

ESSENTIAL TASKS

 

• Provides evaluations of visually impaired students, specifically in the areas of the learning media and functional low vision.
• Provides consultation to other members of the evaluation team on effective and appropriate assessment techniques for use with visually impaired students.
• Participates actively in the multidisciplinary team process in annually developing and reviewing the IEP and in assisting with three-year reevaluations.
• Provides direct instruction in areas specified on the IEP, specifically in areas of the expanded core curriculum (e.g., Braille reading and writing, utilization of low vision devices, listening skills, basic concepts, social skills, Nemeth code, technology, etc.).
• Consults or facilitate the process of transition between: (a) preschool program and elementary school, (b) elementary and middle school, (c) middle and high school, (d) high school to adult life. Provide orientation to the new school building and staff prior to attendance.
• Provides consultation and in-service to other educators and parents on appropriate techniques and materials for educating visually impaired students.
• Coordinates communication and services among educators, parents, administrators, eye doctors, and all other service providers working with individual students.
• Provides appropriately adapted materials (e.g. Braille or large print textbooks, audio materials), and equipment to assure maximum participation in the educational process.
• Recommends adaptations in the learning environment to meet the needs of individual students (e.g. appropriate lighting, preferential seating).
• Maintains accurate records and supply appropriate reports in areas such as student progress.
• Serves as the DRM, digital rights manager, for the program for visually impaired, in charge of placing orders for alternate format materials.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of RCPS curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum, RCPS policies, and effective instructional practices; thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process; ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education; ability to infuse technology into curriculum; ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school based staff, students, parents, and community; excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university.  Applicants must hold - or be eligible for - a Virginia teaching license with a Special Education - Visual Impairment (or similar) licensure endorsement.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling. The teaching environment requires light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently or to move objects; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily controlled temperature and clean classroom environment. Exposure to outside elements may occur during transitions, field trips, and recess.

 

RCPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities.  The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Hayley Poland – Title IX Coordinator (540) 853-1393.