Teacher of the Visually Impaired

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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push-in and/or pull-out based on students’ needs.
• Collects data through interviews with family members, observations in other therapy sessions and/or by conducting annual Functional Vision Learning Media Assessments (FVLMA) to identify adaptations or accommodations for students’ visual needs.
• Creates goals for each assigned student and monitors and documents progress, maintaining student records and preparing FVLMA reports, Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and quarterly progress reports.
• Participates in IEP meetings and team meetings, parent-teacher and CSE meetings; participates in legal hearings when necessary and appropriate.
• Carefully plans lessons and creates and organizes materials in advance while regularly assessing students’ needs, adjusting lessons, goals, and/or benchmarks accordingly.
• Collaborates with teachers, related service providers and coordinates with MSA Assistive Technology Team within the school setting to ensure that a comprehensive educational plan is in place to meet the student’s individual educational needs.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials, as needed including the creation of book boxes, adapted books, brailled materials, and tangible symbols.
• Communicates and collaborates with parents and outside professionals as needed, specifically as they impact the student’s educational plan.
• Provides vision education consultation services to all staff members, as needed.
• Participates in professional development opportunities within MSA and beyond.
• Adheres to department and school policies and procedures.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Experienced TVIs may be selected for assignment as Senior Teacher of the Visually impaired and may perform the following duties in addition to the above:

• Manages or provides assistance to other TVIs on more complex cases by coordinating meetings, identifying resources and/or coordinating with other MSA staff, family and/or providers to support students’ needs including coordination for assistive technology with AT department and related service providers.
• Collaborates with outside organizations within the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies, educational materials or student registrations for services including APH, NYSCB, NYDBC.
• Assists with oversight of day-to-day department operations in the absence of the Director, attending meetings, answering inquiries and ensuring compliance with department policies and procedures. 
• Serves as a role model for and provides ongoing mentorship, support and encouragement to colleagues in the Department and assists in providing supervision to Vision Specialists, graduate students, and/or interns; assists newly hired staff in using systems, share drives and assigning training schedules.
• Organizes professional development opportunities, coordinating sessions for vision staff and assists in organizing and planning departmental special events.
• Meets regularly with Director to assist with departmental initiatives including new programs, trainings and/or staffing, providing honest feedback and proactively making recommendations and presenting ideas to increase the success of the department as a whole, including improvements to vision-related services.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Master’s Degree; and 
• Current certification and registration as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired, issued by the New York State Education Department. 
• Well organized with superior attention to detail and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Able to work with a great degree of independence and focus
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs, including experience using PowerPoint for the creation of adapted books
• Participates in professional development and CTLE in order to maintain state licensure
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge, competence and skills in assessment, creating individualized lesson plans and goal setting
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Cortical Vision Impairment including CVI Range Assessment, Complexity Framework and CVI/AAC Matrix

In addition to above, for assignment to Senior TVI, must also meet the following additional requirements:

• At least two (2) years of experience in the field of Visual Impairment and Severe and Multiple Disabilities, including experience with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) or CVI Range Endorsement
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including ability to peer review appropriate documentation (IEPs, FVLMAs and Progress Reports), create and facilitate trainings

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• One (1) or more years of direct experience preferred in the field of Visual Impairment and Severe and Multiple Disabilities
• Previous experience with CVI or CVI Range Endorsement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To ensure fairness, safeguard transparency, and promote an equitable workforce environment, YAI Network prohibits the practice of nepotism in the workforce and hiring process.