Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired

 

The Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking a highly qualified Itinerant Teacher for the Visually Impaired who exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission. This position will report directly to the Educational Supervisor.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: OSB is a dynamic and multi-faceted organization centered around the operation of a private non-profit school for ages 3 to 21.  Formal and informal parental feedback consistently highlights the caring and committed staff as a primary strength of the School.  Along with three other Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind throughout Pennsylvania, OSB receives general operating support through an annual state appropriation that partially subsidizes the salaries and benefits for over 230 employees.  In addition to school operations, OSB manages expansive Birth to 3 Services in multiple counties and oversees an International Program that serves nine developing countries in Southeast Asia. Additionally, OSB provides itinerant services by Teachers of the Visually Impaired to students in local school districts and charter schools.  Since 1832, OSB’s legacy of innovation in service to children who are blind or visually impaired has been propelled by an energetic and dedicated workforce.

Job Functions: 

Provide Early Intervention Services to young children (birth to age 5) and their families in a variety of settings (homes, pre-schools and communities) providing strategies methods related to vision and other areas of development.

• Provides instruction throughout the school year plus up to an additional 25 days during the summer for those serving in early intervention outreach or the equivalent of our Extended School Year(ESY).
• Collaborates effectively with other disciplines; experience in interdisciplinary collaboration is a plus.
• 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.
• Maintain certifications and licensure as required by the state or jurisdiction.
• 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.

 

Expected Skill Set:

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

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Visual Impairment (working toward a certification in visual impairment).  
• Must have Current PA Teacher of the Visually Impaired Certification. 
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities. 
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.  
• A 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.

Overbrook School for the Blind 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.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.