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

Overbrook School for the Blind • Philadelphia, PA

19d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Lifting: must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2 person lifts.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Collaborates effectively with other disciplines; experience in interdisciplinary collaboration is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level