Special Education Aide- Braille

Grand Rapids Public Schools•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description. GRPS MISSION : Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society. Special Education Aide - Braille Department: Special Education Bargaining Unit: Union of Grand Rapids Education Support Professional (UGRESP) Wage: Determined by the collective bargaining agreement Direct Supervisor: Principal JOB SUMMARY The Special Education Aide, who is a fluent Braille, is responsible for working as a team member in the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for scholars with a visual impairment.

Requirements

Completed a minimum of 60 college credits earned: or
Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
Obtained a passing score on an MDE approved ETS Paraprofessional assessment.
Must be enrolled in a program leading to a Library of Congress Literary Braille certification.
Experience with Braille 2000 transcription software or willingness to learn.
Must demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality.
Ability to supervise scholars (observe, listen, assess, react) as needed to ensure a safe environment.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with others.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proven ability to interact tactfully and courteously with parents, the public, and staff members.
Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Proven ability to thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Assist with the development of pre-braille skills at the direction of a certified teacher and/or visual impairment (VI) consultant.
Produce accurate Braille transcription in a timely manner to enable scholars with visual impairments to participate in their classes.
Perform transcribing activities to provide support to scholars with visual impairments.
Assist with communication in English.
Actively participate in building activities, meetings, conferences, IEP team meetings, lunch, orientation and mobility instruction or activities as determined by the building administration or special education supervisor.
Provide instruction under the direction of the teacher, select, and prepare materials in tactile and auditory format as determined by the certified teacher and/or visual impairment (VI) consultant.
Assist with transportation-loading and unloading of buses, city transportation.
Inform the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding the scholars.
Follow through with suggestions by related service providers as directed by the teacher.
Assist in the medical, adapted daily living and self-care needs of scholars which could include assisting scholars with eating, hygiene, toileting, and diapering.
Lift and transfer scholars as needed.
Assist in behavioral/academic/transition interventions as needed.
Perform documentation/record keeping and organizational tasks as appropriate such as: scholar performance, behavior plan charting, Medicaid billing for personal care services, community-based information.
Interact with co-workers, administration, scholars, parents, and the community in professional, supportive, and cooperative ways.
Serve as a positive role model.
Assist in arranging and managing the physical setting so that it is conducive to learning.
Assist with the school day activities such as before and after-school supervision, lunch and recess and bus loading and unloading supervision, to ensure the safety of all scholars.
Maintain in-person and on-time attendance as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.