Teacher Assistant SDB00188

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Waynesboro, VA

25d

About The Position

About Us The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) is located in the historic, vibrant city of Staunton, Virginia. VSDB provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities. VSDB offers PreK-12 education with both residential and day student options. VSDB believes that disabilities are challenges not barriers and supports each student in their goal to be independent and to reach their highest academic potential! VSDB prepares students for life! About this position The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is seeking a Teacher Assistant. This is a 10 month classified position with state benefits, including health insurance, retirement, life insurance and disability coverage. The VSDB offers: • Supportive and positive team setting • Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance • Free Life insurance • School-Residential partnership that supports a 24/7 learning environment

Requirements

Ability to implement lesson plans and activities for students with sensory impairment.
Ability to provide instructional, personal care, and behavior management support to children with sensory impairment, moderate to severe intellectual disability, and or high needs disabilities.
Skill in behavior management and/or willingness to attend training.
Ability to assist with the implementation of the Virginia Standards of Learning and the Aligned Standards of Learning.
Ability to interact with students in a patient, positive, and sensitive manner to provide for their direct care and development.
Ability to work independently and follow school/agency policies and procedures.
Proficiency level of “Advanced” in American Sign Language or willingness to acquire the specified skill within three years (dependent upon job duties).
Proficiency in Grade 2 Braille or willingness to acquire within three years (dependent upon job duties).
Ability to monitor students during transportation to and/or from school and drive state vehicles including a ten-passenger van in order to transport students to and from the school campus.
Ability to assist with personal care tasks in the residential hall including but not limited to waking students, assisting with personal hygiene, serving meals/snacks, and ensuring dress code adherence.
Ability to lift children and transfer them from wheelchairs, assist with their personal hygiene needs (including changing diapers/soiled clothing), ability to bend, squat, move rapidly, etc. in order to interact with the children appropriately.

Nice To Haves

A high school diploma or GED and successful completion of the Para Pro Assessment offered through Educational Testing Services within six months of hire OR an associate degree (or higher).
Experience working with children and/or ability to provide guidance to children and maintain a safe environment for children is preferred.
Experience working with children who have disabilities is preferred.
Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or in Human Services preferred.