Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired Position Available In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Job description The Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking ahighly qualified Itinerant Teacher for the Visually Impaired whoexudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, andits mission. This position will report directly to the EducationalSupervisor. The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) isto develop and deliver education that enhances the optionsavailable for persons with visual impairments, including those withadditional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity toexperience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description:

OSB is a dynamic and multi-faceted organization centered around theoperation of a private non-profit school for ages 3 to 21. Formaland informal parental feedback consistently highlights the caringand committed staff as a primary strength of the School. Along withthree other Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind throughoutPennsylvania, OSB receives general operating support through anannual state appropriation that partially subsidizes the salariesand benefits for over 230 employees. In addition to schooloperations, OSB manages expansive Birth to 3 Services in multiplecounties and oversees an International Program that serves ninedeveloping countries in Southeast Asia. Additionally, OSB providesitinerant services by Teachers of the Visually Impaired to studentsin local school districts and charter schools. Since 1832, OSB’slegacy of innovation in service to children who are blind orvisually impaired has been propelled by an energetic and dedicatedworkforce.

Job Functions:

Provide Early Intervention Services toyoung children (birth to age 5) and their families in a variety ofsettings (homes, pre-schools and communities) providing strategiesmethods related to vision and other areas of development. Providesinstruction throughout the school year plus up to an additional 25days during the summer for those serving in early interventionoutreach or the equivalent of our Extended School Year(ESY).Collaborates effectively with other disciplines; experience ininterdisciplinary collaboration is a plus. Provides instruction inthe use of low vision aids. Demonstrates the ability to performroutine computer functions and complete specialized assessments.

Maintains a safe, age-appropriate learning environment for childrenand their families. Modifies and adapts materials and theenvironment to meet the needs of each child. Understands andimplements the parent training model for Early Interventionservices. Provides both informational and hands-on training tofamilies; attends medical appointments as needed. Participates inIFSP meetings, quarterly meetings, and staff meetings as scheduled.

Stay current with developments in the field of visual impairmenteducation. Participate in in-service training, conferences, andprofessional learning communities. Maintain certifications andlicensure as required by the state or jurisdiction. IncorporateExpanded Core Curriculum (ECC) components, including compensatoryskills, assistive technology, self-determination, and independentliving skills. Develop and adapt instructional materials, usingtactile, auditory, and visual strategies appropriate for eachstudent. Conduct functional vision evaluations (FVE) and learningmedia assessments (LMA) to determine instructional needs annually.

Instruct in pre-braille/braille reading, writing and math; auditorylearning strategies; and creation of accessible materials andinstruction for students with CVI. Follow age-appropriate curriculaand modify to suit individual goals, and provide specially designedinstruction on an individual basis when required. Organize acollection of student data. Implement and follow positive behaviorplans/goals for students. Complete report cards or progress reportsas required. Communicates with parents/others about a child’sprogress. Train and support educational staff in best practices forworking with students who are blind or visually impaired. Completesrequired paperwork related to service provision, including state,county, and OSB-mandated documentation. Completes the requiredpaperwork necessary for students to register for quota fundingavailable through American Printing House for the Blind annually.

Conducts vision assessments and develops corresponding reports andindividualized goals. Maintains accurate and up-to-date child filesto ensure compliance with the standards of various funding agenciesand counties. Demonstrates flexibility and reliability in meetingthe needs of the program and families served. Performs otheressential duties as assigned and adheres to the policies andguidelines outlined in the OSB employee handbook.

Expected SkillSet:

The teacher will maintain a professional attitude at all timesand will fulfill assigned duties and special activities. Theteacher will contribute as a member of the program team to the longrange planning efforts of the program and the school. The teacherwill demonstrate problem solving ability and flexibility and awillingness to work with others to ensure the best program for thechildren. The teacher will demonstrate good time management skills.

The teacher will demonstrate good written and spoken communicationskills. The teacher will demonstrate competence in understandingthe visual etiologies of the students. This information will beused to design and implement the student program. The teacher willdemonstrate skills in effectively interacting with the parents. Theteacher will demonstrate the ability to handle confidentialinformation appropriately. The teacher will demonstrate crisisintervention skills and leadership skills with respect to thehome/classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degreein Education in Visual Impairment or Special Education (workingtoward a certification in visual impairment). Must have Current PATeacher Certification. Experience working with students withblindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities. Must becertified in First Aid and

CPR/AED. A

valid driver’s license isrequired.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

Lifting:

mustbe able to lift 50-lbs minimum. Participate in 2 person lifts.

Working Environment:

Employees are subject to accidents and/orinjuries, which may be incurred during the performance of theessential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors butsome outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay:

OSBoffers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of theapplicant’s training and experience, including liberal financialsupport for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications frommembers of communities traditionally under-represented in schooladministrative positions are invited. Overbrook School for the

Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School forthe Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy ofrecruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified forany position by reason of education, training, and experiencewithout regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information,familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violencevictimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy,childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation,gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability orthe use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafnessor physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against anindividual who has exercised his/her rights against discriminationin accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary andbenefits package reflective of the applicant’s training andexperience.