Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Job Description:

Northwest Regional Education Service District is an equal opportunity employer; committed to building an inclusive community and an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are proud to be an antiracist organization. We work to understand how racial ideology is manufactured and how it impacts the lives of our staff and those we serve.

In line with our commitment to disrupting systemic racism, we acknowledge that research shows that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and women are significantly less likely to apply for some positions, believing they must meet every qualification as described in the job description. At NWRESD, we value representation, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We know that sometimes that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described below.

Position Title: Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Department:  Special Student Services Location: Washington County Service Center

Reports To: Special Student Services Coordinator

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: NWEA

Salary: Licensed Salary Schedule FTE: 1.0

***4 POSITIONS AVAILABLE***

NW REGIONAL ESD’S MISSION STATEMENT: In partnership with the communities we serve, Northwest Regional ESD improves student learning by providing equitable access to high quality services and support.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: In alignment with the NWRESD’s mission statement, this position assists local districts in meeting the individual education program (IEP) needs of students with visual impairments. The Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and/or Orientation and Mobility Specialist provides consultation and direct services to students with identified visual impairments, their teachers, and parents. These services include daily travel to local schools and local communities, providing special education and related service functions for eligible students. This includes, but not limited to: consultation to teams, adapting materials to support students to access their education, conducting assessments specifically designed for students with a visual impairment, and participation in IEP meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Oregon TSPC certification for Special Education: Visually Impaired endorsement orequivalent

2. Orientation and Mobility Certificate preferred

3. Bilingual and bicultural skills in such common languages to NWRESD and ASL preferred

4. Valid driver’s license, vehicle available for use on the job, and accompanying automobile insurance or a reliable transportation alternative

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

2. Ability to work with very high degree of accuracy and organizational skills

3. Ability to exhibit integrity and effective human relations

4. Confer regularly with supervisor

5. Strategically apply educational technology and software as required by the position

6. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by participating in professional development activities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: include the following.

Performs some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned.

A. Initiate and direct local school district staff in the identification of students who have visual impairments.

B. Functional Vision Assessment or Orientation and Mobility Assessment.

C. Work with local educational staff in developing IEPs for students with visual impairments.

D. Interpret to classroom teachers and staff the special needs of students with visual impairments.

E. Select, design, and/or modify specialized curriculum for students with visual impairments to be used in the school and the home.

F. Design and implement individual programs based on diagnostic criteria and observations.

G. Confer with parents and professional staff members regarding concerns relating to student switch visual impairments.

H. Provide equipment, materials, and instruction in compensatory skills for students with visual impairments.

I. Counsel students with visual impairments and their parents on education and vocational planning and social adjustments.

J. Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.1. Oregon TSPC certification for Special Education: Visually Impaired endorsement or equivalent2. Orientation and Mobility Certificate preferred3. Bilingual and bicultural skills in such common languages to NWRESD and ASL preferred4. Valid driver’s license, vehicle available for use on the job, and accompanying automobile insurance or a reliable transportation alternative