JOB SUMMARY
Assists teachers in caring for the physical and instructional needs of blind or visually impaired students. Prepares, adapts and transcribes instructional materials for visually impaired students and Braille users in a variety of media and Braille formats. Provides a range of support services for visually impaired students in support of goals guided by teachers of the visually impaired. Supports blind or visually impaired students with eating lunch, bathroom/toilet care, taking off and putting on outdoor attire, and adjusting equipment. Assists students with individual and group work supervised by the teacher.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Transcribes materials into Braille formats and codes.
• Prepares a variety of instructional materials including textbooks, tests, daily assignments and tactile graphics such as maps, diagrams, charts and graphs. Provides positive reinforcement for all areas.
• Works with teachers of the visually impaired regarding formats and special needs in transcription of materials.
• Collects and delivers instructional materials to schools.
• Interlines Braille materials and assignments in a timely manner.
• Assists students in skill development.
• Implements instructional plans and activities which may include modeling/demonstrating of tasks and skills.
• Collates correspondence and instructional materials, inventories materials, and maintains records.
• Observes and collects data on student.
• Participates in professional development opportunities to advance technology and Braille skills beyond basic levels.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM 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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required; and
• Other: academic courses and/or training in the field of child development preferred.

Experience

• Less than one (1) year experience working with the blind and/or visually impaired preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to learn and demonstrate an understanding of Braille in accordance with National Library Service Standards of the Library of Congress as well as Nemeth Code for math transcription.
• Ability to use computer Brailing programs, Braille embosser and scanner.
• Demonstrated keyboarding skills.
• Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies and techniques to assist teachers in the education of students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• Hold or be eligible for Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and
• Daily access to reliable transportation.

Driving Requirements

• Driving is required to conduct bona fide Board business that is within the scope of employment in this position.
• Personal Vehicle

CAREER LADDER REQUIREMENTS

Qualification Requirements for Employment in Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:

• Successful completion of 30 semester hour credits earned after July 1, 1993 from a Regionally Accredited college or university.

Qualification Requirements for Title I Facilities requires:

• New hires or transfers who have successfully achieved the Highly-Qualified ParaEducator status through successful completion of the ParaPro assessment or post-secondary education in accordance with the mandated requirements for Title I and/or relevant laws in place are eligible for placement at Grade XX (Higher Grade). However, placement in Grade XX (Higher Grade) is contingent on having met the aforementioned requirements and the school's Title I status. Grade placement may be reduced if the school no longer qualifies as Title I and/or you voluntarily transfer to a non-Title I Teacher Assistant position.

Eligibility for Consideration for Promotional Increase from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:

• Successful completion of 30 semester hour credits earned after July 1, 1993 from a Regionally Accredited college or university.
• Consistent maintenance of an effective and orderly work environment.
• Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as (1) standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook; (2) demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service; and (3) regular and punctual attendance.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Pushing: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Climbing (Ascend/Descend): under 1/3 percent of the time
• Stooping: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Bending: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Driving: under 1/3 percent of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment
Location

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 percent of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time

Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements

• Up to 50 pounds: under 1/3 percent of the time

Travel Requirements

• day travel within the county to collects and delivers instructional materials to schools.

JOB INFORMATION

ORGANIZATION

HR JOB INFORMATION

VR# 24036