Days Per Year: 187

Min: $22,440

Mid: $26,389

JOB TITLE: Specialist - Braille and Tactile Materials

REPORTS TO: Coordinator - Special Services/Education

WAGE: Non-Exempt

PAY GRADE:  Para 3

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Braille and Tactile Materials Specialist supports the Department of Special Education Services to help ensure the district maintains compliance with the statutory requirements of IDEA and the state accountability systems for the provision of embossed materials as determined by the Teacher of the Visually Impaired and the classroom teacher of children with visual impairments. The Braille and Tactile Materials Specialist must possess a clear understanding of the relationship between the development, implementation and instructional impact of the transcription and appropriate formatting of materials to adhere to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students receiving special education. 

All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, champion the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:  

• High School Diploma
• Ability to learn and demonstrate understanding of braille
• Successful completion of, or willingness to complete a braille transcription certification program from the National Library Service for the Blind and Deaf or the National Braille Association.
• Must be able to utilize arms, hand and finger dexterity to perform advanced translation and interpretation.
• Must have visual acuity to recognize objects, numbers and words.

Preferred:

• 3 or more years of experience as a braillist/braille transcription
• Proof of passed proficiency test in literacy braille
• 3 or more years of experience working in an educational setting
• Associates degree

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Thorough knowledge of applicable and specific braille codes
• Knowledge of basic computer programs, such as those used for word processing
• Excellent keyboarding skills (minimum of 50 wpm)
• Knowledge of instructional and learning difficulties for students with visual impairments
• Basic math functions
• Comprehension of science notations
• Use of appropriate punctuation and spelling
• English grammar and usage
• Use of standard office equipment
• Ability to engage in learning activities to perform duties and tasks associated with braille
• Ability to effectively understand and follow oral and written directions
• Ability to effectively engage in professional oral and written communication
• Ability to receive instruction and guidance from staff regarding task and assigned duties
• Ability to maintain cultural awareness and sensitivity to support students and staff

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Supply braille classroom materials at the request of the Teacher of the Visually Impaired and appropriate classroom teachers for students with visual impairments
• Carry out braille basic formatting for literary, foreign language, and Nemeth code rules, except when modifications are requested by VI teacher to accommodate braille reading ability of individual students
• Provide the following embossed materials upon requests:
  • textbooks for all subjects
  • teacher-made materials
  • pictorial layouts
  • math and science notations
  • workbooks for all subjects
  • tactile maps and graphs
  • music notation
  • foreign languages
• Work with students on braille-related activities under the direction of the Teacher of the Visually impaired or other applicable professional
• Maintain inventory and perform duties associated with tools/materials used for students with a visual impairment:
  • inventory including braille materials;
  • ordering and maintaining equipment;
  • ensuring equipment is in working order, requesting repairs where necessary
  • maintaining a library of braille (tactile) materials
  • order and maintain the supply of applicable office products
  • coordination of the delivery of braille (or other tactile) materials to the appropriate schools
• Demonstrate organizational skills to begin and complete task by deadlines
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality
• Understand the needs of students with visual impairments
• Support related service staff with direct/indirect service and evaluation materials
• Support the Coordinator, Special Services/Education to ensure compliance with federal, state and local requirements for braille materials
• Attend required professional development for continuous upgrading of services and equipment and remain current in computer technology as it relates to braille production, and interfacing with the student’s braille-related assistive technology
• Maintain confidentiality
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, reaching/repetitive hand motions, and the ability to work with frequent interruptions. Must be able to utilize arms, hand and finger dexterity to perform advanced translation and interpretation, operate a keyboard at an advanced rate (50 wpm). Requires visual acuity to recognize objects, numbers and words. May be required to lift or position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards. Mental demands: Ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication. Travel within the district as required. Must have access to reliable transportation.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Salary : $22,440 - $26,389