Braillist - Paraprofessional for the Teacher of the Visually Impaired

SUMMARY: The Braillist – Teacher’s Aid for the Teacher of the Visually Impaired works under the supervision of, and to the specifications of, the appropriate Visually Impaired staff team. The primary function is to be responsible for materials modification, clerical tasks, and working directly and indirectly with students to support IEP goals, accommodations and modifications under the supervision of the teacher of the visually impaired. The position would also serve the purpose of braille production.

To Apply: Please complete the application and include three references.

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)
Collaboration:

• Works with learners (individually or in small groups) under the direction of a Visually Impaired (VI) professional to maximize learner independence.
• Assists the VI professional and staff with modifications and supplemental services necessary for the education of learners with visual impairments.
• Assists the Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) with planning, production, and organization of instructional materials.
• Assists the TVI with individual and/or group instruction activities.
• Assists the TVI Teacher with promoting and maintaining educational team goals and other classroom activities.
• Cooperates with other staff members in the movement of learners from one activity to another under the direction of VI professionals.
• Develops positive, effective working relationships with learners and staff.

Communication:

• Acts as a liaison between classroom/building and TVI.
• Connects and shares ideas through appropriate/applicable formats to express thoughts and ideas with integrity.

Compassion:

• Demonstrates understanding of learner’s disability, is courteous, respectful, and fair.
• Understands the complexities of cultural and global issues and how they relate to employee and learners’ experiences.
• Partners with others to resolve potential controversy and conflict through respectful discussion.
• Proactively seeks to understand the ideas, opinions, and skills of others.

Creativity:

• Connects with team members and shares ideas in an effort to improve the overall learner and employee experience.

Critical Thinking:

• Identifies, integrates, and utilizes appropriate technological tools into work production.
• Assists learners and staff with technological tools.
• Utilizes technological tools to communicate and to record and report data.
• Collects data on learner performance.
• Reasons, interprets, and analyzes information to generate new knowledge and understanding.

Reflection:

• Participates in training on any new VI technology (e.g. software, computers, adaptive assisted devices) and braille transcription courses.
• Participates in appropriate in-service education along with building/district-level PD and activities.
• Maintains communication with supervisor and director regarding general feedback, career advancement opportunities, and areas of growth opportunities.

Resilience:

• Maintains composure while dealing with stressful situations.
• Proactively seeks out resolutions and takes initiative to resolve knowledge gaps.

Responsibility:

• Reinforces the lessons presented by the TVI.
• Makes home and school visits, with VI professional(s) as necessary to achieve IEP objectives.
• Delivers materials and equipment as needed
• Prepares and procures adapted materials (i.e. braille).
• Provides structure by consistently conducting daily lesson plans set up by educator.
• Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules and district policies and procedures.
• Implements learners positive behavior support plans with fidelity as specified by educator and support staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment 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.

• While performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this role, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms.
• While performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this role, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, talk, and hear.
• The specific vision abilities required for this role include close and peripheral vision.
• The employee may frequently lift up to ~25 pounds without assistance.
• The employee may occasionally lift up to ~50 pounds without assistance.
• The employee may have to push/pull up to ~120 pounds while performing the duties of the role.
• The employee may perform a two-person transport, restraint, or lift (with training provided).
• The employee may come in contact with bloodborne pathogens or other bodily fluids on rare occasions.
• The employee must work with the public and various WFPS staff while simultaneously managing several competing demands.
• The employee will work in an environment that has a quiet to loud noise level.
  

Education and/or Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Braille with expectation to expand to full transcriber certification upon hire.
• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Typing & keyboarding skills, specifically word processing for aiding learners with visual impairments.
• Experience working with complex learner behaviors is preferred.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions and short correspondences in the English language.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions and short correspondences in Braille.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, expressively, and reactively.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Exercise confidentiality, discretion, and good judgement.
• Adhere to the assigned work schedule by maintaining regular and punctual attendance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None.

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The West Fargo Public School District is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment in all employment and educational programs, activities, and facilities. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or other protected status by law. External applicants are eligible for ND Veteran’s Preference: North Dakota veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a form DD214, and if claiming disabled veteran’s status, a current letter of disability. West Fargo Public Schools is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all hiring and employment practices. Applicants who incorporate a holistic perspective and a commitment to inclusion are encouraged to apply.