What are the responsibilities and job description for the WVTAC/Outreach Blind Low Vision Education Coordinator #26-010 position at West Virginia Department of Education?
- Assessment and Evaluation, Awareness and Advocacy:
- Identify challenges within educational settings, such as curriculum gaps, learning difficulties, or resource shortages.
- Conduct assessments of student performance, teacher effectiveness, and/or institutional systems.
- Creates and manages programs that address the unique learning needs of Visually impaired (VI) students.
- Develop Individualized Education Program (IEP) recommendations in collaboration with LEAs.
- Ensures students with vision loss receive adequate resources and accommodations to thrive academically and socially.
- Completes VI assistive technology evaluations as needed.
- Conducts evaluations and provides guidance and assists with the development of plans aligned with students' IEPs or 504 Plans.
- Utilizes and administers specialized assessments and tools to evaluate students' needs and progress. Such as Functional Vision Assessments, Learning Media Assessments and/or CVI assessments specifically CVI Range and CVI Protocol (Perkins).
- Collaborates with agency partners to assist on providing guidance with assistive technologies and their classroom applications
- Raise awareness about vision loss and its impact on education.
- Encourage schools to create environments that are accessible and supportive for VI students.
- Collaboration:
- Work closely with families, LEAs, and other partnering agencies to ensure a cohesive support system.
- Advocate for inclusion and equitable access to education for VI students.
- Works with school staff, families, and administrators to implement and model effective strategies for inclusion and accessibility.
- Collaborates with educational partners to provide information pertaining to the WVOCDB Lending Library and other lending libraries that provide resources to ensure students and schools have access to critical materials.
- Provide direct student services to LEAs as by immediate supervisor.
- Facilitation of Support:
- Provide direct support to teachers and school staff to ensure VI students receive appropriate accommodations.
- Professional Development:
- Offer professional development workshops and/or training sessions in the area of VI to teachers, related staff, and administrators to improve classroom strategies and/or leadership skills.
- Strategy Development, Implementation, and Support for Families:
- Design tailored strategies to address identified problems, whether for individual students (e.g., academic plans) or schools (e.g., curriculum redesign) in the area of VI.
- Provide recommendations for the adoption of new VI educational tools, technologies, or teaching methods.
- Train educators on the Expanded Core Curriculum
- Train educators and/or related staff to apply VI recommended practices. Training them on best practices for teaching students with vision loss.
- Monitor the effectiveness of implemented VI strategies and suggest adjustments as needed.
- Provides resources, strategies, and technological insights to enhance instructional delivery.
- Provide guidance for families through educational planning, including programming or special education services.
- Advocate for students with special needs to ensure accommodations are met.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Assess the effectiveness of support systems in meeting student needs.
- Gather data to refine strategies and improve student outcomes.
- Documents progress and adheres to policies and procedures set by the West Virginia Department of Education.
- Participates in meetings and ensures compliance with professional and organizational standards.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Expertise in vision loss education, assistive technology, and assessments.
- Ability to train and mentor educators effectively.
- Commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in education.
- Master’s degree in special education or a related field and a valid teaching certificate with Visually Impaired PK-AD pursuant to WV Code §18A-3-2 required.
- Minimum of five years of work experience with individuals with vision required.
- Experience with data collection, analysis, and compilation of reports, along with distance learning, preferred.
- Previous experience with B/LV educational assessments and evaluations, preferred.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel statewide.
- Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c and/or §18A-3-10, as appropriate.
- Knowledge of WV Board of Education’s Policy 2419 that outlines the state and local responsibilities for special education.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of special education including IEP Plans and 504 Plans.
- Knowledge of effective differentiated instruction, specialized instruction materials, appropriate supplementary aids and classroom modifications, and classroom technology for students who are blind/low vision.
- Knowledge and use of UEB Braille, Nemeth Code and other variations utilized by blind/low vision students.
- Knowledge of vision loss including types and degrees, impact on academic development and communication.
- Skilled in teaching how to prepare teachers to implement lesson plans for students who are blind/low vision.
- Skilled in classroom behavior management strategies relevant to students with a vision loss.
- Skilled in communicating with students, their parents, administrators, team leaders, and others.
- Knowledge of and skill in the use of databases, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications.
- Knowledge of and skill in the use of technology and equipment to supplement instruction for students with vision loss.
- Skilled in the area of VI assessments to include: Learning Media Assessments, Functional Vision Assessments, and/or CVI assessments.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to preserve confidential information.
- Ability to travel weekly throughout the state as work schedule requires.
- Effectively writes professional correspondence.
- Effectively reads and understands vision related reports.
- Ability to teach in person and/or virtual classes on vision related topics.
- Complete all other duties as assigned.
- The staff member will be expected to work onsite at the WVSDB for some assignments on a monthly basis (specific day(s) will at the Superintendent and/or supervisor’s discretion).
- The staff member must complete all required annual trainings.
- The staff member works effectively as a member of the WVOCDB team.
- The staff member demonstrates self-control and exhibits an attitude of mutual respect and tolerance.
- The staff member demonstrates ethical conduct and good work habits such as punctuality and attendance.
- The staff member demonstrates self-direction and the ability to use software applications for work productivity and collaboration.
- The staff member is self-motivated and demonstrates the ability to manage multiple tasks/assignments to accomplish high-quality work to meet demanding deadlines.
- The staff member demonstrates excellent communication skills and excellent presentation skills using current technologies.
- The staff member understands that work assignments may change or be added as priorities emerge.
JobID: 38411
Position Type:
Administration (Educator/Operations) - WVDE/Coordinator - Operations (WVDE)
Administration (Educator/Operations) - WVDE/Coordinator - Operations (WVDE)
Date Posted:
3/17/2025
3/17/2025
Location:
WVSDB - WVOCDB
WVSDB - WVOCDB
Date Available:
07/01/2025
07/01/2025
Closing Date:
03/31/2025
03/31/2025
County:
West Virginia Schools for the Deaf & Blind
TITLE OF VACANCY: WVSDB Outreach – Blind/Low Vision Education Coordinator – 261 daysWest Virginia Schools for the Deaf & Blind
POSITION TYPE: Professional
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT: WVSDB Outreach/WVDE Technical Assistance Center
LOCATION: Statewide/ Primary remote with scheduled office responsibilities/hours
:
An educational coordinator provides advice and expertise to help educational institutions, families, and students improve their learning outcomes. They work to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement changes.
The WVOCDB Blind/Low Vision Coordinator develops and facilitates services and supports that meet the needs and interests of students with vision loss enrolled with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) throughout the state.
This Coordinator serves as a low incidence advisor, problem-solver, and implementer for schools, families, and students. This coordinator’s specialized role focuses on supporting students with vison loss across the state include but are not limited to:
Key Duties and Responsibilities include:
Other Responsibilities include:
This role requires a combination of technical knowledge, teaching expertise, and a passion for making education equitable for students with vision impairments. This coordinator will bridge gaps and ensure that all students with vision loss have the tools they need to succeed.
Administrative and Compliance Duties:
Essential Skills and Attributes
QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computer and multimedia equipment, and use repetitive motions. The employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 50-100 pounds. He/she shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed drugs while in the workplace. Alcohol and controlled substances which affect employee productivity, safety, or judgement will not be tolerated.
EXPECTATIONS:
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:
WVSDB staff are employed upon the recommendation of the school’s superintendent to the West Virginia Board of Education and are state employees. No representative or employee of the state is authorized to enter into any employment contract or other agreement. Designated employees paid under WVDE guidelines are “at-will” and subject to termination by the State Superintendent of Schools at any time, with or without notice, cause or compensation. Coordinators are paid under the WVDE compensation schedule and are deemed “at will” employees.
The employment relationship between the WVSDB/WVBE and the employee may be terminated by either party. Reasons for termination by the WVSDB/WVDE include, but are not limited to, immorality, incompetency, cruelty, insubordination, intemperance, willful neglect of duty, unsatisfactory performance, the conviction of a felony or a guilty plea or a plea of no contest to a felony charge, misuse of funds or property, violations of law or policies of the state board, lack of need, or a lack or loss of funding.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Requires extensive travel, with the ability to work in person and virtually. May require attendance at after-school, weekend, and evening meetings and events.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
Based on WVDE Salary Schedule Coordinator level, 261-day annual contract.
Full benefits package available, click on this link to review this information - WVSDB Benefits.
EVALUATION:
Performance evaluation in accordance with West Virginia Board of Education Policy 5310.
APPLY TO: Frontline Education WV K-12 Jobs - WVSDB
