Braille Paraeducator

The Maryland School for the Blind; Maryland; On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland School for the Blind seeks an assistant who supports teachers in braille production of printed materials and helps implement individualized education programs. The role includes aiding students, supervising activities, and assisting travel and concept development under supervision.

Candidates should have at least an associate degree, with preference for a bachelor’s degree, and familiarity with braille systems and assistive equipment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in related field.
• Experience with students with severe and profound disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of Braille, Nemeth code and UEB Braille is advantageous.
• Familiarity with child development and visual impairment materials is desirable.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and push/pull over 100 lbs unassisted.
• Basic knowledge of handling, lifting, positioning and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in braille production of printed materials including tactile graphics and proper formatting.
• Support teachers and students in understanding braille materials produced.
• Assist with personal hygiene instruction and direct classroom support as assigned.
• Supervise student activities and assist with travel skills and concept development.
• Provide vocational job coaching as assigned.

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Braille translation software

Embosser

Personal computer

Copy machine

Motor vehicle

Job description

Description

With supervision, assists classroom teachers in translating print materials into braille; assists the classroom teacher in the implementation of individualized educational programs (IEP).

Accountabilities

Essential Functions

• Assists teachers in braille production of printed materials for students (to include tactile graphics, Nemeth code, UEB braille, and proper braille formatting).
• Assists and supports teachers & students in general understanding of braille materials that are produced.
• Assists with personal hygiene needs & instruction, as assigned by supervisor.
• Assists with direct classroom support, as assigned by supervisor.
• Supervises student activities, as assigned by supervisor.
• Assists students with travel skills and concept development, as assigned by supervisor.
• Provides vocational job coaching, as assigned by supervisor.

Marginal Functions

• Uses sign language and braille as needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Conditions

Equipment Used: Personal computer, braille translation software, embosser, copy machine, motor vehicle, instructional and therapeutic material and equipment, adaptive and orthopedic equipment.

Performance Standard: Must assure 100% compliance with health and safety standards at all times, and must fully support each student's program plan.

Work Environment: Multiple indoor and outdoor environments around and off campus, with varying sound, lighting and temperature conditions.

Work Schedule: 37.5 to 40 daytime hours, Monday through Friday with a 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break scheduled each day; flextime within the workweek is occasionally required, and additional work hours are infrequently assigned. This position follows an 11 month school schedule.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills And General Abilities

• Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree. Bachelors Degree preferred. Basic knowledge of special education classroom principles and practices, and their application to the instruction of students with multiple disabilities and visual impairments including blindness preferred.
• Experience instructing students with severe and profound disabilities, or students with emotional disorders and use of behavior management strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge child development and visual impairment and related materials, i.e. large print and Braille preferred.
• One year of experience in a youth leadership role preferred.
• Basic knowledge of orthopedically disabled children including handling, lifting, positioning, and feeding techniques, and use of related equipment preferred.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push or pull in excess of 100 lbs. unassisted.

Other applicable trainings/certifications that may be required include, but are not limited to:

• Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)/Medication Management Certification
• Braille
• Sign Language
• Lifting, Transfers & Positioning/Mechanical Lift
• Computer Skills
• Driving Certification to transport students
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training
• EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F -