Braille Paraeducator

Maryland School for the Blind; Nottingham (NH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland School for the Blind seeks a dedicated aide to assist classroom teachers by translating print materials into braille and supporting the implementation of individualized education programs (IEP). The role involves braille production, student support, supervision, and mobility/travel instruction under supervision.

The position requires an associate degree (bachelor’s preferred), experience with students with visual impairments, and the ability to lift and assist with equipment as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate Degree; Bachelor's preferred.
• Basic knowledge of special education classroom principles and practices for students with multiple disabilities and visual impairments.
• Experience instructing students with severe and profound disabilities or with emotional disorders is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in braille production of printed materials for students, including tactile graphics and Nemeth/UEB braille formatting.
• Assist and support teachers and students in understanding braille materials produced.
• Assist with personal hygiene needs and instruction as assigned by supervisor.
• Assist with direct classroom support and supervision of students as assigned by supervisor.
• Supervise student activities as assigned by supervisor.
• Assist students with travel skills and concept development, as assigned by supervisor.
• Provide vocational job coaching as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Braille translation

Sign language

Student supervision

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Braille software

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

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 -