Teacher - Vision Specialist

YAI - Seeing beyond disability; United States; On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

YAI - Seeing beyond disability seeks a dedicated educator to provide vision services in 1:1 sessions and groups, tailoring lessons to each student’s needs and preparing IEPs and FVLMA reports. You will collaborate with teachers, families, and related service providers to implement adaptive materials, including brailled books and tangible symbols.

The role requires a Master’s in education and NYS Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification, with ongoing pursuit of BV I certification and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education required.
• Current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (all grades) issued by NYS Education Department.
• Actively pursuing NYS BV I certification or equivalent; or current NYSD certification as BV I Internship Certificate.
• Passing score on NYSTCE BV I CST or anticipated certification within six months of graduation.
• Equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training is acceptable if certified in another state.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and groups.
• Collects data via family interviews and observations to identify adaptations for visual needs.
• Creates goals for each student and monitors progress; prepares FVLMA reports and IEPs.
• Participates in IEP, team, parent–teacher and CSE meetings; may participate in legal hearings.
• Plans lessons and organizes materials; adapts lessons and creates brailled materials and tangible symbols.
• Collaborates with teachers and other service providers to implement a comprehensive educational plan.
• Communicates with parents and outside professionals; coordinates with iHOPE Assistive Technology Team as needed.
• Provides vision education consultation to staff; engages in professional development.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Independent work

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in education

Teacher of Students with Disabilities (NYSED) certification

Pursuing Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired certification (NYSED)

NYS BV I Internship Certificate or equivalent

Passing NYSTCE BV I CST

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Job description

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities Under appropriate supervision, provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push‑in and/or pull‑out based on students’ needs. Collects data through interviews with family members, observations in other therapy sessions and by conducting annual Functional Vision Learning Media Assessments to identify adaptations or accommodations for students’ visual needs. Creates goals for each assigned student and monitors and documents progress, maintaining student records and preparing FVLMA reports, Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and quarterly progress reports. Participates in IEP meetings and team meetings, parent‑teacher and CSE meetings; participates in legal hearings when necessary and appropriate. Carefully plans lessons and creates and organizes materials in advance while regularly assessing students’ needs, adjusting lessons, goals, and/or benchmarks accordingly. Collaborates with teachers and other related service providers within the school setting to ensure that a comprehensive educational plan is in place to meet the student’s individual educational needs. Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials, as needed including the creation of book boxes, adapted books, brailled materials, and tangible symbols. Communicates and collaborates with parents and outside professionals as needed, specifically as they impact the student’s educational plan. Collaborates with outside organizations within the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies and/or educational materials and may coordinate with iHOPE Assistive Technology Team. Provides vision education consultation services to all staff members, as needed. Participates in professional development opportunities within iHOPE and beyond. Adheres to department and school policies and procedures. Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.) Master’s degree in education; and Current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (all grades, birth – grade 2, grades 1 – 6 or grades 7 – 12), issued by the New York State Education Department; and Actively pursuing qualifying education in a NYS Registered Program and/or certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired with NYS Education Department (NYSED); or Current, valid Blind and Visually Impaired Internship Certificate issued by NYSED (based on continued enrollment in a qualifying educational program), proof of passing score on NewYork State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Blind and Visually Impaired Content Specialty Test (CST) and anticipated receipt of certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired issued by NYSED within six (6) months of graduation; or Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training, including teaching certification or license issued by another state’s education department. However, all incumbents must be actively pursuing certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired with NYS Education Department. Well organized with superior attention to detail and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Able to work with a great degree of independence and focus. Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs, ideally including experience using PowerPoint for the creation of adapted books.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above) One or more years of direct experience preferred in the field of Visual Impairment and/or Severe and Multiple Disabilities. Previous experience with CVI or CVI Range Endorsement.

Compensation: $66,000 - $79,750 Salary

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran.

YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To ensure fairness, safeguard transparency, and promote an equitable workforce environment, YAI Network prohibits the practice of nepotism in the workforce and hiring process.

Our Roots YAI was launched in February of 1957 out of a small school in Brooklyn, New York. Initially staffed by Co-Founders Bert MacLeech and Pearl Maze MacLeech alone, their pilot program served just seven people. According to Bert, from its very beginning YAI has been dedicated to providing innovative services for the I/DD (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) community. MacLeech envisioned a, “total life adjustment approach, emphasizing personal growth, social responsibility, employment goals, and the development of independence for the individual.” At a time when institutional living was the norm for people with I/DD, this vision was nothing short of revolutionary.

YAI Today YAI has a team of over 4,000 employees and supports over 20,000 people in the I/DD community. This extraordinary growth shows the ongoing need for these important services, and YAI’s success in offering them. YAI supports people with autism, Down syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy, among others. Operating throughout Downstate New York and Northern New Jersey, YAI now offers more than 300 programs for people of all ages.

Better Together At YAI, we are driven by our mission of living, loving, working, and learning. This applies not only to the people we support, but to our staff as well. Commitment and passion for the work continue to unite employees and drive the organization forward. Empowering the people we support to reach their goals remains at the heart of our organization.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran.

YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To ensure fairness, safeguard transparency, and promote an equitable workforce environment, YAI Network prohibits the practice of nepotism in the workforce and hiring process.

http://www.yai.org/