Job Summary

Under the direction of the Low Incidence Humboldt Del Norte SELPA Program Director, assumes responsibility for planning, coordinating and implementing programs and services designed to address the unique needs of children identified as visually impaired. The Vision Education Specialist (Teacher) shall observe, consult with, and assist in coordination with the appropriate therapist and Orientation and Mobility Specialist, special education and general education teacher(s) as they adapt classroom instructional strategies to accommodate students with varying visual impairments. The Vision Education Specialist (Teacher) shall also serve as a liaison between the school and various related community agencies and professionals that provide services to children with visual impairments and their families.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The HDN SELPA serves a diverse group of local LEAs. The HDN SELPA spans two counties on the coast of Northern California. Humboldt and Del Norte counties are unique and located in the heart of the redwood coast. Schools supported range from small one-school districts to our largest district, which serves just over 3000 students. The Vision Education Specialist will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of students, teachers and school settings. This position is itinerant and allows for autonomy and growth.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the direct supervision of the LI HDN SELPA Program Director. Consistent supervision is provided.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides direct instruction to students and periodic consultation as needed to help the student with visual impairments function maximally within the school setting.
• Assists the IEP Team with student assessment, individualized instructional plan design, implementation and progress monitoring for each student.
• Provides advice on establishing and maintaining a classroom atmosphere and environment which lessens the impact of the student’s impaired condition.
• Facilitates the student mainstreaming process by providing support services to the regular and/or special education classroom teacher.
• Demonstrates alternative methods, techniques and educational strategies to facilitate special student learning needs.
• Develops individual lessons to coincide with classroom curriculum areas, selects materials and/or obtains specialized aids needed by the student and classroom teacher.
• Provides information to IEP and assessment teams regarding resources available to children and families.
• Assists students, parents, staff and sighted peers in understanding students that are visually impaired through in-service training and consultation.
• Develops instructional units that address fine and sensory motor skills needs.
• Demonstrates the proper use and care of specialized adaptive equipment as may be required by the student’s physical impairment.
• Assists in transition of students from program to program in keeping with goals identified by the IEP Team.
• Maintains ongoing contact with parents to assist them in development of realistic understanding of child’s abilities, progress and future goals.
• Assists in the coordination of other personnel, such as transcribers, readers, counselors, Orientation and Mobility Specialists and career/vocational staff.
• Acquires and disseminates information on current research, development, technology and other resources related to the visually impaired.
• Establishes and maintains comprehensive student/program files as required.
• Supports the policies and programs of the Humboldt Del Norte SELPA and performs assigned duties consistent with school, district or office policies, regulations and procedures.
• Maintains professional competency by actively engaging in employer directed in-service activities and other similar opportunities provided to staff.
• Cooperatively engages in the professional evaluation process with supervisor to ensure ongoing professional growth and competence.
• Effectively communicates with staff, parents and agencies.
• Attends regular and special staff meetings and actively participates as a member of the educational team.
• Responds effectively to the input from, and coordinates tasks with, district/school personnel as required by assignment.
• Performs other related duties.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of and Ability to:

• Knowledge of subject area and current instructional methodologies and techniques associated with the visually impaired child.
• Skill in administration, analysis and interpretation of a variety of assessment measures.
• Ability to teach students of a wide variety of levels and age ranges.
• Ability to work effectively with parents, community and education colleagues in and outside the program.
• Ability to function as a positive, contributing member of an educational team.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required:

• Education
  • Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred)
• Experience
  • Successful student teaching/instructional experience with the visually impaired.
  • Minimum successful field experience working with the visually impaired.
• Credentials Required
  • Appropriate California Credential: i.e. Education Specialist Instruction Credential Visual Impairments
  • Must meet requirements set by the State of California for certification authorization specific to Vision Impairment Specialist.

Preferred:

• Dual California Credential: Orientation and Mobility; Visual Impairment
• Bilingual

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

• Work is performed in an office or school environment, and involves continuous contact with staff and representatives of other agencies.

Physical Demands

The usual and customary method of performing the job’s functions requires the following physical demands:

• Frequent lifting with the ability to lift 50 pounds; sufficient strength to lift non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive equipment; carrying, pushing and/or pulling.
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and reaching.
• Manual dexterity to operate a telephone and enter data into a computer.
• Ability to sit at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see and read, with or without visual aids, laws and codes, rules, policies and other printed matter, and computer screens and printouts.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and to hear and understand speech on the telephone.
• Ability to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal conversations, in training sessions and other meetings.
• Ability to drive an automobile.

Note: This list of essential functions and physical requirements is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV Pull Notice Program once employed.

Class 1
10/21/92 | Updated 05/07/98 | Retyped 02/02/06 | Updated 5/2019 | Updated 9/2023