Job Openings

Kansas State School for the Blind

12/03/2021

JOB DESCRIPTION: (Brief Synopsis of Position Duties additional information available by request)

Provide Field Services technical assistance for districts/cooperatives who have a student(s) with a visual impairment.   Provide professional development, teaching strategies, demonstrative techniques and educational resources related to working with a student who is visually impaired, to school districts, vision professionals and parents.

 A moderate amount of independent judgment is required in prioritizing, arranging, and performing various field services functions.  Work assigned with some general instructions by immediate supervisor.  Moderate level of latitude needed to initiate contacts with consumers (early interventionists, public school districts, etc.) to anticipate their needs, facilitate service requests to KSSB for assessments, programs, etc.  Maintain professional records and data to keep Field Services department informed of all current and potential developments regarding field services.  Knowledge of IEP process, multi-disciplinary approach, primary coach model and ability to serve as mentor to new vision professionals. Knowledge of current trends in technology, including accessibility.  Knowledge of technology used for distance communication.  

This position requires licensure as Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and ACVREP Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (preferred) for a period of no less than Five (5) years.   Working independently under the direction of the Field Services Director, the incumbent will provide professional development, mentoring, coordination of low vision clinics, and other duties as assigned to regional districts, cooperatives, and agencies. 

Ability to conduct functional vision, learning media, and orientation and mobility assessments, braille skills assessments and other assessments unique to students who have a visual impairment, and then produce written reports. Attend Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings and required staff meetings, via in-person, or through video consultations or conferences as requested by regional districts or KSSB. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist regional districts with programming for students with a visual impairment.  Including attending (via in-person or via distance) IEP meetings and providing recommendations for assessments/services.

Review ophthalmologic reports, assess children/student’s functional vision, learning media and orientation and mobility, etc. and then prepare written reports with information for agency/district use.

Submit and review appropriate information and reports to determine educational impact. Maintain appropriate records and keep records up to date. 

Participate as an agency/district team member for all children/students whose visual impairment may impact educational performance.  Assist agency/district personnel to develop individual outcomes, goals and objectives for the IEP.  Provide the agency/district with information to locate adaptive materials.  Teach agency/district personnel strategies/skills needed to instruct or assist student with a visual impairment.

Participate in continuing education to ensure continued professional growth and awareness of current trends in the field.  Serve as a collaborative team member representing agency in a positive manner.

Ability to serve as mentor for new TSVI’s and/ or COMS

Complete other duties as assigned or tasks as deemed appropriate by the immediate supervisor and/or the superintendent.  

Provide professional development, coaching, technical assistance to TSVI/COMS on how to perform functional vision, learning media, and orientation and mobility assessments.

Interpret eye medical reports as they relate to early intervention/educational environments.

Contribute to the development of the IEP with outcome/goals/objectives and appropriate equipment, accommodations, and modifications.  Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations as needed, such as low vision, psycho-social, adaptive physical education, assistive technology, or any other area of the ECC.

Consult with diagnosticians, early interventionists, classroom teachers, children/students, and parents concerning appropriate evaluations, modifications, and test administration via distance or in person.

Participate in team assessments for children/students who have a visual impairment, or who have been diagnosed with cortical visual impairment, including those with additional disabilities.

Assist in determining and procuring home/classroom equipment and materials. Provide TSVI/COMS/Classroom teachers with information regarding the specialized strategies needed to teach a child/student with visual impairments to learn (braille, low vision devices, assistive technology, computer, activities of daily living, etc.), including ensuring necessary room modifications and lighting changes.

Provide information to incorporate the expanded core curriculum into the entire home/school and community settings to TSVI/COMS.  Assist regional TSVI/COMS with material acquisition (i.e., KIRC, APH, Project for Deaf/Blindness, KanLovKids).

Provide information to the agency/district about local, regional, state, and national vision program resources to the home, school and community.

Provide information concerning recreational and summer programs to parents and students and assist with application forms and procedures.

Work collaboratively with families, students, district personnel, and early interventionists to develop IEP goals and objectives, in the expanded core curriculum.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

Master’s degree in Education, Blind Rehabilitation, or other field of study

ACVREP Certification in Orientation and Mobility (COMS) -(Preferred) or willingness to obtain.

Current Kansas Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or ability to transfer licensure from another state.

 Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience working directly with students with a visual impairment including those with unique learning needs. 

Must possess valid Kansas driver’s license, or ability to obtain if from out of state.

Must be able to drive rental vehicles and overnight stays are sometimes required.

Must pass Federal and State criminal background checks

Working Environment:     Physical requirements may include standing, lifting, carrying, reaching, climbing, kneeling, squatting, or prolonged sitting while driving.  Educational/classroom environment or home communities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:   Experience working with school-age children with a visual impairment including those with additional unique learning needs, and / or deaf-blindness.   Experience working with infants and toddlers.   Experience working with multi-disciplinary team.  Excellent communication and organizational skills.  Effective time management skills.  Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.   Ability to work independently with little supervision.  Ability to travel to regional area districts, and to other statewide agency supported events.   Ability to use technology for distance meetings, webinars, calendar, documents, etc.

E_mail: tburdolski@kssdb.org

Phone: 9133053004

Cert: Multiple Certifications

Please visit www.KSSB.net .  Please download, open and  complete a KSSB Teacher Application.

Upon offer of employment background checks will be conducted via the KS Bureau of Investigation, KS Dept. of Children and Family Services(DCF), Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Registry and Backgrounds Plus.   Also a Tuberculosis test & Health Certificate must be passed upon offer of employment (cost borne by employee). 

CONTACT:  Tom Burdolski, Human Resources,  Phone: 913/305-3004 , Fax:913/621-2310 , E-mail: tburdolski@kssdb.org